Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
RC Willey is taking the dog days of summer literally this year — by bringing back one of its most iconic traditions for one day only.
In celebration of National Hot Dog Day on July 16, all RC Willey locations will be serving free hot dogs to shoppers, reviving a beloved tradition that dates back more than four decades.
A leading home furnishings and electronics retailer, RC Willey has long been known for offering more than just furniture. And it all started in 1982, when RC Willey began offering free hot dogs to Saturday shoppers at its original Syracuse and Murray stores. The idea was simple: give customers a snack, create a welcoming atmosphere and make furniture shopping a little more fun. And boy did it work. The tradition quickly spread to all locations and became a weekend staple.
At its peak, RC Willey was giving away more than 600,000 hot dogs a year across its 11 stores in Utah, Idaho, and Nevada. The company even experimented with other food giveaways, but none were as popular as the hot dog.
"We've even tried grapes and Mexican food giveaways before, but nothing works quite like hot dogs," said John Rogers, former director of advertising at RC Willey. "We normally ran out before 4 p.m."
But like many things, the tradition faded with the arrival of COVID-19. Health precautions and shifting priorities meant the grills went cold — and they've stayed that way ever since.
RC Willey employees admit that many customers still ask about the hot dogs — some with nostalgia, others with hope. Many remember it as a highlight of their weekend shopping trips, especially families with young kids who appreciated the free snack and the extra time to browse.
Now, for one day only, RC Willey is bringing it all back
Free hot dogs will be available at all RC Willey locations on Wednesday, July 16, from 4 to 6 p.m., while supplies last.
Whether you're reliving a favorite memory or discovering the tradition for the first time, it's a chance to enjoy a bite of RC Willey history — and maybe even find that perfect new piece of furniture while you're at it.
