My dad started working for Vienna after I had moved to go live with my mom. Before that, we lived on Burling St. in Chicago and once a week we'd go to Uncle Franks where we'd pig out on the best polish sausages I'd ever eaten. My mouth waters at the thought of the onions,relish and mustard nestled on top of that sausage. After I moved and dad moved to Texas, he'd always have Vienna products in the fridge when I'd come to visit...corned beef, hot dogs...polish, MMmmmmmm. Now that he's retired, he has given us kids all of his tshirts, hats and aprons left over from his Vienna days. This past December I turned 50, my own kids had a memory quilt made for me....it was easy to find my dads square...it's the front from his favorite Vienna tshirt....talk about a memory!

When I was 5 years old, my Grandmother would send me with my older brother and older sister to a place called Zing's. It was on the 4700 block of Madison on the West Side of the city. A Vienna hot dog with a load of fries wrapped in wax paper was 25¢. Zing's was a narrow diner with about eight stools lined up along the counter. A blind man could find Zing's in a blizzard. The smell of fries and onions hit you as you approached. Four hot dogs were a buck and eight dogs were two bucks. Even. He never took out tax. I loved Mr. Zingerman!

Growing up in Waukegan, my Grandma (a tough and very loving probation officer, and yes, I said GRANDMOTHER), would only eat Vienna hot dogs. If we went to a stand that did not have them, we would pile back into the car and hit the next stand. When we would complain, she would say, “Eat the best-Your body will thank you.” To this day my body is getting the BEST, thanks, Grandma!

About 5 years ago I was asked to check out some new local "Supposed Authentic Chicago Eatery" that was bragging about bringing the true taste of Chicago, including real Vienna Beef franks, to Roswell, GA.

In 2006 Vienna Beef held the "Fastest Hot Dog Maker" contest at Daley Plaza, Chicago. The jist of the contest was to give each contestant 10 mins to fix as many Chicago Style Hot Dogs as possible. Obviously, the one who made the most won! I remember the relish was flying and the mustard was everywhere. I think the winner made 32 dogs, if I remember correctly. Harry Hefman, of Harry's Hot Dogs (Chicago), at the age of 86, made 1 1/2 dogs in same amount of time. Harry had the loudest applause! Way to go, Harry!