CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Diners, Drive-ins and Dives host Guy Fieri stopped by Charlotte's favorite hot dog joint Thursday to film the 325 episode of the acclaimed Food Network show.
Since being founded in 2012, JJ's Red Hots has become a staple in the community with their signature specialties of dogs, sausages, chili, onion rings, slaw and more.
"We found out we were being considered for the show a week before Thanksgiving," JJ's Co-founder and chef Jon Luther said. "I got the email at 10:30 p.m. last Thursday saying we were selected and was thrilled."
The show typically features three restaurants in a single segment. Each dishes out a couple of their favorite recipes with Fieri.
"It's pretty intricate what they're doing," Luther said. "They break it down so you have the mise-en-place for four dishes ready, which is a cooking term for having all the ingredients laid out in place."
The first recipe JJ's Red Hots chose to showcase was their homemade mustard. JJ's makes the condiment from scratch using the Carolina Blond Ale from another Queen City staple, Sycamore Brewery.
The aptly named JJ's 'Soon to be Infamous' Onion Rings were next on the list followed by their signature chili.
The recently debuted Kasekreiner sausage was the final mouth watering item on the list. The sausage is made in-house at JJ's.
A photo posted by JJ's Red Hots (@jjsredhots) on
"I didn't know if he (Guy Fieri) had a favorite dish, but he seemed to like it" Luther admitted. "We'll see how they put the episode together."
In all, the filming process took three days at JJ's Red Hots' Dilworth location. With Fieri stopping by on the final day.
"Time was of the essence," Luther said. "You have one shot to make it right."
JJ's Red Hots' mission statement consists of two words: create joy. Luther says the entire motivation behind the beloved hot dog joint is its service, value and quality. These key ingredients of JJ's success are provided by hard-working employees. Luther feels being featured on the Food Network gives credit to them.
"We're very humbled to be considered and featured," Luther said. "It's a great tribute to our staff and our people who work so hard, to even be considered, it was just an honor."
The airdate of Diners, Drive-ins and Dive's episode featuring JJ's Red Hots is pending.
