The iconic hot dog-shaped vehicle that has been traveling across the country for decades has returned to its original name of the Wienermobile, after a short-lived attempt to rebrand it as the Frankmobile.
Why the name change?
In May 2023, Oscar Mayer announced that it was changing the name of the Wienermobile to the Frankmobile, as a way to celebrate its new recipe of 100% beef franks. The company said that the name change was meant to pay homage to the “frankly delicious” taste of its products, and to appeal to a younger generation of consumers.
However, the name change did not go over well with many fans of the Wienermobile, who felt that it was losing its charm and identity. Some even started a petition to bring back the original name, which gathered over 10,000 signatures in a few days.
How did Oscar Mayer respond?
Oscar Mayer listened to the feedback from its loyal customers and decided to revert the name back to the Wienermobile on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023. The company announced the news on its Instagram account, saying that it had missed the “BUNderful icon” and asked its followers to help welcome back the Wienermobile.
The company also released a statement saying that it appreciated the passion and enthusiasm of its fans, and that it was proud of both its Wienermobile and its Frankmobile. It said that it would continue to innovate and improve its products, while staying true to its heritage and legacy.
What is the history of the Wienermobile?
The Wienermobile was created in 1936 by Oscar Mayer’s nephew, Carl Mayer, who wanted to promote the company’s hot dogs in a fun and eye-catching way. The first Wienermobile was a 13-foot-long metal vehicle that resembled a hot dog on a bun. Since then, the Wienermobile has gone through several iterations and upgrades, and now there are six different models that travel across the country.
The Wienermobile is driven by specially trained drivers known as Hotdoggers, who are selected from thousands of applicants every year. The Hotdoggers are responsible for spreading joy and goodwill wherever they go, as well as handing out coupons, stickers, and whistles shaped like mini-Wienermobiles.
One of the most famous Hotdoggers in history is former U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan, who drove the Wienermobile for a summer while he was in college.
Where can you see the Wienermobile?
The Wienermobile is always on the move, visiting various events and locations across the country. You can track its whereabouts on its official website, or follow it on social media. You can also request the Wienermobile to visit your town or event by filling out an online form.
If you are lucky enough to see the Wienermobile in person, you can take a picture with it, get inside it, and learn more about its history and features from the Hotdoggers. You might even get a chance to honk its horn, which plays the Oscar Mayer jingle.
The Wienermobile is more than just a vehicle; it is a symbol of American culture and nostalgia. It has been featured in movies, TV shows, books, and songs. It has also been involved in some memorable incidents, such as getting stuck in a tunnel, crashing into a house, or getting pulled over by a cop.
The Wienermobile is back to its original name, but it will always be a hot dog on wheels that brings smiles to people’s faces.