Burgers and hot dogs may both come inside a bun, but that doesn’t put them in the same sandwich category.
Imagine craving a juicy burger from your favorite burger joint. But when you arrive, the menu has changed, and instead of getting your go-to order, you’re handed a hot dog.
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There has long been a debate about whether burgers and hot dogs should be considered part of the sandwich family.
Some restaurants have separate sections on their menus for each one, while others combine them under a general sandwich category.
Related: Forget burgers, Walmart’s hot dog chain partner plans huge expansion
The debate has even reached governmental levels, with certain states legally classifying hot dogs as sandwiches for tax and regulatory purposes.
Nonetheless, this argument remains ongoing, sparking passionate disputes and sometimes, one or two wrong orders.
Shake Shack unveils its first-ever hot dog menu.
Image Source: Noam Galai/Getty Images
Shake Shake returns to its roots
If you lived or visited New York City in 2001, you may remember a small hot dog cart in Madison Square Park that sold hot dogs daily to raise money for a public art project.
The cart quickly gained the hearts of New Yorkers and tourists alike. Only three years later, it got its own permanent kiosk restaurant inside the park and has continued expanding since then, becoming a brand recognized worldwide.
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To many people’s surprise, this restaurant is Shake Shack (SHAK) , a fast-food chain now known for its wide range of gourmet burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and milkshakes at an affordable price.
Shake Shack currently has over 370 locations across 34 U.S. states and can be found in over 13 countries. In 2024, it reached a yearly revenue of $1,252.6 million, up 15.2% compared to last year.
Although the chain has long moved away from its original hot dog roots, it has decided to make a shocking return with a launch no one saw coming.
Shake Shack launches its first-ever hot dog menu
Shake Shack announced it is launching the first-ever hot dog menu at participating locations nationwide in honor of National Hot Dog Day on July 16.
Here’s the new Flat-Top Dogs lineup:
- Angus Beef Chili – A beef hot dog topped with Angus beef chili and crispy onions, on a toasted potato bun.
- High Heat Dog – A beef hot dog topped with melted cheddar and American cheese, a hot pepper blend of cayenne, garlic, and paprika, and chopped cherry peppers, on a toasted potato bun.
- Fried Pickle Dog – A beef hot dog topped with fried pickles, chopped applewood-smoked bacon, and melted cheddar and American cheese, on a toasted potato bun.
- Crispy Onion Cheese Dog – A beef hot dog topped with melted cheddar and American cheese, and crispy onions, on a toasted potato bun.
- Classic Hot Dog – A beef hot dog on a toasted potato bun.
- Angus Beef Chili Cheese Dog – A beef hot dog topped with Angus beef chili, melted cheddar and American cheese, and crispy onions, on a toasted potato bun.
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This bold new addition is a significant switch from its usual burger-focused menu, yet marks the revival of what made it the brand it is today.
In case fans are skeptical about the new hot dogs, Shake Shake is offering an exclusive deal to encourage everyone to try them.
Until August 11, customers can order any two hot dogs for only $8 using the code DOGDAYS. This offer can only be redeemed by ordering in-store or via the Shake Shack Mobile App and website for delivery and pick-up.
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