Who invented the hot dog?

It’s hard to say definitively who invented the hot dog, but credit has gone to Emil Reichel and Sam Ladany (the co-founders of Vienna Beef) and Johann Georghehner, a German butcher. No one is entirely sure.

Why are they called franks or wieners?

Hot dogs are called franks, short for frankfurters, because they may have begun in Frankfurt, Germany. Hot dogs are called wieners because they may have begun in Vienna, Austria, which is wien in German.

When was the hot dog invented?

Sausages date all the way back to ancient times, but the hot dog is first found mentioned in print in the late 1800s.

Where was the hot dog invented?

There is no definitive answer, but Frankfurt, Germany and Vienna, Austria both take credit for the invention of the hot dog.

How did the hot dog get its name?

There are several myths about how the hot dog got its name, but the most likely origin is 19th century college humor, when students would make crude jokes pertaining to the questionable origin of the meat in hot dogs.

Why are hot dogs red?

Hot dogs are red because sodium nitrite is added to cure the meat, add flavor, and prevent the growth of bacteria. Sodium nitrite is also added to bacon, cold cuts, and Spam.

National Hot Dog Day Deals

Next time you’re at a barbecue, close your eyes for a second. Breathe in deep the smell of hot dogs on the grill and let it radiate through you. Let it fill your chest with joy.

Then, relax your shoulders, and wait as your hands tingle to the pleasant aroma that sizzling hot dogs create.

Now, open your eyes, and imagine that feeling tenfold. It might sound unbelievable; you might say, “nobody can be that happy.”

Usually, us fine folk at The Hot Dog would agree. Yet, every year, we’re proven wrong.

How?

Listen closely: Every 21st of July, we find that unbelievable feeling of joy spreads worldwide — and it’s unstoppable. It all comes to four simple words.

National Hot Dog Day.

Yet, what if that feeling of joy spreading on National Hot Dog Day could be better? What if you could beat the system and make your National Hot Dog Day not only one to remember but one you also found victory over?

It’s possible, so buckle up.

Last year’s National Hot Dog Day deals

Hot Dog Day deals for 2023 have not been announced, however, keep checking back – we’ll update these offers as soon as they are announced.

Below are the specials from 2022.

National Hot Dog Day Deals RANKED

Here are our favorite National Hot Dog Day deals that we hope to see again in 2023.

The Hot Dog	The Deal	The Location	Why We Love It
Big Bite Hot Dogs	$1 hot dog	7/11	100% beef, 1/4lb hot dog. What’s not to love?!
Haus Dog	Free hot dog with an order pick up or delivery.	Dog Haus	Haus dogs are amazing. Yet, do you know what’s even more amazing? An extra haus dog to go alongside it.
Chilli Dogs	Five chili dogs for $5	Wienerschnitzel	Nothing beats the taste of chili…Now multiply that delicious taste by five.
Love’s Travel Stops Hot Dog	Free hot dog and 50% off a drink	Love’s Travel Stops	A complimentary hot dog is one bonus, but 50% of the drink to tackle that accompanying thirst? Yes, please.
TravelCenters of America Hot Dog	99¢ hot dog	TravelCenters of America	Cheap hot dogs are great, and undercutting 7/11’s Big Bite Hot Dog takes some bravery.

A Mouth-Watering and Even Closer Look At Each Deal

Big Bite Hot Dogs — $1 a Hot Dog

7/11’s Big Bite Hot Dog is a delicious 100% beef treat that’s criminal not to love. So in 2020, when 7/11 sold the Big Bite for only $1 a hot dog, we were in heaven. It’s not quite a free hot dog, but it’s certainly close enough.

However, to be eligible for this deal, you need to download the 7/11 Loyalty App from Android and iOS app stores before visiting one of the many participating 7/11 locations. Without it, you‘ll be missing out.

If you’ve not tried these gorgeous all-beef hot dogs before, you might wonder what makes them so unique? Why is it our number 1, and why would I be missing out?

Here’s the secret: customers can customize their hot dogs to their liking with Big Bite Hot Dogs. You can include:

Sauerkraut,
Salsa
Mayonnaise
Pickles
Relish
Onions
Anything else you want!

Gorgeous, right? Right. 7/11’s Big Bite is the perfect hot dog. One that makes us wish this one short day we get in July would carry on all year round.

Haus Dog — Free Hot Dog!

Big Bite aside, you’ve heard the phrase, “Dog Haus always delivers,” right?

If you know Dog Haus (or, even better, if you’ve downloaded the Dog Haus app), you’ll know there’s no doubt about that previous statement.

On National Hot Dog Day 2020, Dog Haus most certainly delivered. Guests could score a free haus dog when scanning their app with any delivery or pick-up order—an excellent free haus dog reward.

