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At Trina’s Starlite Lounge in Somerville, Massachusetts, the financial landscape of 2024 was challenging. The co-owner, Emma Hollander, expressed feelings of stagnation during a tough period. The establishment had been delighting patrons with its Southern-themed bar food, such as hot dogs and fried chicken sandwiches, for 15 years. In response to the economic strain, the restaurant introduced a hot dog tower in January. This colorful two-tiered dish features five different hot dogs, fries, and sauce, all presented on Miller High Life-branded trays. The playfully arranged hot dogs, resembling a starburst, align perfectly with the bar’s whimsical aesthetic, characterized by cheerful messages crafted from childlike magnet letters on a refrigerator.
Initially conceived as a fun addition to the menu, the hot dog tower has quickly gained popularity, with Trina’s selling around 40 towers a night. Priced from $35, these towers are perfect as casual group snacks or as festive highlights during celebrations. Since fries and hot dogs were already among Trina’s best-sellers, the new menu item did not overextend the kitchen’s workload. “We’re not aiming for radical innovation, but we wanted to inject some fun into our offerings,” Hollander elaborates.
At Highroller Lobster Co. in Portland, Maine, the hot dog tower serves a similar strategic purpose. Co-owner Baxter Kay states that while lobster rolls remain more popular, hot dogs have carved out a loyal following among locals. The restaurant launched its own hot dog tower in January, featuring six corn dogs alongside six traditional hot dogs, fries, and sauces. This approach allows Highroller to optimize existing ingredients while catering to the preferences of regular customers while still retaining a seasonal fun element.
The emergence of the hot dog tower resonates with a broader trend identified by my colleague Jaya Saxena, termed “LOLfood.” This concept suggests that during times of uncertainty, people are drawn to uncomplicated, satisfying food experiences. The appeal lies in providing nostalgic comfort and playful engagement—be it oversized Goldfish or a vibrant hot dog tower. “After the election, everyone seemed to crave something that brought joy,” says Hollander.
Across the nation, the hot dog tower trend is gaining momentum. In Charleston, South Carolina, Sir Wieners popularized their own version, the “wiener tower,” featuring a three-tiered assembly of five specialty hot dogs, truffle fries, and a variety of sauces. The tower is designed to capture attention on social media, brought to tables with servers brandishing sparklers—an aesthetic choice that aligns with contemporary dining experiences. Sir Wieners’ owner, TJ Dinch, noted that their intention was to create a dish that would naturally attract attention online, which it successfully did, with one promotional video garnering nearly 8 million views on Instagram.
Wally’s Wieners in Newport, Rhode Island, also embraced this trend, offering a hot dog tower among other bold culinary items, including a giant espresso martini. These visually striking dishes are curated for the TikTok generation, capitalizing on their shareability. This entertaining aspect of dining not only draws customers in but also provides them with an outlet for creative expression online.
The hot dog tower also appeals for its affordability in contrast to more elaborate dishes. For instance, Highroller’s generous serving of six hot dogs and corn dogs, along with fries and sauce, is priced at $75, significantly less than its seafood tower, which costs $105. Meanwhile, a specialty hot dog tower at Sir Wieners is available for approximately $60. For patrons seeking a fun dining experience without breaking the bank, these options present an enticing alternative.
Despite their fun and casual nature, hot dog towers typically feature familiar, no-frills ingredients. At Trina’s, hot dogs come from Kayem, notable for their Fenway Franks, while Highroller opts for red snappers sourced from local Shields Meats.
For Dinch, the intention behind the hot dog tower is to elevate a humble food item by presenting it in a way that transforms it into a high-end experience. The addition of sparklers and attentive service enhances the vibe, promising diners a rich atmosphere that belies the tower’s straightforward nature.
While the hot dog tower began as a simple concept, it has created unexpected demands. Hollander initially envisioned them as straightforward constructions reminiscent of cupcake stands, but co-owner Josh Childs suggested a more robust design, leading to a surge in production as they quickly became a staple of the menu. “He started with three towers but is now crafting more to keep up with the demand,” Hollander shares.
In bustling venues, the hot dog tower captures attention much like sizzling fajitas, becoming a must-have for those in the restaurant. “When it’s served, people can’t help but exclaim, What’s that? I want one.” Hollander says, illustrating the draw of this new food item.
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