Oscar Mayer, a Kraft Heinz company, was founded by Oscar F. Mayer, who opened his first shop in 1883. Fast forward to 1936, when the first Wienermobile was introduced. Now their frank-fleet of six vehicles travels around the U.S. year-round.

Each weenie on wheels measures at 27-feet long (or 60 hot dogs).

Their drivers and brand ambassadors, titled Hotdogger(s), work in a 12-month, full-time program that begins and ends in June. The program began in 1988, and now the Hotdoggers drive coast to coast. 

When a Hotdogger is admitted, they begin with training at Hot Dog High. They learn all about the Oscar Mayer history and their products, while also special event planning, and of course, how to maneuver the dogs through traffic. Upon their graduation, they are given the keys to start their weiner-ful journeys.

I was lucky enough to speak to Hotdogger “Miles of Smiles Emma” about her experience as a representative of Oscar Mayer’s 38th class of Hotdoggers.

With a wide range of events depending on the season, she mentions “summer events are the busiest; while winter was an experience traveling through the Midwest, as the interactions are completely different, outside grocery stores standing in multiple feet of snow, yet still being able to brighten people’s day. Now here (Fremont, CA) during the spring, while still exciting, is more laid-back and calming.”

When asked about her favorite locations the Wienermobile has taken her, “the Midwest, specifically Madison, Wisconsin (the company’s headquarters), historically is a big part of the Wienermobile program. Los Angeles was also amazing, being able to drive through mountains and the beach all in the same day.”

This upcoming May, during Memorial Day weekend at the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Indy 500 returns, but before the race, the six Wienermobiles and their 12 drivers will compete in the returning Wienie 500. All dogs and their crews will be themed to distinguish themselves from one another during the race. Emma and her partner Raena will be in blue, driving the Seattle dog.

If you are interested in hosting the Wienermobile at your next event, you can submit a request online, and it is strongly recommended that you do so at least 3-12 months in advance of the event.

Traveling throughout the country, sharing smiles and wiener whistles, the dog-enda is served fresh every two months with updates given biweekly prior to the events. Be sure to catch up with the crew when they visit your community next, tracking available on the Wienermobile website (wienermobile.oscarmayer.com).