REYKJAVÍK – News broke today that Guðrún Björk Kristmundsdóttir, longtime owner of Iceland’s most iconic hot dog stand Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, has passed away at the age of 63 after an illness.
Her passing brings back memories of one of the most famous moments in the stand’s history. In 2004, former U.S. President Bill Clinton was walking through downtown Reykjavík with his wife Hillary when Mæja, an employee at the stand, called out to him and offered a hot dog. Clinton, who was on a diet at the time, ordered his hot dog only with mustard. Since then, that simple version has been affectionately known as “a Clinton.”
Clinton later praised the hot dogs as “the best in the world,” helping to cement the reputation of Bæjarins Beztu, whose name translates as “The Best in Town.” Founded in 1937, the stand quickly became a landmark for both Icelanders and tourists. Its original downtown location was eventually relocated due to development, but it remains one of the country’s most visited food spots.
Guðrún was part of the third generation to run the family business. Her grandfather Jón Sveinsson was among the founders of the hot dog stand, and her father continued the business for decades. Under Guðrún’s leadership, the company expanded significantly, adding new outlets while maintaining the popularity of the original stand.
She handed over management to her son Baldur Ingi, representing the fourth generation of the family. Beyond her business career, Guðrún was deeply involved in sports, serving as chair of the basketball division of KR, one of Iceland’s leading sports clubs, and sitting on the board of the Icelandic Basketball Association. She was also known for her passion for salmon fishing, especially in Grímsá in Borgarfjörður.
Guðrún is survived by her partner Jónas Björn Björnsson, her son Baldur Ingi, two stepchildren, and three grandchildren.
