# Why no nationwide hot dog chains? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** food-cooking\ **Created:** [February 11, 2022, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-nationwide-hot-dog-chains/959259 "2022-02-11T01:32:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2022, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-nationwide-hot-dog-chains/959259/81 "2022-02-12T15:52:51Z")
Oh man, that would suck. I’m presuming – could be wrong – that pork hot dogs are also out of the question for Doc for religious reasons. That’s too bad, as pork hot dogs can be damned good. I like a pork-beef or pork-veal mix, but straight-up pork is good. After all, pork is the traditional sausage protein. The poultry dogs or any further mish-mash of meats just don’t scratch that itch. ---
**Author:** ![fedman1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e495f1/32.png) [@fedman1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman1)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2022, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-nationwide-hot-dog-chains/959259/82 "2022-02-12T16:14:02Z")
I think that Businesswire site ignores White Castle, which AFAIK is oldest fast food chain ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2022, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-nationwide-hot-dog-chains/959259/83 "2022-02-12T16:17:38Z")
I don’t think that they’re ignoring White Castle; Wikipedia lists White Castle as being founded in 1921, while that Businesswire article about A&W’s 100th anniversary was published in 2019. In other words, A&W appears to predate White Castle by two years. White Castle is regarded by some as the world’s oldest fast food _hamburger_ chain. > **[White Castle (restaurant)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Castle_(restaurant))** > > Pages for logged out editors learn more > > > White Castle is an American regional hamburger restaurant chain with 377 locations across 13 states, with its greatest presence in the Midwest and New York metropolitan area. Founded on September 13, 1921, in Wichita, Kansas, it has been generally credited as the world's first fast-food hamburger chain. It is known for its small, square hamburgers referred to as "sliders". The burgers were initially priced at five cents until 1929 and remained a... ---
**Author:** ![fedman1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e495f1/32.png) [@fedman1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman1)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2022, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-nationwide-hot-dog-chains/959259/84 "2022-02-12T16:19:19Z")
not a chain, but did you ever frequent “unique/quirky” shop called OkiDog in west LA? ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2022, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-nationwide-hot-dog-chains/959259/85 "2022-02-12T16:45:46Z")
Not familiar with OkiDog, but there was a hotdog place in the Valley called Law Dogs, where you got free legal advice with your hotdog. > **[Hot Dogs and Torts](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-oct-07-me-40179-story.html)** > > At Law Dogs on Wednesday, Legal Advice is Served Up Free ---
**Author:** ![lobotomyboy63](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobotomyboy63/32/2900_2.png) [@lobotomyboy63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lobotomyboy63)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2022, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-nationwide-hot-dog-chains/959259/86 "2022-02-12T17:09:50Z")
According to [the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council,](https://www.hot-dog.org/culture/regional-hot-dogs) > #### Philadelphia Dog > > A classic Philadelphia dog is one of the most interesting ones you’ll find. It features the brotherly love of an all-beef hot dog with a fish cake inside the bun as well. It is often topped with a sweet vinegary slaw and spicy mustard. and > #### Alaska > > True to its roots in the far north, the Alaska dog is commonly called a Reindeer hot dog or sausage, but it isn’t actually made from reindeer meat. Instead the meat is typically caribou. The hot dog is served in a steamed bun with grilled onions that are sometimes sautéed in coca-cola. Other variations are listed in the cite. ---
**Author:** ![mtnmatt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a3d4f5/32.png) [@mtnmatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mtnmatt)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2022, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-nationwide-hot-dog-chains/959259/87 "2022-02-12T17:11:40Z")
> [@lobotomyboy63](#): > > > [@Retzbu\_Tox](#): > > > > There was a Dog N Suds in my childhood home town. > > IIRC there was a program on food network where they explored some of the different preparations. Deep fried? Take it from a chef with plenty o’ junk in the trunk… > > [https://www.foodnetwork.com/videos/channels/alex-on-deep-fried-hot-dogs](https://www.foodnetwork.com/videos/channels/alex-on-deep-fried-hot-dogs) I worked at Rawley’s, a Fairfield, CT place where we deep fried our hot dogs, which was a regional thing - each town nearby had their own favorite