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Totally tubular, dude! QSRs chow down on National Hot Dog Day

July 19, 2017

The hot dog is a humble form of sausage. But even antiheroes must have their day, and in the hot dog's case, it's Wednesday, July 19.

On this day, fast food establishments nationally will revel in all forms of this tubular sandwich centerpiece which actually got its canine-sounding name about 100 years ago when hot dogs really did contain dog meat, according to New York Times story from June 21, 1907.

Now though, with its literal "dog" days behind it, the hot dog receives tribute this week from a number of QSR brands, beginning with Sonic. The nostalgic drive-in chain will honor the bun-bedecked sandwiches and all those who love them by selling six-inch all-American hot dogs or chili cheese Coneys for a buck each all day. 

"Hot dogs have been a guest favorite for more than 60 years, and nothing says summer like National Hot Dog Day," Sonic Senior Director of Brand Marketing Alicia Mowder said in a news release. 

The deal is limited to a maximum of five $1 dogs per customer and is only available on Wednesday, July 19. 

Travelin' doggies

Meanwhile, two travel-centric brands — Love's and Pilot Flying J — are also doing deals on the portable sandwiches this Wednesday. 

Love's Travel Stops have partnered with Schwab Meat Co. to offer complimentary hot dogs to customers who show a social media-obtained barcode at checkout. 

The giveaway includes smoked meats and roller grill items such as Tornados and eggrolls, as well as Johnsonville bratwursts, which are available for a limited time. 

Just down the road, another travelers' chain, Pilot, is celebrating with free hot dogs — or any one other menu item from the "roller grill" — from July 19–26. Online social media and website coupons are available for this special.

"Whether you prefer the classic taste of an all-beef hot dog with your choice of toppings or choose to get more adventurous with a delicious tamale, egg roll or other menu item from the roller grill, Pilot Flying J has a number of great-tasting options to make your National Hot Dog Day custom to your preference," Pilot Flying J Vice President of Food Innovation Shannon Johnson, said in a news release.