Sausage with a side of snark: The Wiener’s Circle honors promise, serves free hot dogs

CHICAGO (WGN) — A Chicago hot dog shop, beloved for their food (and foul language), made good on their promise Tuesday.

And it’s all thanks to the Bears’ starting quarterback, Caleb Williams. The Wiener’s Circle in Lincoln Park told fans they would dish out the dogs if Williams threw four touchdown passes against the Cowboys on Sunday. 

That’s exactly what he did.

With a Bears win and a free hot dog, you could say that it was the best of times, and the wurst of times, as every dog (and hot dog stand) has its day. The Wiener’s Circle sells about 200 hot dogs on a typical Tuesday, but on Sept. 23, the spot famous for sausage with a side of snark, prepared ten times as many.

But ‘The Wiener’s Circle Experience’ remained.

“I’m pretty sure I can’t say what they told me when they gave me my hot dog,” said Jack Newberg, one of hundreds who waited in line for the free hot dog.

Vienna Beef and S. Rosen Bakery helped the hot dog stand keep its promise on a promotion that started at 11 a.m. Tuesday. The Wiener’s Circle promised to serve fans until 8 p.m. or while supplies last.

“Congrats, everybody, you got free hot dogs,” Williams said Sunday after the Bears’ victory.

Cleo Gibson said he waited about 30 minutes to get his free hot dog as the wait time stretched for blocks along N. Clark Street.

“Caleb, he showed up for us, got us the hot dogs, and now we’re celebrating,” said Allison Pustelnik.

For Mary Lou Pustelnik, Tuesday was a double celebration, as she recently turned 81 years old and enjoyed a free hot dog courtesy of her favorite quarterback and team.

“Caleb gave me the best gift,” she said. “It was my birthday [Monday], and he gave me the win.  Thank you, Caleb. I love you. Love Ben Johnson, and love the Bears, and thanks for the hot dog.”