SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Twenty years ago, BYU student Jayson Edwards pawned his Fender Telecaster to start a 10×10 hot dog shack. Since then, his idea has expanded into several locations across the state and has become a staple at many major Utah stadiums.
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, J. Dawgs wants to give back to fans. According to a press release, on June 25, J. Dawgs will give away free hot dogs at its eight brick-and-mortar locations. Hot dogs will be limited to one per person, as long as supplies last, so people are encouraged to get there early.
The release states that the original vision for J. Dawgs was simple — to “create a place where food is crafted fresh daily using the finest high-quality ingredients.”
“Great food shared with a friend is hard to beat,” Edwards said.
Since its start, J. Dawgs has maintained that idea, growing throughout the last two decades, and surviving through the challenges that arose during the pandemic.
“Without the support of the community and government programs, there’s a good chance we might not be here today celebrating,” said Edwards. “The loyalty that people feel for the brand is not lost on us.”
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J. Dawgs is celebrating 20 years by giving back with free hot dogs on June 25. (J. Dawgs) -
J. Dawgs is celebrating 20 years by giving back with free hot dogs on June 25. (J. Dawgs) -
J. Dawgs is celebrating 20 years by giving back with free hot dogs on June 25. (J. Dawgs)
In a video reflecting on the start and success of J. Dawgs, Edwards said he served a church mission in Toronto, Canada, where he would often visit street vendors. He said when we went to BYU, he noticed there wasn’t anything like that and thought “Why not start a hot dog shack?”
Edwards opened the first J. Dawgs location in 2004 — a bright red shack in Provo. The love for J. Dawgs was prevalent since the beginning, as the line at that shack would go out to the sidewalk and around the corner. Edwards said it holds many dear memories, including when he met his now-wife at the pick-up window.
“All these families out on blankets and just enjoying themselves, that’s why we do it. To bring people together,” he said.
The popular menu at J. Dawgs includes Polish and beef hot dogs, freshly baked buns, special sauce, and a range of condiments to add that perfect, finishing touch.
“The secret sauce, the hot dogs, the buns, and the toppings are all next level,” said Ramona Cutri, a long-time J. Dawgs customer. “But what I think really makes J. Dawgs taste so good is the kindness and happiness from the employees when we go there”.
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