spot. Our dogs were a beef/pork mix (“all meat” as the owner would say). They’d go into the fryer but finish on the griddle. We bought our rolls slightly undercooked and spread the inside with butter and grilled them. You could order a cheese dog where we tore a single slice of cheese and laid it on the dog while it finished on the grill. I was a dresser, adding the condiments requested - mustard, chopped onions (though you could get grilled) kraut, chili (Hormel beanless) and the favorite, chopped bacon, which we prepped daily. We had a line out the door every day, and every spring, there would be at least one snowbird who showed up on the way back from Florida before heading to their home, they missed our dogs so. We also offered burgers and, I suppose for the health conscious, a tuna sandwich. The place was basically unchanged since the 40s and a local institution. No chain would be able to compete. I grew up in NJ where you could get an “Italian” hot dog which was also deep fried, and served on a wedge of Italian bread with deep fried potatoes (chunks, not like fries) and fried onions. As said above, I think that the regional favorites make a national chain a challenge. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2022, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-nationwide-hot-dog-chains/959259/88 "2022-02-12T17:13:41Z")
> [@lobotomyboy63](#): > > #### Philadelphia Dog > > A classic Philadelphia dog is one of the most interesting ones you’ll find. It features the brotherly love of an all-beef hot dog with a fish cake inside the bun as well. It is often topped with a sweet vinegary slaw and spicy mustard. Wait. Is this actually a thing? I want to hear more about this. Philadelphians, chime in? ---
**Author:** ![lobotomyboy63](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobotomyboy63/32/2900_2.png) [@lobotomyboy63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lobotomyboy63)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2022, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-nationwide-hot-dog-chains/959259/89 "2022-02-12T17:20:11Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > Wait. Is this actually a thing? I want to hear more about this. Philadelphians, chime in? I know, right? Wish I’d heard of this before we visited there…I would have tried one. > **[The Fish Cake Hot Dog Is a Taste of Old Philadelphia](https://www.phillymag.com/foobooz/2018/07/18/johnnys-hots-fish-cake-hot-dog/)** > > Johnny's Hots is one of the few places selling the throwback Philly combo you may never have heard of. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2022, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-nationwide-hot-dog-chains/959259/90 "2022-02-12T17:37:22Z")
Same here. I figured it was probably some kind of old timey thing, as I had heard nothing about it and I like to keep track of interesting regional foods. Cheesesteak? Of course. Various hoagies? Yep. Roast pork? Absolutely! Fish cake hot dog? Huh? I love this kind of stuff, and good to see it can still be found (hopefully.) Gives me a new foodie mission next time I’m in Philly. ---
**Author:** ![lobotomyboy63](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobotomyboy63/32/2900_2.png) [@lobotomyboy63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lobotomyboy63)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2022, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-nationwide-hot-dog-chains/959259/91 "2022-02-12T17:43:17Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > a new foodie mission next time I’m in Philly. I did notice that some in that article were associated with sports, like Fenway and Houston. But they don’t specifically say that the Flyers or Phillies or Sixers or Eagles feature them. We’ll return to Philly, I’m sure. We loved the town. For pizza I really liked Rione. > **[Rione Pizza | Best Roman Pizza Restaurant in Philadelphia, PA](https://www.rionepizza.com/)** > > Casual pizza shop with slices served Roman-style “al taglio” (by the cut) along with appetizers, paninis, salads and desserts. Delivery and Pick up available. ---
**Author:** ![DocCathode](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doccathode/32/18773_2.png) [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2022, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-nationwide-hot-dog-chains/959259/92 "2022-02-12T18:01:11Z")
Due to an accident where, without looking, I opened my collector’s can of Spamalot SPAM (bought as a curio only) instead of a can of turkey SPAM (delicious and made only from turkey) I learned that I am not allergic to pork products. I also learned that 15 year old SPAM still tastes the same and that’s a bit scary. Even though I’m posting on the sabbath, I do eat (in my fashion) a kosher diet. So pig products are out Re Philly Dogs For a long time, my favorite hole in the wall restaurant was a place called Levis. They specialized in hot dogs, fish cakes and ice cream treats served in massive portions. I never tried their hot dogs because I don’t mix meat and milk- and going to Levis without getting ice cream and an egg cream is like going to the Louvre and skipping the Mona Lisa. I LOVED the fish cake sandwiches. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2022, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-nationwide-hot-dog-chains/959259/93 "2022-02-12T18:15:53Z")
