How did hot dogs become America's favourite July 4 meal?

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11 hours ago

From German street food to an American symbol, the hot dog's rise is a story of immigration, innovation and affordability. As Americans prepare to consume 150 million hot dogs this July 4, we trace how this humble sausage became the nation's favourite Independence Day meal — with Coney Island and Nathan's Famous at its heart read more
People wear hot dog outfits, as they attend the 2024 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest, at Coney Island, in New York City, US, July 4, 2024. File Image/Reuters
Though firmly associated with American traditions today, the hot dog's origins are rooted in centuries-old sausage culture from Europe — particularly Germany and Eastern Europe.
Known in some regions as frankfurters or wieners, these encased meats made their way to the United States with German immigrants in the 1800s.
Unlike modern hot dogs, which are often made of all-beef, the original German versions typically blended pork and beef.
It was Jewish-American butchers, adhering to Kosher laws, who shifted to all-beef sausages — helping shape what would eventually become the standard American hot dog.
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The portability and convenience of these sausages made them popular in bustling urban areas like New York, where street vendors could easily serve workers on the go.
Their affordability and filling nature helped them gain a foothold among the working class, especially in industrial cities.
The sausage's place in America's culinary canon was still far from secured, however.
That began to change thanks to a pair of entrepreneurs who saw an opportunity on the beaches of Coney Island.
The Coney Island revolution
The first major step in the American hot dog story took place in 1867, when Charles Feltman, a Brooklyn baker, began selling sausages in specially designed long rolls from a converted pie cart along the shores of Coney Island.
His hand-sliced buns were ideal for eating on the move, and the idea quickly caught on.
According to Coney Island historian Michael Quinn, Feltman sold around 4,000 sausages during that inaugural summer.
Recognising the potential, Feltman expanded rapidly, opening a large restaurant and resort complex called the Ocean Pavilion in 1873.
With the help of Andrew Culver, president of the Prospect Park Railroad, a train line was extended to Coney Island, bringing thousands of New Yorkers to the area.
The influx of visitors turned Coney Island into a prime destination for entertainment and leisure. Feltman's venue eventually served an estimated five million guests annually by the 1920s and reportedly sold 40,000 hot dogs daily at its peak.
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Feltman's operation laid the foundation for what would become a national obsession. Yet it was a former employee of his who would ultimately take the hot dog to unprecedented popularity — and link it forever with American patriotism.
The rise of Nathan's Famous
In 1916, four years after arriving in the US through Ellis Island, Polish-Jewish immigrant Nathan Handwerker left Feltman's establishment and opened his own small hot dog stand, also on Coney Island.
Competing directly with his former employer, Nathan made a bold move: he cut prices to just five cents per hot dog, undercutting the competition significantly.
This strategy worked. 'The sidewalk out here was lined with people pushing to the counters,' said Nathan's grandson, Lloyd Handwerker, in an interview with CBS News in 2021.
Nathan's approach — affordability, accessibility, and taste — resonated deeply with New Yorkers during a time of economic struggle. Over time, his business evolved into Nathan's Famous, one of the most recognised hot dog brands in the country.
Today, Nathan's Famous is known not just for its food but also for its annual July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest, which has become a cultural phenomenon. The contest was first held in 1972 and now draws participants from across the globe.
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Hirofumi Nakajima (C) eats one of the 19 hot dogs he consumed on his way to his third straight victory at the Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Contest at Nathan's on Coney Island in New York, July 4, 1998. Former World Campion Edward Krachie (L) of New York City finished third, while World Haggis Champion Barry Noble (R) of Newcastle, England, did not place. File Image/Reuters
ESPN, which has been broadcasting the event for years, signed an agreement in 2022 to retain broadcasting rights through 2029, a testament to the contest's enduring popularity.
What started as a humble stand on the boardwalk has now become a symbol of American summer celebrations.
Each Independence Day, hot dogs aren't just eaten — they're celebrated.
Why hot dogs rule the 4th of July
Across the United States, holidays have become synonymous with specific foods. Pumpkin spice defines autumn. Green beer flows on St. Patrick's Day. Margaritas and tortilla chips headline Cinco de Mayo.
And for the Fourth of July, the default dish is the hot dog.
Hot dogs offer more than just tradition. They are quick to prepare, easy to serve in large gatherings, and endlessly customisable.
Whether topped with mustard, ketchup, onions, relish, or sauerkraut, each serving can be tailored to personal taste. Their simplicity ensures that they don't distract from fireworks, parades, or family games — making them the perfect companion for July 4 festivities.
According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans are expected to consume 150 million hot dogs on Independence Day alone — that's just one day.
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Over the course of a year, that figure skyrockets to over 20 billion hot dogs. That immense figure captures both the cultural and culinary dominance of the humble dog in the American diet.
These numbers aren't just marketing fluff. They reflect a deep connection between a food and a national identity. Hot dogs have become synonymous with summer cookouts, baseball games, carnivals, and especially the Fourth of July.
Hot dogs for everyone
Although most people today refer to them as hot dogs, the name has varied over time and place. In the late 1800s, they were often called 'red hots' — a name that still lingers in regions like Detroit and Maine.
The 'dog' part, historians say, was an early nickname possibly referring to the mystery of what exactly was in the sausage casing, mixed with a bit of American humour.
What unites them all is a common trait: affordability.
Whether it's a New York street vendor, a Midwestern ballpark, or a Southern backyard, the hot dog remains a food of access — cheap, filling, and comforting.
Even plant-based versions have entered the market, giving vegetarians and vegans a chance to join the celebration.
As the fireworks explode and US flags fly each July 4th, the smell of sizzling hot dogs on the grill is as American as it gets.
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With inputs from agencies