NATIONAL HOT DOG DAY
Fast Facts
- WHEN
- Every third Wednesday in July since 1991
- STAT
- 25 million sold at stadiums yearly
- COST
- $145.49 most expensive hot dog 2012
- WHERE
- Sacramento California sets record
NATIONAL HOT DOG DAY
Nothing says summer quite like a sizzling frankfurter fresh off the grill, nestled in a pillowy bun. Whether you call it a wiener, a frank, a footlong, or a red hot, National Hot Dog Day, celebrated every year on the third Wednesday in July, is the ultimate excuse to indulge in this iconic American staple.
But before we dive into the toppings, let’s address the ultimate backyard debate: Is a hot dog a sandwich?
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
Team No: It's In a League of Its Own
This side argues that a hot dog transcends the humble sandwich category.
The Bun Factor: A sandwich typically uses two distinct slices of bread. A hot dog bun is a single, hinged piece of bread. If the bun splits completely in half, you haven't made two sandwiches; you've just broken your hot dog bun.
The Orientation: Sandwiches are generally built and eaten horizontally. A hot dog is nestled vertically inside its bun.
The Cultural Identity: If you went to a restaurant and ordered a "beef sausage sandwich," you'd be pretty surprised if they handed you a standard ball-park frank.
Team Yes: By Definition, It Counts
This side takes a literal, structural approach to food.
The Dictionary Definition: Merriam-Webster officially weighs in on the "Yes" side. They define a sandwich as "two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between." Since a hot dog bun is a split roll, it technically fits the description.
The Tax & Legal View: In many states (like New York), tax laws categorize hot dogs as sandwiches for sales tax purposes.
#NationalHotDogDay
Celebrated every year during National Hot Dog Month, this day pays homage to the frankfurter, the footlong or wienie, wiener, wienerwurst or even red hot. They taste just as great no matter what we call it.
Did you know?
7-Eleven sells the most grilled hot dogs in North America - 100 million annually.
Hot dogs are practically synonymous with American baseball. In fact, fans smash down over 25 million hot dogs at baseball stadiums every single year. But you don't need a ticket to the big leagues to enjoy one. They are the ultimate customizable canvas—whether you stick to the classic mustard and relish, or go wild with chili, sauerkraut, crispy bacon, or even mac and cheese.
Unusual Hot Dog Facts
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The $145 "Super Dog":
On May 31, 2012, Capitol Dawg in Sacramento, California, set a world record by selling the most expensive hot dog ever: the California Capitol City Dawg for $145.49. The “Dawg” features:
A grilled 18″ all-beef, in natural casing frank from Chicago.
Served on a fresh-baked herb and oil focaccia roll spread with white truffle butter, then grilled.
Topped with whole grain mustard from France, garlic and herb mayonnaise.
Sauteed chopped shallots, organic mixed baby greens, maple syrup.
Marinated/fruitwood smoked uncured bacon from New Hampshire.
Chopped tomatoes, sweetened dried cranberries, chopped tomato.
Expensive moose cheese from Sweden.
Basil olive oil/pear-cranberry-coconut balsamic vinaigrette and ground peppercorn.
Proceeds from the sale of each 3 lb. super dog donated to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
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A Capital Tradition:
The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council actually created National Hot Dog Day back in 1991. Why? To coincide with a massive, star-studded hot dog lunch held on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
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Space Food:
Hot dogs were one of the first foods eaten on the moon. Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin had packages of frankfurters on their historic 1969 voyage.
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The Mustard Rule:
According to official hot dog etiquette guides, you should never put ketchup on your hot dog if you are over the age of 18. Don't worry. We don't judge. We listen.
5 WAYS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL HOT DOG DAY
Ready to honor the frank? Here is how you can celebrate today's food holiday:
Host a hot dog roast, complete with a variety of topping.
Take a poll on your social media to find out which is most preferred - blackened hot dogs or just cooked through?
Explore the best hot dog eateries near you and give them a shout-out.
Challenge people to defend their position on this question: Is a hot dog a sandwich?
While you're celebrating, have a hot dog and post your favorite hot dogs using the hashtag #NationalHotDogDay on social media.
NATIONAL HOT DOG DAY HISTORY
The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council established National Hot Dog Day in 1991 to coincide with a hot dog lunch on Capitol Hill. The observance occurs every year on a Wednesday in July.