4 days ago
Walmart Is Opening a Fan-Favorite Hot Dog Chain in Several of Its Stores
Founded in 1961 by John Galardi, Wienerschnitzel began as a single-family-owned hot dog stand in Southern California and has since grown to become the 'world's largest hot dog franchise.' In addition to the 358 locations of the fast-food restaurant today, Wienerschnitzel is now expanding even further with the help of the largest grocery store in the United States.
On May 28, Wienerschnitzel announced plans to open six restaurant locations inside Walmart stores by fall 2025. These new openings will be situated in six cities across various states: Alamogordo, New Mexico; Bakersfield, California; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Reno, Nevada; Tempe, Arizona; and Puyallup, Washington.
This is far from the first time Walmart has partnered with prominent American fast food chains. The retailer has previously housed fan-favorite restaurants like Burger King, McDonald's, Taco Bell, and Subway in its stores.
Related: Stock These 5 Frozen Walmart Staples for Easy, Affordable Weeknight Dinners
In a press release from Wienerschnitzel surrounding the new announcement, Shak Turner, the director of franchise expansion for the brand, says, "Wienerschnitzel has spent decades building a strong reputation, especially on the West Coast, and this expansion into Walmart stores signifies a new era of growth for the brand.' The new Wienerschnitzels in all six states will offer the chain's full menu for Walmart shoppers.
As a restaurant renowned for its hot dogs, some menu highlights feature offerings like the classic Chili Cheese Dog, Junkyard Dog (topped with french fries, chili sauce, grilled onions, American cheese, and French's mustard), and Texas BBQ Dog (topped with bacon, barbecue sauce, grilled onions, and shredded cheddar), along with burgers, chili cheese fries, jalapeño poppers, and Tastee Freez soft serve desserts, including shakes that are beloved for their thick texture.
Additionally, the menu features three vegetarian hot dog options — including Field Roast's plant-based Signature Stadium Dog — such as the Barbeque Veggie Dog (topped with barbecue sauce, a pickle spear, and chopped onions) and the Chicago Veggie Dog (topped with tomato, chopped onions, a pickle spear, relish, sport peppers, yellow mustard, and celery salt).
Wienerschnitzel locations currently span 13 states. Ted Milburn, the brand's director of franchise development, explains in the press release that 'Growing inside these Walmart locations significantly expands our reach and opens the door for franchisees to tap into high-traffic locations with built-in demand."
Related: We Tested Every Major Hot Dog Brand — These Are Our Favorites
Milburn also emphasizes that non-traditional locations, like this one, help introduce the franchise to new customers and 'reinforce the brand's relevance in today's evolving retail and dining landscape.'
If you're a fan of hot dogs or just love making a pit stop for a meal while grocery shopping, watch for these six new Wienerschnitzel locations and hope for more to come.
Read the original article on Food & Wine
