I found myself in the Shenandoah Valley around lunch time last Saturday. My timing was perfect because when I passed through Stuart’s Draft, there was a Sam’s Hot Dog Stand along Rt. 340. I ordered 2 all-beef franks, a bag of chips and a Pepsi and it was the tastiest $6 I’ve ever spent.
I adore Sam’s Hot Dogs.
I think Sam’s started in their little hole in the wall on Main Street in Waynesboro. The tiny restaurant is about as wide as an ordinary tool shed, but they dole out big meals. Sam’s now has over 50 franchises in several states. All I know is that whenever I see one, I stop and place an order.
To me, the Sam’s hot dogs closely rival the very best hot dogs in the world found at Jim’s Drive-In in Lewisburg, WV, my hometown.
Like Jim’s Drive-In, the slaw at Sam’s is sweet and creamy, the onions are sweet, and the chili sauce is perfect. Add a pair of great, all-beef dogs and it ranks right up there with the best thing you can put in your mouth.
I wish we had a Sam’s Franchise in Charlottesville. I would be a regular customer for sure, but it’s always a special treat to find an outlet, pull in and devour a couple of great Sam’s hot dogs.