The inaugural Owensboro Hot Dog Week has announced its lineup of participating businesses, with approximately 30 restaurants, food trucks, bakeries, and dessert shops set to take part in the weeklong event, set for June 27 through July 5. The event will feature specialty hot dogs, Americana-inspired desserts, competitions, and fundraising efforts benefiting local veterans organizations.
Founded by Spenser Clark, Owensboro Hot Dog Week will see participating businesses offer featured menu items throughout the nine-day event, with $1 from every item sold being donated to charity. The majority of proceeds will benefit Veterans Empowered Together (V.E.T.), with funds supporting veteran programs and efforts to install a downtown monument honoring female veterans.
The event includes three divisions: the “All-American Dog” category for entries priced under $8 before tax, a gourmet category for premium hot dog creations, and the “As American As…” dessert category featuring classic American-inspired sweets. Judges will select winners in each division, and organizers are exploring a People’s Choice component as well.
Participating businesses include:
All-American Dog
- 54 Pizza West
- Beef O’Brady’s
- Ben’s Soft Pretzels
- Benski’s
- Black Flame Cartel
- Drake’s
- Kluckies
- Nathan’s Famous
- Simply Momma T’s
- The Creme
Gourmet Dog
- Antojitos Agape
- Big Whiskey’s
- Blandford’s Family BBQ
- Gunny’s Shack
- Hillbilly’s BBQ
- J’s Good Grub
- Lure Seafood and Grille
- Lure Smoke Shack
- Montago’s Tasty Tings
- Nathan’s Famous
- Primal Craft Dogz
- The Sweet Spot
As American As… Dessert
- 54 Pizza East
- Bluegrass Bourbon Dessert Bar
- Doozie Doez
- The Creme
- Madeline’s Specialty Sweets
- Niko’s Bakery
- Perfectly Artisanal
- Primal Craft Coffee Co.
- Wonder Whip
Additionally, Brasher’s Little Nashville will participate outside of the competition. They are hosting a hot dog bar throughout the event, offering ingredients to make your own Chicago, New York, Seattle, Carolina, Kansas City, Cincinnati, or Owensboro style dogs. Brasher’s and Kin’s Diner are both donating toward the cause, helping raise money for veterans.
Clark previously said the event was inspired by a desire to create a community food event that also gives back, particularly during the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration and Independence Day festivities.
An opening celebration is planned June 27 at The Lot on Fourth, where multiple food trucks are expected to participate and showcase their entries. Organizers are also working toward a hot dog eating contest as part of the week’s festivities.
Additional details, including menu items and voting information, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
