Have you ever eaten food that made you laugh? That’s exactly what happened when a famous Chicago hot dog stand decided to poke fun at politics with their menu. The Wiener’s Circle, known for their sassy service and delicious hot dogs, created something special: a three-inch “Trump Footlong” hot dog selling for just $2.69. This tiny treat wasn’t just food – it was a political joke on a bun that got people talking, laughing, and of course, eating. The hot dog became famous for its size…or lack thereof.
The story behind the three-inch “footlong”
When Donald Trump planned a visit to Chicago during his campaign, The Wiener’s Circle decided to “welcome” him in their own special way. They created a hot dog that was deliberately small – just three inches long – as a joke about the ongoing debate about Trump’s hand size. During the 2016 primary campaign, rival Marco Rubio had made comments about Trump’s small hands, suggesting that other things might be small too. Trump actually responded to this during a debate, saying there was “no problem” with his size.
The restaurant ran with this joke, creating signs that read “3 Inches Of The Best Tasting, Most Flavorful Beef You’ve Ever Had. We Guarantee You There’s No Problem. We Guarantee It.” They even made hats reading “Make Wieners Great Again” as a play on Trump’s famous campaign slogan. According to Yolanda Smile, the restaurant’s supervisor, the promotion wasn’t meant to be a serious political statement – it was just for fun and to get people talking and laughing.
What you get when you order a Trump special
The menu at The Wiener’s Circle didn’t just stop at one politically-themed item. They created an entire Trump-themed menu. The basic “Trump Footlong” was their standard Chicago-style hot dog, just shrunk down to three inches, complete with all the classic toppings – mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, pickles, peppers, and celery salt – just like a regular Chicago dog. For those with bigger appetites, they offered the “Trump Package” which included two of the tiny hot dogs along with fries and a drink for $8.30.
If you were really hungry, you could go for the “Trump Super PAC” which packed four of the mini dogs plus fries and a drink for $12.56. Despite the small size of these hot dogs, people who tried them reported they were actually pretty tasty. One customer who visited the restaurant specifically to try the Trump dog found it delicious, even with all the political baggage attached to it. After all, it was still a classic Chicago-style hot dog – just with a politically-charged name and size.
What makes The Wiener’s Circle the perfect place for this joke
If you’ve never been to The Wiener’s Circle in Chicago, you’re missing out on a unique food experience. This isn’t your average hot dog stand. The restaurant is famous for something beyond their food – the staff are known for playfully insulting customers, and customers give it right back. It’s part of the charm and appeal of the place. The restaurant has built its reputation on this kind of humor and banter, making it the perfect place to serve up a politically satirical hot dog.
The restaurant has also shown its humor in other ways. For Halloween one year, they transformed their entire restaurant to look like McDowell’s from the movie “Coming to America.” So when they decided to poke fun at a presidential candidate with a mini hot dog, it wasn’t out of character – it was exactly the kind of joke people expected from them. The restaurant’s reputation for humor and sass made the Trump hot dog that much funnier to their regular customers, who understand and enjoy the restaurant’s unique approach to customer service.
How customers reacted to the tiny dog
When the Trump dog hit the menu, reactions were as mixed as you might expect. Many people found it hilarious and came to the restaurant specifically to try it and take pictures with the signs. An older couple thought it was the “best sign” they’d seen. Photos of the hot dog and its promotional materials spread quickly on social media, bringing attention to both the restaurant and their tiny creation. Some customers came in just to see what all the fuss was about, while others were regular patrons who appreciated the restaurant’s humor.
Of course, not everyone was amused. The restaurant reported receiving “a lot of hate emails” from people who didn’t appreciate the joke. Later, when they partnered with a Planned Parenthood mobile clinic while still selling the Trump dog, they received even more pushback from those who disagreed with the partnership. Some customers simply didn’t get the joke at all – one man seemed confused about the message behind the small hot dog. But controversy often helps sell food, and the mixed reactions certainly didn’t hurt the restaurant’s business or reputation.
Trump’s footlong is part of a bigger trend
The Trump Footlong at The Wiener’s Circle wasn’t the only food named after the former president. Across America and even internationally, restaurants have created menu items inspired by Trump, both to praise and to criticize him. In Texas, a restaurant serves a “Trump Burger” topped with American cheese and bacon. In Canada, a restaurant offered a “Trump Sandwich” described as “white bread, full of baloney, with Russian dressing and a small pickle.” A pizza place in Ukraine created the “Trumpino,” and a restaurant in Mexico City offered a “Trump Taco.”
These food items show how politics and food often mix, especially during heated election seasons. Some restaurants use these themed items to make political statements, while others simply want to cash in on a trending topic. The Trump Footlong at The Wiener’s Circle falls somewhere in between – it was clearly poking fun at Trump, but it was also good business, bringing in curious customers and media attention. Food named after politicians isn’t new, but the Trump Footlong stood out for its direct humor and the way it played on specific political controversies.
Next time you see a funny or politically-themed food item on a menu, consider giving it a try. At the very least, you’ll get a meal out of it. At best, you might get a good laugh and a memorable story to share. Just like those who tried the three-inch Trump Footlong at The Wiener’s Circle in Chicago – they came for the joke but stayed for the perfectly-made Chicago-style hot dog, no matter how small it was.