Now, if you’re quite sold on a free haus dog—for whatever crazy reason—take a quick look at what makes Dog Haus special:

Indeed, Dog Haus offers a fun, fresh take on their haus hot dogs, with each one being served with a bite of nostalgia. What makes these dogs fun and fresh, though, depending on your order, is what they’re filled with:

Avocado
Crispy Onions
Pure American Cheese
Tomato
Spicy Basil
And whatever else you choose

Imagine all that choice without having to pay a single cent (aside from your main order, that is).

Also, did someone say crispy onions?

Take a look at How To Make Crispy Onions For Hot Dogs to learn the perfect recipe for your own hot dogs—ideal if you can’t make it to Dog Haus in 2021.

Wienerschnitzel — Five Chili Dogs

it’s not quite free food, but 5 pretzel dogs sounds delicious — Source: wienerschnitzel.com

Yet the haus dogs have some tough competition. Having one free hot dog is both a fantastic and delicious deal, but Wienerschnitzel took it a step further and made one of the best National Hot Dog Day deals we’ve ever seen. They offered five hot dogs for $5.

Now, we’re not just talking about any hot dog here; we’re talking about delicious chili dogs.

Wienerschnitzel’s chili hot dogs are world-famous. They come in a beautiful steamed bun, and you get the choice of Weiner:

World Famous Original
Polish
All-Beef.

That’s not all; you also get to pick between a standard or pretzel bun. Not bad for $5.00.

Want to make your own chili hot dog? Check out: How to Make Hot Dog Chili.

Love’s Travel Stops — Free Hot Dog or Roller Grill Item and Cheap Drinks

participating locations have an amazing drink discount — Source: loves.com

Like 7/11’s Big Bite and the Haus Dog, you needed to download Love’s Connect app to qualify for this deal in 2020, and we imagine this year will be the same. So, be sure to grab Love’s Connect app ready for National Hot Dog Day on your iOS or Android now.

Let us be the first to tell you: getting the app is totally worth it. Love’s Travel Stop’s hot dogs are delicious, yet the deal comes with a bonus. You can enjoy 50% off any drink on National Hot Dog Day.

Don’t like hot dogs? Love Travel Stops choice of any roller grill item as an alternative is most welcome too.

What’s more, Love’s Travel Stops don’t just serve any hot dog. They serve Schwab’s Finest Hot Dogs. We’re talking the highest quality beef, smoked to perfection and served with mustard, ketchup, or whatever condiments you desire.

Pro-Tip: If this isn’t one of the National Hot Dog Day deals that gets your mouth watering, try making your own Cowboy Hot Dogs Recipe at home instead. The deep golden color and delicious caramelized onions will surely make your hot dog day legendary.

TravelCenters of America Hot Dog — Cheap and Cheerful

View post on imgur.com

This final deal is one you’re guaranteed to see every year. In fact, it’s already been announced for 2021 and was around as far back as 2019.

However, TravelCenters of America’s hot dog deal differs year by year, so there’s always something new to look forward to. Last year, TravelCenters of America offered a free medium fountain drink with any hot dog purchase as well as cheap hot dogs.

We loved that; we did. However, for National Hot Dog Day, we wanted more.

This year, TravelCenters of America not only listened, but they knocked their deal right out of the ballpark. They’re offering 99¢ hot dogs at all participating locations—even cheaper than the Big Bite Hot Dog at 7/11.

So, on July 21st, get down to a participating location, and grab yourself a delicious meat hot dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is National Hot Dog Day?

National Hot Dog Day is an annual event dating back to 1991, created by The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council to appreciate all-American hot dogs. On this day, a hot dog-filled lunch was held on Capitol Hill; and observing this day has become a tradition ever since.

Is Sonic Doing Anything for National Hotdog Day?

We’d be surprised if they didn’t. Last year Sonic Drive-In’s hot dog deals included $1 hot dogs. An excellent discounted price.

How Much Are Hot Dogs Today at Sonic?

A Sonic Drive-In All-American hot dog will cost $1.99 alone and $4.99 in a combo (with fries and a drink). Be sure to check out Sonic Drive-in’s other deals on their menu, too, even if it’s not National Hot Dog Day.

What month is National Hot Dog Month?

Similar to National Hot Dog Day, July is National Hot Dog Month. While the best deals fall on July 21st, keep your eyes peeled all month for out-of-the-ball park prices.

Enjoy Excellent Hot Deals This July (and All Year Round)

At The Hot Dog, we pride ourselves on everything hot dog, and our extensive article collection proves it. Check it out to be the first to know of any deals, special events, or breakthrough news about this All-American food.

Want to make your own hot dogs at home?

All you need is a toaster oven. However, if you’re more adventurous, check out the Best Hot Dogs in America.

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