What they're packin': Hot dogs from all over the US and beyond. The menu features over 20 varieties of dogs and gourmet sausages as well as fresh made fries, coleslaw and potato salad. In addition to the 17 listed types of dogs and the five variations of sausages, you also create your own or choose from one of the rotating specials.
What you need to know: This isn't your run-of-the-mill hot dog cart. Owner Paul Cionczyk will serve franks from local sausage maker Shreiner's Fine Sausages and use locally baked brioche buns. Order up a Chicago classic "dragged through the garden" -- mustard, onion, "neon green relish," tomato, pickles, pepper and celery salt. Or you could opt for something more exotic like the "Frenchie" served with brie, Dijon mustard, and pear.
Read more about Epic after the jump.
The story: After traveling extensively and seeing the wide variety of hot dogs the world has to offer, Cionczyk decided to bring them all together to create one epic hot dog experience. Originally from Chicago, Cionczyk felt the 9-to-5 grind just wasn't for him, so he ditched the suit for a bright blue hot dog makin' machine.
Where'd you get the name? PC: The word "epic" had been thrown around a lot so it just seemed like the right fit. (The sword toting K9 gracing the side of the green and blue truck is fittingly named Epic as well.)Culinary background: Cionczyk worked in operations and marketing for a large restaurant chain but Epic Hot Dogs will be his first formal foray into the kitchen side of things. He'll be the one roasting up the fanciful frankfurters, at least in the beginning. Is he nervous for his kitchen debut? "No!"
Have you had any issues getting it off the ground?
PC: Not too much. The key is staying organized. That makes it manageable.
Are you concerned about how people will take to the truck?
PC: Not really, I mean the truck looks clean and it has all new equipment so I think people will recognize that it's above and beyond the usual standard. I think it's clear that it's a more gourmet route.
Epic Hot Dogs will be serving at Cycle on Thursday Sept. 22 in an event with Four Peaks Brewery -- reserve seats here. In addition to private events, you can find a calendar of locations on the Epic website; like them on Facebook here and follow their Twitter here.