It shouldn’t be Wienerschnitzel at all, since that particular dish has nothing in common with a hotdog or a sausage. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2022, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-nationwide-hot-dog-chains/959259/94 "2022-02-12T18:36:08Z")
Also, in German I think I’ve only ever seen it as _Wiener Schnitzel_ (two words, meaning “Viennese cutlet”), though _Jägerschnitzel_ or _Zigeunerschnitzel_ and some others would be written as a single word. Traditionally, a wiener schnitzel is made from veal, but these days I think pork is the most common, though they may call it a pork schnitzel or a wiener schnitzel of pork. Anyway, it’s funny, as I was checking up on a pork schnitzel recipe the other day, and the author talked about her trip to Germany or Austria and confidently ordering a Wiener Schnitzel at some bierstübe, expecting some sort of frankfurter on a bun, and being absolutely surprised at being presented with a fried breaded cutlet on a plate. Yes, she grew up in a place where Wienerschnitzel fast food restaurants were common. We never had those around here, so a schnitzel was always a fried, breaded cutlet to me. ---
**Author:** ![JaredDiaz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f475e1/32.png) [@JaredDiaz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaredDiaz)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2022, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-nationwide-hot-dog-chains/959259/95 "2022-02-12T18:52:24Z")
Howdy, Doc. It’s been about 15 years since I last heard from you. It was in a thread where I talked about my ideas about how the world worked and whatnot. You told me “convinced you’ve doomed yourself to Hell or Oblivion and that you cannot be saved you are compelled to warn us. Here you are doing what you see as right without hope of reward.” Shortly thereafter I had what I can only describe as a spiritual experience. For the next 15 years I’ve been slowly opening my eyes, waking up. Recently I came face to face with myself, an experience that came about because of my own foolish decisions. In the midst of my defeat I felt pure anger, sadness and despair, but then I had a revelation. I finally woke up from my dream and realize who I am now. I just wanted to thank you for the role you played in my journey. Your messages and journaling were written in a language deeply rooted in my soul. If I don’t hear from you again I just wanted you to know that you were there for me in the beginning and I’ll never forget that act of kindness. ---
**Author:** ![fedman1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e495f1/32.png) [@fedman1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman1)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2022, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-nationwide-hot-dog-chains/959259/96 "2022-02-12T19:02:26Z")
thank for correction! I guess I love them too much 😀 ---
**Author:** ![DocCathode](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doccathode/32/18773_2.png) [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2022, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-nationwide-hot-dog-chains/959259/97 "2022-02-12T21:41:09Z")
You’re very welcome! And, sincerely, thank you as well. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2022, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-nationwide-hot-dog-chains/959259/98 "2022-02-12T21:47:51Z")
I spent quite a bit of time working in Vienna. One place we used to go to eat had schnitzels themed after a number of cities, such as a Pariserschnitzel, Berlinerschnitzel, etc. They were all basically the same breaded cutlet, but with different sides. Side note: I’m making a chicken schnitzel for dinner tonight. ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2022, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-nationwide-hot-dog-chains/959259/99 "2022-02-13T00:43:51Z")
If you’re ever in Vancouver (or, apparently, Santa Monica Pier) try a Japadog. I’ve been making my own with teriyaki sauce, wasabi mayo, and nori. [http://www.japadog.com/menu\_En.html](http://www.japadog.com/menu_En.html) ---
**Author:** ![Retzbu\_Tox](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/retzbu_tox/32/11829_2.png) [@Retzbu\_Tox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Retzbu_Tox)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2022, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-nationwide-hot-dog-chains/959259/100 "2022-02-13T03:56:13Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > Here in Chicago One of the few surviving Dog N Suds Drive-In locations is in Chicagoland, open seasonally. I think it may be the closest one for me, just a 6-hour drive. https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=%213m2%212sen%214v0%216m8%211m7%211sixCKptZB-iygAyJclF4SxQ%212m2%211d42.3446698%212d-88.0348858%213f310.35%214f9.089%215f0.49 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-nationwide-hot-dog-chains/959259.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-nationwide-hot-dog-chains/959259.md?page=6)