As many of you know, Burger King announced the addition of a grilled hot dog to their menu using the signature flame grilling technique we all love so much. When reading the news reports of this in early February, I was giddy with excitement. The date for the ‘Grilled Dogs’ menu addition was announced to be February 23rd, so I marked that date on the calendar and made my plans.

Monday, February 22nd was, as usual, a busy day at the studio, sketching and drawing. But I could hardly keep myself focused on the assignments at hand thinking and dreaming of the Hot Dog lunch launch on the morrow. Wrapping up the day of work much later than hoped, I went directly to the nearest Burger King and set up camp. A comfortable beach chair (reclining), a little cooler with some water and snacks, plus a blanket and pillow. It was a little past midnight by the time I got to the restaurant and was somewhat surprised that no one else was as yet there, but happy that I was first in line. Right next to the door is where I set myself, all ready for an exciting nights adventure anticipating the Grilled Dog for lunch.

No other people arrived in the next hour or so, but figured they would start rolling in soon and surely by morning light the people would be lined up around the block.

At some point I nodded off and awoke a little after 10AM, shivering cold. Looking around, I notice there were still no line and then realised ‘Oh my!’ I slept through the opening and everybody passed me by and gone inside to get their hot dogs!

Quickly I broke camp, and hustled into the restaurant to join the excitement of the Grilled Dog debut. The warmth inside was welcome, and I swiftly got in line to order. A couple of folks ahead of me were ordering coffee and Criossan’wiches, and when it was my turn, I got the ‘Classic Grilled Dog’ meal. Trembling with excitement when my number was called, I  picked up the order,  gave thanks for the meal, unwrapped the hot dog and took a bite. Absolutely delicious! I knew then and there that the chilly night outside was worth the effort and wait.

Before leaving, I went up to the manager and told her what a delicious hot dog it was, and asked how the premier of the Grilled Dog launch had gone. She looked at me a bit puzzled and said that they had added the Grilled Dogs to the menu last week and people seemed to like them just fine.