In celebration of the classic American summer food, the hot dog, Wednesday, July 17, is the official National Hot Dog Day.
Peak hot dog season is between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and Americans consume 7 billion hot dogs during that period, according to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council. In 2023, Americans spent nearly $3 billion on hot dogs.
Whether the hot dog is in between a bun or has been deep-fried into batter, Americans love to eat hot dogs, especially during the Summer season. In honor of National Hot Dog Day, here's a list of local restaurants that offer hot dog meals in the Gardner area.
Check out these hot dog stands
Lee's Hot Dog Stand has been open in Baldwinville for over 70 years. The Twohey family has run the roadside eatery for the past twenty years. Jean Twohey said that although their trademark is hot dogs, they are not strictly hot dogs anymore, and they are also known for their homemade chowders and seafood dishes. She said they are also known for their milkshakes and fancy sundaes.
The three most popular hot dogs on the menu are the Tom Boat, named after a young employee who worked for the original Lee's owner, and it comes with one hot dog, french fries, and a small soda for $7.75. The Lee's special is another best seller, and that comes with two hot dogs and a small soda for $7.99. The Ryan's Raft, which is named after Jean and Nick Twohey's son, who died in a car accident in 2019. The meal includes two hot dogs, fries, and a small soda. The hot dog stand is at 31 Central St. in Baldwinville and is open every day from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. until the winter season hits.
Shane's Hot Dogs, at 504 Chestnut St. in Gardner, has served the community since 1998. The stand only cooks Kayem "Old Tyme" natural casing franks hot dogs. One hot dog costs $2.99, and the Italian sausage sub with sautéed peppers and onions costs $7.99.
Shane's Hot Dogs has three hot dogs daily specials. #1 combo is two hot dogs, chips, and a soda for $6.29. #2 combo is two hot dogs, french fries, and a soda for $7.29. #3 combo is one hot dog, a cup of chili, and a soda for $6.29. The hot dog joint serves more than hot dogs and sausages; it also serves sirloin burgers and sirloin steak subs. The stand is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. They are closed on Sundays.
Other places to get hot dogs
Here are two locally owned ice cream shops in the Gardner area that offer hot dog meals.
Both Kay's Dairy Bar in Westminster and Lickity Splitz in Winchendon are known for their wide variety of ice cream flavors and wide range of lunch/dinner menu items, including a hot dog meal.
Lickity Splitz, located at 231 Main St. in Winchendon, offers a hot dog with French fries for $8.25 on its lunch and dinner menu. An extra 75 cents is charged for adding chili or cheese to your hot dog. The ice cream shop is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. but only serves the lunch and dinner menu Thursdays through Mondays from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Kay's Dairy Bar, located at 196 State Rd in Westminster, offers three hot dog menu items: the Foot Long Hot dog, served with mustard, relish, and onions, for $5.50; the Foot Long Chili Dog, for $6.50; and the Foot Long Chili Cheese Dog, for $7.50. All are served with a pickle, fries, and a choice of side. The dairy bar is open seven days a week, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sundays.
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