Oscar Mayer’s famous hot dog-themed vehicle, which briefly underwent a rebranding as the “Frankmobile” this summer to promote their all-beef frankfurters, is now returning to its original moniker, the “Wienermobile.”
The return to its original name was announced Wednesday on Good Morning America. The 27-foot-long hot dog-shaped vehicle, which made its debut on Chicago’s streets back in 1936, is celebrated for its distinctive character and widespread popularity.
Edwin Roland, a 20-year veteran of the Wienermobile program, expressed his enthusiasm for the return to the original name. He emphasized that while they temporarily changed the name to Frankmobile to mark the introduction of 100% beef franks, they missed the Wienermobile name.
The Wienermobile, manned by “Hot Doggers,” journeys to a variety of events, including fairs, festivals, parades, and over 1,200 gatherings each year, evoking nostalgic sentiments among its patrons. Kelsey Rice, Oscar Mayer’s associate director, described it as a “franktastic summer” but conceded that the company longed for the return of the original icon.
Among Roland’s numerous memorable experiences overseeing the Wienermobile fleet, one stood out: taking the vibrant hot dog-shaped vehicle to a remote town in Whittier, Alaska, where the locals warmly embraced it despite the snowy conditions.
The principal objective of the Wienermobile program is to bring smiles to everybody. Roland noted that the drivers, who come from diverse backgrounds, are looking to add their stories to the brand’s ever-evolving legacy.
Despite his personal preference for Oscar Mayer’s bacon and BLT sandwiches, Roland remains steadfast in his affection for the Wienermobile. He appreciates how this old-school concept continues to thrive and adapt.
Oscar Mayer intends to hold an open casting call in January to recruit the next cohort of hot-doggers for this one-year commitment. Roland underscored that statistically, becoming a hot-dogger is more challenging than gaining admission to an Ivy League school.
You can have a chance to see the Wienermobile at the Chicago AIDS Run/Walk on September 30, 2023 at Special Olympics Dr, Chicago, IL 60605.
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