The Original Hot Dog Factory, Made Famous on ‘Real Housewives,’ Plans Its First Philly Location

The Original Hot Dog Factory, a popular Georgia chain that got national attention thanks to appearances on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” is about to land in Philly. Franchise owner Aaron Anderson plans to open the first Philadelphia location of the hot dog specialist on Monday, February 17, a couple blocks north of City Hall at 15th and Cherry streets.

One of Eater Atlanta’s favorite hot dog spots, the Original Hot Dog Factory was born in 2010 outside the city in Smyrna, Georgia, and later opened in Atlanta’s Downtown. Dennis McKinley took it over in 2014 — he’s engaged to “Real Housewives” star Porsha Williams, which explains why the hot dog shop was in several episodes, including one where Williams worked a shift in the kitchen.

Following the “Real Housewives” boost, the Original Hot Dog Factory is now in rapid-expansion mode. More restaurants are planned for Atlanta, along with Brooklyn, Memphis, and Houston franchise locations slated to open in the next month or two, in addition to Philly. Detroit, Charlotte, Raleigh, and Cherry Hill will follow.

The Original Hot Dog Factory [official]

The shop sells all-beef hot dogs, Italian sausages, Polish sausages, chicken dogs, and soy-based veggie dogs with over 20 different topping combinations on the menu. The Detroit Coney is loaded up with chili, shredded cheese, and chopped onions, the Chicago Dog gets tomatoes, a pickle spear, sport peppers, sweet relish, onions, mustard, celery salt, and, of course, a poppy seed bun, and the LA Dog is wrapped in bacon and layered with lettuce, tomato, and mayo.

There’s also a jerk-seasoned chicken dog with grilled pineapples and a deep-fried Italian sausage with grilled bell peppers and onions.

Along with the abundance of hot dogs, the menu includes a grilled chicken sandwich, a burger, wings, corn dog nuggets, and loaded chili cheese fries with shredded bacon, jalapeno, green onions, and...diced hot dogs.

The Philly location will open early, at 7 a.m., for all your morning hot dog needs, and keep serving until 7 p.m.