It will take two eateries to fill the empty space of “The O.”

The beloved Original Hot Dog Shop in the heart of Oakland has been replaced by Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop, which started in Wilmington, Del., and is now headquartered in Las Vegas. It opened Monday on Forbes Avenue.

Viva Los Tacos, which will serve “MexiCali Street Tacos” and margaritas, is set to debut later next week.

It will offer handmade tortillas, filled with beef, chicken and fish, and topped with salsas and chile sauces.

“It’s not ready yet, but almost,” said Maurry Mendelovich, co-owner with Jamie Rodgers of Mero Restaurant Group, which is leasing the space for the taco shop and sub-leased part of it to Capriotti’s. “We are still working on finalizing everything.”

Maurry and Rodgers understand the history here. They spent many a late Friday and Saturday night at the Original Hot Dog Shop or “The O,” which closed in April 2020 after 60 years in business.

The building needed major renovations, which delayed the original opening.

Mendelovich said the outside neon sign was recently installed and “looks great at night.” He said the former “Original” signage is being restored to help preserve a piece of the iconic eatery.

He pondered the question of a hot dog-inspired taco.

“Maybe,” he said. “And maybe some french fries because people have been asking for the ‘O’ fries. We all loved those large portions of fries.”

Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop had a soft opening this past weekend. It’s owned by Brian Manni, who grew up in Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh native Jeremy “Tuck” Tuckfelt. They took a photo of the first customer.

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Popular hoagie choices include The Bobbie, which is homemade turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing and mayonnaise. Get it classic or grilled hot.

The American wagyu cheese steak comes with white American cheese, mushrooms, onions and hot or sweet peppers.

There are vegetarian options, salads and soups. Catering is available.

Sandwiches are served on fresh hoagie rolls of various sizes. The Oakland shop is the flagship store, Manni said.

They plan to open 10 additional locations over the next seven years in Morgantown, W.Va., and State College as well as North Hills, South Hills and other Pittsburgh area locations — possibly at one of the professional sports venues.

“College towns are great for sandwich shops,” Manni said. “We started here because we know this is a legendary space. It looks awesome.”

Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop occupies 1,500 square feet. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

As for the taco shop, it’s an original concept, and will encompass about 3,500 square feet, including the upstairs. The plan is to offer dine-in table service, takeout and delivery as well as a full bar.

Mendelovich told the Tribune-Review he wants to reinvigorate one of the premier corners in the city of Pittsburgh — visible and with great foot traffic, from students, hospital workers, tech employees and neighborhood residents.

It will open at 11 a.m. daily — but won’t be open 24 hours a day like “The O,” Mendelovich said.

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