Visit to New England Hot Dog Company, Freehold, NJ

RE: Visit to New England Hot Dog Company, Freehold, NJ (Foodbme)

Sat, 25 Jun 2011 03:37:16 GMT

They are looking to expand the New England Hot Dog brand in the following areas: Boston, Philadelphia, New Jersey and Connecticut. Wanta buy a Franchise? They're currently trying to sell 218 of them on the east coast.
From their CareerBuilder Ad:
Requirements
To be considered for a New England Hot Dog franchise, you should have the following attributes and financial requirements:
Financial
$75,000 minimum liquid assets available
Outside income or source of personal funds for personal living expenses during 1st 12 months of operation
Operational
Ability and desire to be involved in the business
Strong community oriented individual – willing and able to get out in community andbusiness/lunch market and drive awareness
Passionate about product and segment
Can follow the NE Hot Dog operating system
Ability to manage a team of people and lead by example
Available by state:
Massachusetts (60)
New Jersey (43)
New Hampshire (24)
Maine (22)
Rhode Island (20)
Connecticut (19)
Vermont (12)
Pennsylvania (11)
Delaware (4)
South Carolina (3)

RE: Visit to New England Hot Dog Company, Freehold, NJ (John Fox)

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:48:54 GMT

Would that be their beef and pork or all beef? The beef and pork dog from Boars Head is nothing special but the all beef is excellent. I think here they might serve both. From what I remember reading the all beef offering is skinless and prepared on a roller grill. In my opinion you might as well go to a movie theatre.

I have yet to visit this place. I was going to go for the purpose of trying a Maple Leaf brand frank which they were supposed to get early last year. I do like to go to a place and sample the dogs for myself like I tell everyone else to do. But from what I've read here and heard about this place, I don't have high hopes.

RE: Visit to New England Hot Dog Company, Freehold, NJ (John Sagi)

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:37:10 GMT

I was talking to Mike from New England Hot Dog Company and mentioned the grill and if he had a regular grill. He said not at this time but had one ordered and it should arrive tomorrow and be working within a day or so.

I also asked about the Maple Leaf Hot Dogs and he said he don't have them and is using Boars Head instead.

RE: Visit to New England Hot Dog Company, Freehold, NJ (MiamiDon)

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 05:12:21 GMT

DPuro329

I've gone twice and don't love it there. I think there are so many hot joints that are so much better in NJ although I can't speak for hot dogs in FL. I've felt that their vast amount of hot dog types and toppings takes away from them. They are trying to please everybody (as all corporate chains try to do) and I don't think they do any of them exceptionally well. For the one in NJ I thought the New England theme was a bit out of place I can only imagine what it'll be like in Miami.

Dave

I hear what you are saying about NJ, but in this county it's not so. One year ago, there were nine places specializing in hot dogs. As of today, there are five, and one of those is in a mall food court. If NEHC wants to open here, I'm all for more choices, I guess.

Anyway, I drove by yesterday, and they are a LONG way from opening - the new-construction strip mall is not even closed-in yet.

For anyone who cares, it is in Richmond Heights one block north of Coral Reef Drive on 117th Ave, behind the Shell station on the right. Perhaps not the best nighttime location.

RE: Visit to New England Hot Dog Company, Freehold, NJ (DPuro329)

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:00:41 GMT

I've gone twice and don't love it there. I think there are so many hot joints that are so much better in NJ although I can't speak for hot dogs in FL. I've felt that their vast amount of hot dog types and toppings takes away from them. They are trying to please everybody (as all corporate chains try to do) and I don't think they do any of them exceptionally well. For the one in NJ I thought the New England theme was a bit out of place I can only imagine what it'll be like in Miami.

Dave

RE: Visit to New England Hot Dog Company, Freehold, NJ (Foodbme)

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 11:27:49 GMT

I just looked at their web site. It says, "HAVE IT GRILLED OR STEAMED ON YOUR CHOICE OF A GRILLED OR STEAMED ROLL." The banner on the first page of the site shows the dogs on a roller grill. So, I would say that's how they do it- roller grill. With the large variety of products they offer, I suspect that's the only way they could manage it.--- Or NOT. I guess if they had a flat top, they could just throw some of every product on there, keep them warm, and then as ordewred, kick them over to a hotter side of the flatop. Who knows until we see one in operation.

