Once upon a time, a hot dog joint based in Charlotte was the fastest growing fast-food chain in America. Then it vanished. Today, there's one Wiener King left in America, and it's barely hanging on.
When I was a teenage actor, I was in a Weiner King commercial. They were promoting a partnership with The Big A drive in movie theater, and gave away a pony. Kid you not. And in the commercial shoot, the pony kept kicking me.
In a time where every fast-food joint has more selections than a Denny's. it's comforting to think back on a store that did basically one thing, and did it well. But bad management can kill anything...
As a Charlotte native who doesn't like hamburgers, I was a huge fan of Weiner King and devastated when they disappeared. Hardee's also sold hot dogs back in the 70s and luckily there was one on Randolph, near our swim club on Sharon Amity. But nothing was ever the same after Weiner King went away
What a great post! I’d completely forgotten about Weiner King. I think the last time I ate at one was in late 70s Asheville?! Thanks for the nostalgia!
The Ballad of the Wiener King
When I was a teenage actor, I was in a Weiner King commercial. They were promoting a partnership with The Big A drive in movie theater, and gave away a pony. Kid you not. And in the commercial shoot, the pony kept kicking me.
In a time where every fast-food joint has more selections than a Denny's. it's comforting to think back on a store that did basically one thing, and did it well. But bad management can kill anything...
Wiener Works still has a location in Kings Mountain, I think. Used to hit that up all the time.
As a Charlotte native who doesn't like hamburgers, I was a huge fan of Weiner King and devastated when they disappeared. Hardee's also sold hot dogs back in the 70s and luckily there was one on Randolph, near our swim club on Sharon Amity. But nothing was ever the same after Weiner King went away
Saddest Facebook page ever....
There was a Weiner King on Tunnel Road in Asheville at its heyday.
Great job bringing in the Ohio angle, Jeremy!
OMG, Sally’s!!!!
What a great post! I’d completely forgotten about Weiner King. I think the last time I ate at one was in late 70s Asheville?! Thanks for the nostalgia!
I remember the ad man (Sid something) regretfully ruling out the name Hindenfurter....
Jimmy serves some of the best food in the area! Plus you'd be hard-pressed to meet a more gracious person.
I love Weiner king. I've been eating there for 40 years. Jimmy is the best.