Slaw Dog Origin in American Food Culture

The slaw dog, a staple in American food culture, has a fascinating origin story. It's a dish that's deeply rooted in the country's barbecue traditions.

In the early 20th century, pitmasters in the Southern United States began serving a variation of the hot dog topped with coleslaw, which was made from shredded cabbage and mayonnaise. The combination was a game-changer.

This unique topping was likely inspired by the German immigrants who brought their own version of coleslaw to America. They called it "kohl", which is German for cabbage.

The slaw dog is a staple of West Virginia's hot dog joints, and its history is deeply rooted in the state's culture.

Marie Burell, owner of J's Grocery, has been serving up hot dogs with homemade slaw for over a decade.

The slaw is a key component of the slaw dog, and it's made with love and care by the hot dog vendors themselves.

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Marie's slaw is a perfect example of this, with gobs of mustard and thick-cut onions adding to the flavor and texture of the hot dog.

The slaw dog has been a mainstay of West Virginia's hot dog joints for generations, with profit margins being lower today than they were in the past.

Joshua Skeen's family used to make more money when they charged just ten cents per dog in 1953, but today at $1.90 for a fully loaded dog, profit margins are much lower.

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In North Carolina, slaw is considered a topping, not a side dish. It's meant to stay on top of the dog.

Proper decorum dictates that slaw is served on top of the dog, while stew and/or beans are side dishes that are optional.

The traditional ingredients of Carolina Slaw are finely chopped white cabbage, white vinegar, white sugar, and salt.

Here are the ingredients you won't find in traditional Carolina Slaw:

Remember, the key to traditional Carolina Slaw is its simplicity and focus on finely chopped white cabbage.

Marie Burell's hot dog at J's Grocery in Kegley, West Virginia, is a chili-slathered, slaw-capped representation of herself.

The hot dog joint has been in business for thirty years, but the Burrells have struggled recently due to the opioid epidemic in Mercer County.

J's Grocery has been a staple in the community, serving as a post office, gas station, and alterations shop, but it announced on July 1 that it would no longer sell food.

Marie Burell explained that the decision was made because the coal mines in the area shut down, and the rail stopped running in October, causing a significant decrease in customers.

The decline of the coal industry has had a devastating impact on the local economy, with many businesses struggling to stay afloat.

Joshua Skeen's family used to make more money when they charged ten cents per hot dog in 1953 compared to the $1.90 they charge today.

The economic pressures are building, and businesses like J's Grocery are being forced to close their doors.

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