RE: Visit to New England Hot Dog Company, Freehold, NJ (MiamiDon)

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 10:49:28 GMT

Has anyone been to one of these lately? I just read an announcement that some franchisee has/had plans to open 15 of them in Miami-Dade county (which I think would be pretty bold). The New England Hot Dog Company web site indicates that at least one will be going in about two exits up the Turnpike from me (about ten minutes).

Has the roller grill usage been confirmed? Do they do that everywhere, or is it an option? That's not my favorite hot dog cooking method.

RE: Visit to New England Hot Dog Company, Freehold, NJ (ellen4641)

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 11:11:53 GMT

I hear you, John......as now I realize why my hot dog was'nt so HOT... it was that roller grill, huh?
(and I DO like a HOT hot dog)

RE: Visit to New England Hot Dog Company, Freehold, NJ (leethebard)

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 10:38:47 GMT

Thanks, John...I can't wait to hear your report.

RE: Visit to New England Hot Dog Company, Freehold, NJ (John Fox)

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 09:54:06 GMT

leethebard,

No, I haven't yet gotten to the New England Hot Dog Co. I was waiting until they got the Maple Leaf brand dog, one I haven't had. I'll call to see if they've gotten it. I'm sure they have it by now. I'll go with an open mind, but I'm not expecting anything great. I agree, it's all about the taste of the dog; I'm not big on toppings. I also believe preparation and temperature of the dog are important. As is a natural casing. Boars Head all beef is a fine dog, but it's not the best it can be if it's skinless, prepared on a roller grill, and not served hot enough. But I will get down there soon.

RE: Visit to New England Hot Dog Company, Freehold, NJ (leethebard)

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 09:31:18 GMT

John Fox, I wonder if you've gotten to New England Hotdog yet....I'd value your opinion before I take my family there....They seem so overpriced for what you get....no Shickhaus or Thumman's Natural casing...and oh those rollers! Before I drive out to Freehold,I'll go to the boardwalk at Pt. Pleasant or even Boardwalk Hotdog here in Brick...made the right way...on a grill, with a quality dog and a great bun...don't need tons of overpriced toppings...to me it is all about the taste of the dog!

RE: Visit to New England Hot Dog Company, Freehold, NJ (ShellysDawgHouse)

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 22:29:30 GMT

I only noticed a rolling one. But that reallys doesn't mean anything i was too busy trying to figure out what to have.

RE: Visit to New England Hot Dog Company, Freehold, NJ (David_NYC)

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 13:36:27 GMT

How are they grilling their natural casing dogs? All of the branches of this chain that have their menus posted on the corporate web site list a natural casing frank. The menu implies they will grill or steam for you. Both the corporate web site and the Asbury Park Press article inclide a photo of a roller grill. Are we sure they do not use flat grills? Maybe they only use the roller grill photo because it "looks better" than a picture of a flat grill.

If that Nathan's franchise in the food court at Manhattan Mall down on Herald Square can use a flat grill, why can't this pricy FF outlet?

RE: Visit to New England Hot Dog Company, Freehold, NJ (ShellysDawgHouse)

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 09:28:13 GMT

I like that you can get different types of dogs. I very rarely eat dirty water dogs if i can get a grilled hebrew national. I really wanted to try the brat as i posted and i was glad i did. (something different) i like an assortment of toppings myself but as i have lived and learned that doesn't go that well. the only thing i find people will try is when i make hot mango relish or jalepeno relish things like that, but not all the rest of the things. I even took bbq beans off my toppings list. Very rarely does anyone ask for it. I like to offer different things but as i said, rarely does it go that well except for the few things i mentioned. Even the grilled dogs i really don't sell often i actually end up eating them and i gotta tell ya, too many more of them and i won't fit in that truck!!!!
They are just sooooo good. I hope they make it. Time will tell. Price might be there problem.

