Did you know that Americans consume about 20 billion hot dogs a year? Topped with sauerkraut or relish, and drizzled with ketchup and mustard, hot dogs are one of the most famous comfort foods. Plus, they’re an easy snack for some of the busiest people in the world: chefs. We wanted to know which fast food chains they would stop in for a hot dog when the mood hit.
Because while hot dogs are often associated with sporting events and summer barbecues, some of the tastiest hot dogs can be picked up, year-round, at fast-food chains. Whether you like your hot dog served with all the trimmings or prefer it plain, a juicy dog is usually never more than a short drive away.
From Nathan’s iconic hot dog chain to regional favorites, here’s 5 fast food places where chefs get their favorite hot dogs.
Chef Jonathan Scinto shares that Nathan’s is one of his favorite places to eat hot dogs. “When I get that nostalgic vibe, I get their hot dog with mustard and sauerkraut,” says Scinto. “It’s always that spicy taste of mustard and kraut that suits me.”
The iconic hot dog chain, which started over 100 years ago, sells more than 700 million hot dogs each year. Founded in Brooklyn, the restaurant now has nearly 200 locations worldwide and also offers its products in grocery stores.
Scinto shares that Nathan brings him back to childhood memories of family trips and stopping at rest stops to pick up Nathan’s hot dog and fries. “It just hits home!” he says.
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Scinto points out that Sonic is another favorite of his. A favorite of Chief Vishwesh Bhatt Also, Scinto’s order is Sonic’s All-American hot dog served with basic toppings and chili and cheese. “I can’t forget those golden toddlers to complete my craving,” he says. He also likes to order a banana milkshake to wash it all down. “It just gives me this sense of comfort that I’m on Main Street America in a classic drive-in,” he adds.
Sonic, which started in Oklahoma in the 1950s, currently has more than 3,500 locations across the United States. Beyond his delicious hot dogs, people also love Sonic’s popular toaster sandwiches and cherry lemonade.
Portillo’s, a chain well known for its hot dogs, beef burgers and salads, is also a favorite with chefs. The beloved Midwestern chain currently has 70 locations in nine states, including 45 in Chicago.
“My favorite hot dogs are from Portillo’s, a chain originating in Chicago with locations across the United States,” shares K.C. Gulbro, chef, restaurateur and chef ambassador for Certified Angus Beef. He also owns FoxFire and Copper Fox in Geneva, Illinois. Gulbro shares that her favorite order is a Polish Maxwell Street dog served with extra onions and cheese fries.
Robbie Shoultscelebrity chef and owner of the award-winning Bear Creek Smokehouse restaurant in Marshall, Texas, shares that Dairy Queen is his hot dog go-to.
“My favorite hot dog is from DQ, as it’s called in Texas, which is none other than Dairy Queen,” says Shoults. Launched in 1940, Dairy Queen has grown from a small neighborhood restaurant to a cultural phenomenon – today it has more than 6,800 locations around the world. Besides hot dogs, people also adore Dairy Queen’s iconic Blizzards, which are soft serve ice cream with delicious mixed toppings.
Shoults’ usual order is a hot dog with extra chili, cheese, onions, and lots of jalapenos. “The only way to eat this one is with a fork!” he adds.
Chief Aron Schwartz of Ranch 45 says Pink’s, the West Coast hot dog chain, is one of his favorite hot dog restaurants. “Eating a legendary LA Pink’s hot dog is like tasting the past,” says Schwartz. “They’re iconic because the hot dog hasn’t changed – they break when you bite into them. Schwartz also mentions that as a chef he appreciates the continuity of the product, as well as the creativity of the topping choices of Pink.
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