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July is National Hot Dog Month! So we tasked Houston Matters producer Edel Howlin with learning more about how this beloved summertime food is celebrated in Greater Houston.
We learn about the first major hot dog vendors in Houston – James and Tom Papadakis, the founders of James Coney Island. Find out why it was called James Coney Island and not Tom Coney Island.
We report on the Papadakis family's arrival in Houston, how JCI compares to other famous hot dog franchises (regional and national) around the country, but also how their attempts to rebrand themselves over the last couple of years may or may not be working so well.
We also hear from our panel of Houston food writers from The Full Menu, who discuss their favorite hot dogs in Greater Houston.
MORE:
Dogs of Yore (Houstonia Magazine, July 1, 2013)
Memories of James Coney Island at 1011 Walker and a Special Deal (Houston Chronicle, Aug. 16, 2012)
