Stewart’s Original Hot Dogs still operates out of its original 1932 location near Marshall University in Huntington, W.Va. (Credit: Ken Drenten)

By Ken Drenten

Stewart’s Original Hot Dogs is an institution in Huntington, W.Va., a community just across the Ohio River that is unique for its love for hot dogs and root beer. Stewart’s was the first hot dog drive-in founded in an area that now has a number of famed hot dog restaurants.

The family-run restaurant was founded in 1932 with a small drive-in near the Marshall University campus. A small piece of land was purchased, and a tiny orange building was built that still stands today.

The 1932 menu consisted of Stewart’s Root Beer and popcorn. Soon hot dogs were added to the menu along with a family recipe chili sauce. Today, the menu includes a variety of hot dogs and toppings, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, BBQ beef and pork sandwiches, sides, sodas, and hand-dipped ice cream, floats and shakes.

Stewart’s Original Hot Dogs continues to operate today from the same small orange building, and that original recipe sauce is a closely-guarded family secret down to the fourth generation of owners.

Stewart’s survived the Great Depression, World War II and increased competition from big chain fast-food restaurants beginning in the 1960s. To meet this challenge, from 1979 to 1998, the family-owned restaurant added more locations in the Huntington area.

A catering division was also added, as well as a website that allows customers to order Stewart’s hot dogs to be delivered anywhere in the world. Orders have been fulfilled to all 50 states as well as to Germany, Italy, Iraq and South Korea.

Stewart’s, in collaboration with other local businesses, founded The West Virginia Hot Dog Festival in 2005, held the last Saturday of July as a community hospital fundraiser.

John Mandt Jr., the family’s fourth generation owner, now operates the business along with his children — who may become the fifth generation of the family to carry on the Stewart’s tradition in Huntington.

Stewart’s Original Hot Dogs drive-ins are located at 2445 Fifth Ave., Huntington (304) 529-3647, and at 1025 Oak St., Kenova (304) 453-3647.

Looking to follow the hot dog trail in Huntington? Here’s where else you can go for a great hot dog.

Farley’s Famous Hot Dogs – Farley’s has famous hot dogs, homemade root beer, and much more. Established in 1968. 201 Midland Trail, Hurricane.

Frostop Drive-In – Established in 1959, stop in for a great hot dog and a cold Frostop root beer. 1449 Hal Greer Blvd., Huntington. Look for the iconic giant rotating root beer mug on the roof. See website for more Frostop locations, and read more in a previous Dusty Tires blog post.

Hillbilly Hot Dogs – This quirky, funky place serves up gourmet hotdogs and burgers with down-home charm. The décor could be described as hillbilly heaven. Opened in 1999, it’s been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

Midway West Drive-In – This classic drive-in, established in 1939, is a Huntington tradition and has been featured on the Food Network. Hot dogs, corn dogs, burgers, BBQ and a variety of sandwiches and sides, plus homemade milkshakes, sundaes and floats. 445 Sixth Ave. W., Huntington.

Sam’s Hot Dog Stand – Begun from a single stand in Huntington, Sam’s has been cranking out hot dogs with its original chili sauce since 1983. Now there are numerous locations in West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky and North Carolina. Huntington locations are at 526 Camden Road and 2885 Fifth Ave.

Read more: Frostop Drive In is worth the drive to Huntington, W.Va. – Sept. 17, 2024, Dusty Tires

Read about more drive-in restaurants in Dusty Tires.

Ken Drenten is creator and editor of Dusty-Tires.com, a travel blog for out-of-the-ordinary places in Ohio.

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