RE: Visit to New England Hot Dog Company, Freehold, NJ (foobuc)

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 08:12:49 GMT

I think it is good that they opened and i hope they stay open. The place was clean when i was there and i think the more hot dog places, the better. Regardless of price, i have had plenty of dogs that tasted a lot worse. I like having alot of options when i am out on the road and want to have a dog...or two!!!

RE: Visit to New England Hot Dog Company, Freehold, NJ (leethebard)

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 07:46:11 GMT

Oops sorry John, While I was ranting and raving, didn't notice you posted the same article...I'd like to enjoy the fun of different dogs and lots of toppings...but I like a good natural casing dog...and yet the prices and lack of those dogs stop me. I'd love to hear from someone out there who'd compare a New England dog with mustard to one at Max's,Boardwalk Hot dog,or even The Windmill down the road a bit from this place...side by side...and really taste the dog!!!!!

RE: Visit to New England Hot Dog Company, Freehold, NJ (leethebard)

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 07:37:26 GMT

Here is a link to the Asbury Park Press article from thursday's paper. You can notice,they even hype the toppings here. If they'd only sell a great natural casing dog,they might have something for a real dog lover...but I doubt it!!

http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008803200553

As Shakespeare said : "Much Ado About Nothing" !!

RE: Visit to New England Hot Dog Company, Freehold, NJ (leethebard)

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 07:29:43 GMT

I saw those rollers...I agree 100%. For all the hype,this place,although just 20 minutes away from me,isn't worth the trip for me. This place,as I said last month, seems to use the toppings gimmick..and different brands of SKINLESS dogs...but those rollers. Never saw a serious hot dog place use those. And then, as people have reported,is the price! Why pay top dollar for a dog you could get much cheaper in countless other places? Are those toppings going to lure people back????The cost of the hot dog should be in the hot dog!!!Must be great profit in this...how much added expense comes from toppings??? Atmosphere...pictures show none,really.I'll stick to Boardwalk hot dogs in Brick or any Windmill, or if I drive, I'll go to Max's in Long Branch.
But boy is this place getting publicity..the Business section of the Asbury Park Press ran an article about their opening...go figure!

RE: Visit to New England Hot Dog Company, Freehold, NJ (ShellysDawgHouse)

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 06:46:32 GMT

John
Thank you for the info. on the brats. I will look into that. As i said, i am not an expert on brats but would love to try and offer them come the nicier weather. And like anything else i like to try different brands and make my decision from there.

RE: Visit to New England Hot Dog Company, Freehold, NJ (John Fox)

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 06:14:34 GMT

http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080320/BUSINESS/803200553/1003

This is a link to an article about the New England Hot Dog Company. As you can see in the picture grilled here means prepared on a roller grill. Not my favorite way to prepare a dog. To me grilling means a real grill or a flat griddle. Roller grills are for movie theatres and 7-11's. You can't grill a natural casing dog on one of these, which is why the NE Hot Dog Company uses skinless.

Shelly,

You mentioned getting brats for the summer. Let me suggest the Union Pork Store on Morris Ave. in Union. They have in my opinion (and a lot of others) the best brats around. I like them better than Usinger's from Milwaukee. Someone I know drives a couple hundred miles roundtrip from Pennsylvania to buy them. Worth checking out.

RE: Visit to New England Hot Dog Company, Freehold, NJ (ShellysDawgHouse)

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 21:11:21 GMT

I went to NE hot dog co. this afternoon and had no intention of going just had some biz down that way and saw it and decided on the way back up to stop and try it. I met Paul and introduced myself as a fellow hot dog person and we talked a bit. I must say this, at first i was overwhelmed by all the choices. (and don't get me wrong, i like choices but i was confused) but i decided on a grilled all beef with slaw and chili. ( which i liked but i would have liked just a bit more kick to the chili. but no biggy.) and the next i tryed the brat w/ipswich (sp)mustard and red pepper relish. I am NOT a expert on brats but i enjoyed it alot. He did tell me it was a boars head product and i liked it. but i am in the process of getting brats from a german butcher to try because i would like to do brats in the summer. so i figure after i try that i will be better to judge, but as i said i enjoyed it. They were very nice and i wish them luck but as another poster mentioned price is high. I too spent about 10.00 for a dog a brat and soda. Glad i went and i would probably go back if i were down there. Obviously, the dawg house was closed today.

