This Iconic North Carolina Spot Serves Hot Dogs the Classic Way That Locals Adore
Shorty’s Famous Hot Dogs in North Carolina has earned its iconic status by keeping things simple and delicious.
Serving hot dogs the classic way, this spot has captured the hearts of locals who swear by every bite.
From perfectly grilled dogs to traditional toppings done just right, each visit is a comforting taste of nostalgia.
Its enduring popularity proves that when a recipe is done well, tradition and flavor will always win.
1. A Century of Family Tradition
Four generations of the Joyner family have kept Shorty’s flame burning bright since 1916. What started under Millard “Shorty” Joyner continues today with the same recipes and welcoming atmosphere.
The current owners still use grandpa’s techniques, serving customers who remember coming in with their own grandparents decades ago.
This family connection gives every hot dog a side of nostalgia that chain restaurants simply can’t replicate.
2. From Movie Snacks to Local Legend
Humble beginnings shaped this North Carolina institution when it started as a simple snack bar inside a movie theater. Moviegoers could grab a quick bite before catching the latest silent film of 1916.
Later, Millard “Shorty” Joyner expanded the concept, adding pool tables and a full lunch counter.
The theater eventually disappeared, but the hot dogs remained, proving that sometimes the side attraction becomes the main event.
3. The Perfect “All the Way” Formula
Locals know the magic words at Shorty’s: “all the way.” This simple phrase gets you a bright-red Jesse Jones hot dog topped with the holy trinity of mustard, homemade chili, and finely diced onions.
No fancy toppings or artisanal additions needed here. For those watching their diet, all-beef options are available too.
But regulars insist nothing beats the classic red hot – a tradition that’s remained unchanged for good reason.
4. Raleigh Area’s Restaurant Marathon Champion
Surviving world wars, the Great Depression, and countless food trends, Shorty’s holds the crown as the longest-running restaurant in the greater Raleigh area.
While flashier establishments have come and gone, this hot dog haven keeps serving. Economic downturns, changing tastes, and fast-food competition couldn’t topple this institution.
Their secret? Never changing what works. The menu remains simple, the prices fair, and the quality consistent – a business model that’s worked for over 100 years.
5. The Golf Legend’s Favorite Lunch Spot
Before becoming a golf superstar, Arnold Palmer was just another hungry college student at Wake Forest who fell in love with Shorty’s dogs. The love affair never ended.
In 2009, Palmer celebrated his 80th birthday with a return visit to his favorite hot dog joint. The staff still talks about how he remembered them and ordered his usual.
For a place that treats everyone equally, having a legend return speaks volumes about the food’s quality.
6. Where Time Stands Deliciously Still
Walking into Shorty’s feels like stepping through a time portal. The back room still houses the original pool tables where generations have chalked cues between bites of their dogs.
The walls overflow with memorabilia collected over a century – old photographs, newspaper clippings, and signed mementos from famous visitors.
Nothing gets removed, only added to, creating a living museum of Wake Forest history where you can eat the exhibits.
7. The Secret Chili That Launched a Thousand Cravings
Nobody outside the Joyner family knows exactly what goes into Shorty’s legendary homemade chili. This closely guarded recipe creates the perfect savory topping that’s neither too spicy nor too mild.
Regulars have tried for decades to guess the ingredients. Some swear there’s a hint of coffee, others insist it’s a special blend of peppers.
Whatever the secret, this chili has created a following that spans multiple states, with former locals making special trips just for a taste.