July 27 is National Chilli Dog Day— a day to celebrate piling way more toppings than your average hot-dog-and-bun combo was ever expected to handle.
Rich Harlan and his daughter, Christina Coden know what it takes to take this unassuming meal and make it a legacy.
Rich's great-aunt and -uncle started Red Hots Coney Island Restaurant in Highland Park after immigrating from Greece— seeing the opportunity to make a future feeding hungry factory workers as they built Michigan's automotive history.
Their restaurant was open for 100 years before Rich retired. Many feared the local staple would fade away, but Christina had other plans for their family's beloved recipe. She got Rich on board and worked with local stores to create a new opportunity for the family — selling their famous chili across the Detroit area.
Now a 1-pound bucket of Red Hots Chili Sauce is available at Bridge St Market in Grand Rapids.
Whether covered in cheese; beans or no beans; adding onions, peppers, tomatoes, and more— not to mention the coveted chili recipe— everyone has their own special way to do it. One thing unites them all; you're going to need a fork at some point during the meal— and napkins!
According to National Today, this "wave of innovation that helped expand the scope of American cuisine" was inspired by a meal made famous by German immigrant, Charles Feltman. He wasn't selling chili dogs, though, but the perennial backyard barbeque favorite; frankfurters on a bun. Americans being who we are, we had to top an old favorite— literally in this case.
Somewhere down the line, someone said 'You know what would make this better?' and then someone else said 'Yeah— that's great, but have you tried...'
And thus the chili dog, in all of its various glories, was born.
And with their newly expanding business, Rich and Christina are excited to be bringing their family's contribution to the American messy masterpiece to homes in West Michigan.
What's your favorite? Are you more of a traditionalist, or do you like experimenting with flavors and toppings? Has anyone tried to make a breakfast chili dog?
Send FOX 17 a picture of how you're celebrating National Chili Dog Day!
