The true history of the hot dog: Where did the iconic American food originate?

The hot dog is one of the most popular foods in America. You can find it at baseball games, park grills, and even at gas stations. But the history of this popular dish didn’t begin with Nathan’s, as many believe, but earlier — in 1867 by a German immigrant named Charles Feltman.

Feltman arrived in the USA in 1856 and opened a bakery in Brooklyn. Since his customers at Coney Island wanted hot food, he had his cart equipped with a special grill and a box to keep the buns warm. Thus, he began selling sausages in buns — unlike in Germany, where sausages were served without bread. Thanks to this new approach, he sold 4,000 “Coney Island red hots” in one summer.

Later, he opened his own restaurant and built an entire culinary empire that took up a full block. His restaurant employed up to 1,000 workers and produced up to 40,000 hot dogs a day. He even hosted President Taft as a guest.

Nathan’s opened in 1916 right next to Feltman’s and became popular through marketing. But the real “first” hot dog belongs to Feltman.

This story isn’t just about food — it’s about innovation, immigrant heritage, and American food culture. The hot dog isn’t just a simple sausage; it’s a symbol of an entire era and social transformation. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!