Hot Dog Day is the perfect time to heat things up with a little workplace fun.
And what better way to bring employees together than a themed gathering? It’s held on the third Wednesday in July each year.
This tasty celebration is more than just an excuse to eat a classic American favorite. It is a chance to build camaraderie, reward your team, and put some fun and joy into your company culture.
Hot Dogs have come a long way! Whether your team prefers meat or plant-based treats, there are plenty of ways to celebrate this quirky holiday in a way that everyone can enjoy.
Let’s explore how you can turn National Hot Dog Day into a memorable moment of gratitude and appreciation, from themed events and creative gift ideas to a bit of fun history.
National Hot Dog Day was established by the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council in 1991.
It is typically celebrated on the third Wednesday of July, though some local events may vary. The day was created to honor the enduring popularity of hot dogs and to spotlight the iconic nature of hot dogs.
Over the years, National Hot Dog Day has become a celebration embraced by vendors, families, and food lovers across the country. And now, more and more workplaces are jumping on board, using the occasion to boost morale and spice up summer office life.
Workplace celebrations, even for lighthearted occasions like Hot Dog Day, go a long way toward:
• Building team spirit
• Recognizing employee contributions
• Breaking up the work routine with something fun
• Fostering inclusivity through shared experiences
The best part is that it can be simple and low-cost while still having a meaningful, positive impact.
Custom logoed items make a lasting impression. With thousands of branded merchandise options to choose from, you can deliver personalized items directly to your employees—on demand. That means no inventory waste, no guessing about bulk ordering, and no shipping to the wrong addresses. Every item is created, packed, and shipped just for them, making it easy to show appreciation with precision and impact.
Gift and Incentive Ideas
Make the event extra special by offering themed gifts or small perks that employees can enjoy during and after the celebration.
Affordable and Fun Gifts:
Here are some simple ways your organization can have a little bit of fun on National Hot Dog Day while expressing gratitude and building engagement:
Host a Hot Dog Bar Lunch
Set up a hot dog bar in the break room or outdoors. Provide a variety of toppings and let employees customize their creations. Think beyond ketchup and mustard—offer sauerkraut, jalapeños, pickles, relish, coleslaw, grilled onions, chili, and cheese.
Pro Tip: Include several types of dogs—classic beef, turkey, plant-based, and veggie links—so everyone feels welcome at the table.
Let employees suggest what toppings they want to include in the feast.
Mmmm! This is a tasty hot dog!
“Top Dog” Awards
Take this opportunity to recognize star employees. Create fun awards such as:
Give winners small trophies or themed gifts like hot dog socks or grill kits.
Recognize employee achievements during both live and online events.
Hot Dog Eating Contest (or Not)
Not every workplace is ready for a full-on eating contest, but you can keep it lighthearted with trivia or relay races involving hot dog-themed props. If you do go the eating route, make sure participation is voluntary and all food is available in both meat and plant-based options.
Creative Contest: Dress the Dog
Have employees decorate fake hot dogs using craft supplies. Or have your team create their own special hot dogs and toppings to be judged in a “best of” contest. Offer small prizes for the most creative, tasty or hilarious entries.
Lunch and Learn with a Twist
Pair your celebration with a 30-minute session on business topics – or bring in folks to talk about nutrition, grilling safety, and even the cultural history of summer foods. Keep it fun and include door prizes and contest prizes for attendees.
Incentive Programs
If your workplace uses a recognition platform, offer bonus points for participating in the event, submitting photos, or completing fun challenges.
Let employees redeem their points for food-related experiences like cooking classes, picnic gear, or digital gift cards to grocery or meal delivery services.
Add a Charitable Angle
Turn your celebration into a chance to give back. Collect donations for a local food pantry or animal shelter. You could also:
Donate a meal for every hot dog served.
Host a raffle where proceeds go to a hunger relief organization.
Encourage employees to bring in canned goods in exchange for raffle entries or fun accessories.
Celebrating National Hot Dog Day does not mean excluding anyone. With the rise in plant-based eating, it is easier than ever to create an inclusive event with vegetarian and vegan hot dogs!
Tasty Ideas:
Pro Tip: Label everything clearly so people can choose what fits their preferences or dietary restrictions.
The hot dog, though characteristically American today, has roots that stretch back centuries.
Long before it became a staple at summer cookouts and baseball games, the hot dog was already making a name for itself in Europe.
Most food historians trace the origins of the modern hot dog to European sausages, particularly the frankfurter from Frankfurt, Germany, and the wienerwurst from Vienna, Austria. These sausages were usually made from a mix of pork and beef, they were easy to cook and even easier to eat.
German immigrants brought their love of sausage and sausage-making traditions to the United States in the 1800s. These finely seasoned meats, especially frankfurters and wieners, quickly became popular in American cities thanks to their bold flavor and easy preparation.
The hot dog bun is credited to a clever baker who figured out that selling sausages in a soft roll made them easier to eat on the go without the need for a knife and fork. That simple invention is probably what turned the sausage into the modern hot dog.
By the late 19th century, hot dogs started popping up at baseball games, fairs, and street carts across the country. One of the most famous names in hot dog history is Nathan’s Famous, which started on Coney Island in 1916. That little stand helped turn the hot dog into a true American icon.
In 2023 Americans spent more than $8 Billion on hot dogs and sausages in US Supermarkets.
Americans eat an estimated 20 billion hot dogs each year — that’s about 70 hot dogs per person!
(see National Hot Dog and Sausage Council for more- https://hot-dog.org/)
During the Fourth of July weekend, roughly 150 million hot dogs are consumed in the United States.
That’s enough hot dogs to stretch from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles more than five times!
Los Angeles residents consume more hot dogs than any other city.
The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council publishes a list of companies and vendors that offer special Hot Dog Day deals and promotions. While they are not really “free” hot dogs, you still might find a suitable bargain.
National Hot Dog Day Deals:
National Hot Dog Day might seem a bit silly at first glance, but in today’s hybrid work environments, every opportunity to create connection counts.
With a little planning and creativity, this summer celebration can help your team feel appreciated and connected.
Whether your employees prefer mustard or relish, meat or plants, the real purpose of the day is simple: bring people together with something fun.
So fire up the grill, break out the toppings, and give your team a celebration that reminds them they are valued.
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