Troy, what a place! The Trojans are a proud bunch—probably because they have so much to boast about. Their city has racked up an impressive list of firsts that could make anyone’s head spin.
Arguably Troy’s most famous invention, earning it the nickname the “Collar City,” was the detachable shirt collar in 1827—because nothing screams fashion, innovation and practicality like a collar that can be popped off and on. Uncle Sam, sporting his iconic tall hat and all, was a local too. The Burden Iron Works was a 19th-century industrial marvel, churning out iron products crucial to American expansion, like a horseshoe-making machine that could crank out 60 horseshoes a minute—faster than you can scarf down a couple of hot dogs. They also made hooked railroad spikes, which helped railroads spread across the country faster than gossip at a family reunion, along with stove top waffle irons and artificial Christmas trees. Plus, two local ironworks supplied a good chunk of the iron for the Union’s USS Monitor, while RPI lent its genius in developing some of the ship’s cutting-edge tech—and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
But let’s not forget the real star of Troy—the Mini Hot Dog. Just 3 inches of pure, snackable happiness. The tiny hot dog, affectionately known as the mini hot dog, has been a regional favorite for over a century, proving you don’t need to be big to be unforgettable.
8 works 4 with regular and 4 with hot sauce.
Posted by Hot Dog Charlie’s Lansingburgh on Monday, November 13, 2017
The tradition of the mini hot dog in New York’s Capital Region started back in the 1920s and 1930s, all thanks to inventive Greek immigrants who clearly understood that tiny food can have huge flavor.
Famous Lunch opened in 1932 on Congress Street in Troy (it was briefly called “Quick Lunch”. Their custom three-inch dogs — perfect for anyone with commitment issues — were first supplied by the Troy Pork Store and later by Fritz Helmbold’s, a sausage maker that’s been in business since 1913. Their chili-meat sauce recipe has been passed down through the family like a sacred treasure.
Hot Dog Charlie’s opened in 1922 (then called “New Way Lunch”). Owner Strates Fentekes was so charismatic that customers started calling him “Charlie,” probably because “Strates” is a mouthful — just like his mini hot dogs. Known for his legendary stunt of lining up a dozen mini dogs on his arm and dressing them with mustard, onions, and secret chili sauce, Charlie had a flair for the dramatic. This routine got shut down by health codes, leaving behind the nickname, “hairy arm dogs”.
Today, both Famous Lunch and Hot Dog Charlie’s are still slinging these bite-sized local legends, keeping the Troy mini hot dog dynasty strong. Gus’s Hot Dogs in nearby Watervliet proudly joins the party, because in the Capital Region, you’re never far from a three-inch dog, family secrets, or a reason to laugh at your lunch.
The mini dog is going strong in Troy, with many locals making them their first choice for a quick inexpensive meal. So, the love affair continues to this day, with this little taste tube holding onto the number one spot in Troy’s list of accomplishments. If you happen to be wandering around Troy, be sure to make the “Troy minis circuit” and indulge in some history.
This lighthearted tour of Troy’s mini hot dogs is dedicated to Tyler, a hungry college student who recently discovered—and fell in love with—the mini dog.
The Sojourner
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