This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Pink's Loses Bet And Pays For 108 Hot Dogs At Chicago's Wiener's Circle

Well, the Dodgers lost, which means that Clayton Kershaw's post-season demons will continue to hound him for another season. What it also means is that, by extension, Wiener's Circle now have a lot of reason to gloat.
A quick recap. During the National League Championship Series, Chicago's Wiener Circle (which is known for their gruff manners) threw some Twitter shade at Pink's to hype up the budding L.A./Chicago rivalry. This resulted in a bet in which, if the Dodgers lost, Pink's would have to pay for 108 hot dogs that will be given away for free at Wiener's Circle. They will also donate to a charity of Wiener's Circle's choosing. Of course, the stakes would be flipped if the Cubs won.
Well, we all know what happened. And, on Tuesday, 108 patrons at Wiener's Circle were treated to a free Chicago-style hot dog, all thanks to Pink's.
Still have some more 🌭🌭 to give out. Come get them Chicago, @pinkshotdogs is paying! https://t.co/koMzgUI5St
— The Wieners Circle (@TheWienerCircle) October 25, 2016
p.s. you have to mention it to get it, like this guy @gtreethree just did. #freehotdogs #wienerscircle @redeyechicago @pinkshotdogs pic.twitter.com/AwxykLDM9z
— The Wieners Circle (@TheWienerCircle) October 25, 2016
Let us touch upon a couple things that are bugging us. It's totally Wiener Circle's M.O. to make this harder than it has to be. Initially, what they'd said was that the FIRST 108 customers would get a free dog:
FREE HOT DOGS for first 108 customers on Tuesday, and the best part is it's on @pinkshotdogs!! Thank you!! #gocubsgo #FlyTheW #worldseries https://t.co/Og1gRw9CLK
— The Wieners Circle (@TheWienerCircle) October 23, 2016
But now they're turned around to say that patrons have to mention the bet to get the free hot dog. Kind of inconsistent, ain't it? Not everyone is in-the-know about the bet. This is perhaps why, even at about 3 p.m. Chicago time, they still had some free dogs lying around:
still got em?
— Chitownconnections (@chitownstarcon) October 25, 2016
We do. Come get it @chitownconnections. And how about a song while you're at it too https://t.co/Vl1xmu30Kn
— The Wieners Circle (@TheWienerCircle) October 25, 2016
Also, when the Cubs clinched their spot in the World Series, Pink's was pretty courteous about it and gave a shout-out to the long-suffering team:
Congratulations! Now go getem' n the #WorldSeries! Stop by @TheWienerCircle, @SteveBartman03 Tuesday..#ChicagoDogs on us @ #PinksHotDogs https://t.co/RfJniQ9AaD
— Pink's Hot Dogs (@pinkshotdogs) October 23, 2016
Wiener's Circle, though, really wanted to drive home the point:
OH, and let's not forget the $1,908 you will be giving to @CubsJoeMadd charity!!! @pinkshotdogs you are a good sport but #betterlucknextyear https://t.co/Al8s3qxVqp
— The Wieners Circle (@TheWienerCircle) October 23, 2016
And, inexplicably, they kept dogging on us (pun intended) even though everything went their way:
What are they dodging? Winning?
— The Wieners Circle (@TheWienerCircle) October 23, 2016
It's no big deal to Pink's, however. They even seemed to embrace the whole thing.
It's time 2 pay up 4 us! Wish we could have a #ChicagoDog 2day from @TheWienerCircle too! @ericgarcetti @MayorOfLA @CBSLA @CubsJoeMadd @Cubs https://t.co/kqA37E4KZI
— Pink's Hot Dogs (@pinkshotdogs) October 25, 2016
Anyway, such is the game of life (and baseball). Personally we're a little torn over here about the World Series. A part of us wants to see the Cubs top the Cleveland Indians and end their historic championship drought. Though, at the same time, we'd like to see a Cleveland hot dog stand take up a bet with Weiner's Circle (and win). Perhaps Cleveland's Happy Dog will take up the challenge?
Also, a parting note. You may be wondering about those seemingly-arbitrary figures that Pink's is shelling out. The numbers aren't so meaningless, actually. The 108 hot dogs are a nod to the 108 years that have passed since the Cubs last won the World Series. And the $1,908 dollars they'll be donating to manager Joe Maddon's charity is a reference to the last year they won it all: 1908.
-
How to get the best eggs in town without leaving your yard.
-
Beautiful views aren't the only thing drawing Angelenos to the region
-
Gab Chabrán reflects on growing up in L.A. in a Latino home that doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving and the traditions they formed instead.
-
Oklahoma-style smash burgers and Georgian dumplings make for some excellent cheap bites in Glendale
-
Husband and wife Felix Agyei and Hazel Rojas combine food from their heritages, creating a marriage of West African and Filipino cooking
-
Baby Yoda cocktails. Boozy Dole Whips. Volcanic tiki drinks. If you can dream it, they're probably mixing it somewhere on property.