RE: Visit to New England Hot Dog Company, Freehold, NJ (Camping dude)

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 20:00:24 GMT

I stopped by the New England hot dog shop. I tried 2 dogs the P&B grilled, and toasted, and a all beef kosher. The both of them were cool, and not piping hot,

I also ordered fries with chili & cheese, and the fries were soggy, not crisp. To be frank (no pun intended) for almost 10 bucks I'd rather take my chances at KFC or BK and have a dollar menu meal

RE: Visit to New England Hot Dog Company, Freehold, NJ (foobuc)

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 21:06:54 GMT

for me, what makes the NE style bun is when it is toasted slightly. Makes all the difference, imo. I have to get back there but i have been tied up with work and last week i was by there too early(930am) I hope to get there again in April.

RE: Visit to New England Hot Dog Company, Freehold, NJ (DPuro329)

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 11:00:45 GMT

I had a chance to eat at New England Hot Dog Co. in Freehold last weekend and was plesantly surprised. I'm of the same opinion as some others who aren't always crazy about places with multiple dogs who try to be everything to everybody. I had 2 dogs, both were the all beef kosher dogs and I had both buns steamed. On a side note I don't love the New England style bun but maybe it's just not what I'm used to. The first dog I had steamed with the Ipswich Ale mustand and relish. It was a very good dog. Perfectly heated, nice taste, and the mustard was nice too. On the second dog I had chili and cole slaw. Very messy but delicious. I like the combination of the two toppings, they balance each other nicely. I'm definately going to have to return again to sample some other dogs and toppings.

Dave

RE: Visit to New England Hot Dog Company, Freehold, NJ (David_NYC)

Sat, 23 Feb 2008 19:42:21 GMT

Thanks, signman. I forgot that there are a few Wegman's down in New Jersey.

RE: Visit to New England Hot Dog Company, Freehold, NJ (signman)

Sat, 23 Feb 2008 19:04:07 GMT

Wegmans sells a pretty good split top hot dog roll.

RE: Visit to New England Hot Dog Company, Freehold, NJ (David_NYC)

Sat, 23 Feb 2008 15:47:21 GMT

On the New England buns, both Freihofer and Pepperidge Farm make them. I believe distribution in the Freehold area is from depots supplied by Connecticut and upstate New York bakeries.

RE: Visit to New England Hot Dog Company, Freehold, NJ (Holly Moore)

Sat, 23 Feb 2008 10:01:16 GMT

I'm curious about the new england style bun. A few years back I was looking for a regular source in Philadelphia. Couldn't be found. Is he importing them or is a bakery making them just for him?

RE: Visit to New England Hot Dog Company, Freehold, NJ (leethebard)

Sat, 23 Feb 2008 09:40:22 GMT

Go down the road from this place, a few miles, and go to the windmill,They specialize in ONE dog..a large natural casing made just for them!!! or Go to Max's in Long Branch...super! or go to Boardwalk hot dogs in Brick for natural casing Schikhaus,,,,,all superior t Sabrett. If that owner wants a real hot dog sold in Jersey...he should start with a great Natural casing dog like the ones available all over Jersey...or he won't compete...even with the "gimmick" of all those toppings. Great toppings won't hide an average dog!

RE: Visit to New England Hot Dog Company, Freehold, NJ (John Fox)

Sat, 23 Feb 2008 06:40:00 GMT

Sometimes the owner or manager has heard of me. Usually I just tell whoever I'm speaking to that I really enjoy hot dogs and that I'm willing to travel for a good one and proceed to ask if they can give me some information.