How Michigan Became the Birthplace of America’s Favorite Hot Dog

As a Michigander, what brand comes to mind when you think of a hot dog? If you’re from the Great Lakes State—especially the Flint area or Mid-Michigan—you’d probably say Koegel’s. From Viennas and Frankfurters to Smokey Links and ring bologna, the Vehicle City-based company has captured the taste buds of countless Michigan natives.

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But did you know another world-famous hot dog brand also started right here in Michigan? And to make things even more interesting, a Michigan State Senator has family ties to that company.

The Birth of Ballpark Franks in Michigan's Motor City

When you head to a Detroit Tigers baseball game, you expect nothing less than a Ballpark Frank—the brand famously known for frankfurters that “plump when you cook ’em.” They might not be served at every MLB stadium, but with a name like “Ballpark,” it’s no surprise the brand is rooted in baseball.

In fact, Ballpark Franks’ history is tied specifically to Michigan. Hygrade Food Products signed a deal to be the exclusive hot dog provider for Tiger Stadium, home of the Detroit Tigers, in 1957. Fans raved about the new franks, and by 1959, demand grew for a way to take that Tigers ballpark flavor home. According to ballparkbrand.com, after just one weekend of brainstorming, the name and marketing for Ballpark Franks were born. Soon, the bigger, juicier franks were flying off grocery store shelves across Metro Detroit.

The story starts with Jewish Russian immigrant Samuel Slotkin and co-founder Isidor Chorney, who created the Hygrade Provision Company in New York. Slotkin moved the company’s headquarters to Detroit in 1949, and less than a decade later, Ballpark Franks secured their place as a top-selling hot dog brand.

Ballpark Franks’ Rise to the Top

As of 2025, Ballpark Franks remain the top-selling hot dog in America, with $125.37 million in sales, according to Accio. And yes, Michigan State Senator Elyssa Slotkin is a proud descendant of Samuel Slotkin. She even talked about it last night on the soon-to-be-canceled The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

A Senator and a Sandwich Debate

Much to my dismay, the Senator also claimed that a hot dog is not a sandwich. On this topic, I must wholeheartedly disagree.