Hot Dog of the Week: Zack's

I went to college.

Much to the dismay of a couple of my professors, I even graduated from college.

But if you want to be a franchisee of Zack's you must first go to hot dog college. Hmm, hot dog college, now that I might have done well in.

Orginally based out of Baltimore, Zack's is looking to spread its flare across the United States.

Selling over 75,000 dogs in its first year of existence had Zack's quickly escalated up the hot dogs ranks in Maryland.

Check out Zack's and see what makes them the place that serves "Hotdogs With An Attitude"

Hot Dog War

People have fought for freedom, love, and because someone threw a fastball at your head.

Click HERE to read about the feud between Oscar Mayer and Ballpark franks.

The main topic: Is 'all beef' hot dogs really all they are cracked up to be.

Hot Dog of the Week: Jimmy's

Most of us are nomad transplants.

Think about it.

We only live where we live because of a job, because we met that special someone, or it was where the dart hit the map after you asked yourself 'where should I move'. Very few of us live where we grew up.

Well the saying goes, home is where your heart is. At Jimmy's in Memphis, TN they have transplanted Chicago to the River City.

Serving Vienna Beef dogs and making a statement on their website that no ketchup is allowed, Chicago is well represented. In fact at the bottom of their website you can see if you 'get' all of the Chicago homer jokes.

So next time you are in Memphis, instead of opting for ribs, grab a hot dog at Jimmy's. But don't come on Sunday because they are closed...probably because Da Bears are on TV.

Luichi's

Rockford, IL

We have been to famous hot dog places, and cultural icons. Luichi's is neither of these. What it is though, is a seven year old restaurant that is more of a neighborhood place. A neighborhood place is where all the locals seem to go for meals and to quench their appetite, but not many people outside of the 'neighborhood' know about it. Just about a mile from downtown Rockford, Luichi's has a variety of menu options for the size of the place. People may be packed in during a lunch rush, but otherwise there is capacity for about 20 people to eat comfortably.

Atmosphere - Not much to look at with decorations or memorabilia on the wall. However, there are several signs pointing out that you cannot wear hoodies in the store. Though it did not say it, I picture a giant sumo size guy dropping from the ceiling and throwing you out, literally, if you wear a hoodie in the store. D+

Value - This may be the best value in Chicago land for a hot dog combo. I got two dogs, a generous serving of thick cut fries, and a soda for $5.75! Seriously. The only kind of dogs they serve is Chicago style, which if you read this often you know is my favorite. I have been to hot dog places that would charge you upwards of four bucks for one Chicago dog. Each of their dogs are Vienna Beef which are a staple of Chicago hot dogs, but they were NOT, repeat NOT served on poppy seed buns. A total taboo when offering Chicago dogs. Few things make an authentic Chicago Dog- The toxic looking relish, sport peppers, and a poppy seed bun. So though the price was fantastic, a bump up in the price for the customers would make authentic Chicago dogs possible. A-

Side Dish Jody says...I was pleased to see many non-hot dog options at Luichi's. Everything ranging from pizza and burgers to gyros and fried okra. I opted for the cheeseburger combo which came with a large cheeseburger topped with lettuce, onion, tomato, pickle, ketchup and mayo (I opted for no mayo or ketchup), a side of fries and a fountain drink. All for less than $5!!! The burger was really good. It reminded me almost of a Whopper from Burger King. The fries were done just right - not too crispy, not too greasy. If I were a local, I'd definitely go there for lunch at least once a month. The only negative was that it really was a no frills eating establishment and the restroom left a lot to be desired. B+