What's Our Story

The story behind the LHD hot dog machine's development is as remarkable and inspirational as the machine itself.

The LHD story begins in Ukraine where our President and founder, Leon Leykin spent his early career as an engineer in the vending industry. It was during these formative years when Leon developed a keen understanding of the challenges and benefits of offering customers hot, fresh meals from vending machines.

After emigrating to the US with his family, Leon pursued a graduate degree in engineering from the University of Maryland. The LHD hot dog machine concept was born late one evening when, hungry for a warm meal, Leon discovered the school's vending machines offered only cold snacks. As an avid hot dog connoisseur, Leon was struck by the market potential and engineering feasibility of a machine that served freshly cooked hot dogs. He picked up a napkin and started sketching. Two years later he had a complete design and a business plan.

LHD Vending Systems was incorporated in 2003 to commercialize Leon's innovative vending design. Prototype machine designs entered the field shortly thereafter and The Evolution of Fresh Cooked began. Today, our third generation hot dog machine, the HD3000, is in full-scale production and serving hungry customers throughout North America and Europe.

Check out our management team!