Program

Legends & Lore®

Subject

Folklore

Location

53 W High St, Carlisle, PA 17013, USA

Lat/Long

40.20184, -77.19132

Grant Recipient

Destination Carlisle, Inc.

Since the late 1930s, Hot-Chee Dogs have been a cherished part of the food culture in Carlisle, PA. Sometimes simply called hotchees, this localized version of the chili-cheese dog was first served up by Greek immigrant Charles Kollas at The Hamilton Restaurant in downtown Carlisle. Kollas was the original owner of The Hamilton, part of the community’s “Greek Row,” where many Greek-owned establishments were located. Community members still recall stories about Kollas speedily working in the restaurant’s front window with hot dogs running up his arm just to keep up with demand.

Over the decades, Hot-Chee Dogs have captured the interest and appetites of residents and visitors alike. This Carlisle favorite has also taken center stage as a “must-try” dish on numerous food websites and blogs. Destinationcarlisle.com describes the dish as:

The Hotchee Dog is basically a souped-up chili dog using Hamilton’s secret recipe meat sauce, which makes all the difference. In the skilled hands of Athan, who slings dogs at the front counter, a Hotchee Dog is created when a regular hot dog bun is topped with a plump flat-grilled hot dog, covered with a slice of American cheese, slathered in Hotchee sauce, squirted with mustard, and piled high with diced onions.