Why Nu-Way Weiners transcends generations to provide more than just meals
If you’ve ever visited Macon, Georgia, then you’ve likely experienced Nu-Way Weiners (Nu-Way) in all its cultural and culinary glory. As part of the very fabric of the town, nearly everyone who lives or visits Macon has their own unique Nu-Way story to tell – even Oprah Winfrey, who popped in for a chili dog during a visit in 2007. It’s not just about food (even though Nu-Way’s hot dogs are unrivaled), but about the nostalgia surrounding the brand.
Founded in 1916, Nu-Way was established by James Mallis, who immigrated to Macon from Greece and later opened the city’s first fast-food restaurant on Cotton Avenue. Today, Nu-Way is the second-oldest hot dog stand in the US, just one month shy of Nathan’s on Coney Island. You might find yourself wondering why the brand includes a misspelling of wiener, and this story dates back to 1937 when a sign-maker misplaced the vowels. Thanks to this mistake, Nu-Way had a talking point beyond its legendary hot dogs, and the name has remained ever since.
Today, James Cacavias, President, and Spyros Dermatas, Vice President, are both co-owners of the business, and we have the pleasure of talking to them about Nu-Way’s past, present, and future. “A business that began in 1916 with one hot dog stand established by James Mallis, our great uncle, has grown into an iconic brand with eight locations in the central Georgia area,” the pair begin. “Our original location with its landmark neon sign closed in 2015 due to a catastrophic fire, however the eight locations today continue to serve the same secret chili sauce Nu-Way became known for.
“From the beginning in 1916 when our menu consisted of only hot dogs and soft drinks, we’ve evolved over the years to include hamburgers, various sandwiches, and breakfast items. However, from the 1990s, we refined our menu to focus on our core items, and we later added merchandise offerings around 20 years ago. Merchandise includes t-shirts, caps, tumblers, jackets, and iconic prints.”
Secret sauce
Nu-Way is also well-recognized for its breakfast offering. From toasted sandwiches and breakfast platters to biscuits and pancakes, Nu-Way’s breakfast menu has something for everyone. The breakfast special, available between 6.30am and 9am, offers two eggs with a choice of meat; grits, fries, or tater rounds; toast or biscuit; two pancakes; and a coffee. Nu-Way is also known for its ‘Famous Flaky Ice’ that top all soft drinks.
Despite expanding its product range, Nu-Way’s chili dog remains a staple item on the menu. “Our ‘weiner’ has always been a traditional Coney Island frankfurter, which means beef and pork, with a natural casing. Our vendor is Kent Quality Foods in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and the frankfurter is manufactured to be grilled. A couple of years ago we also launched an all-beef hot dog, which is also made for us by Kent Quality Foods.
“Our generational chili recipe must be kept a secret; it’s our own family recipe that was refined by our uncle, Gus Lolos, in the late 1930s, and there is no other chili sauce like it in the US. We also make our own-recipe coleslaw on a daily basis, which forms a crucial element of our slaw dog.” Indeed, in 2002, the following statement was printed in the New York Times: ‘Southerners have long understood that coleslaw makes a cooling counterpoint to spicy barbeque, and many of them have applied this same approach to hot dogs. The acknowledged king of this particular hill is Nu-Way Weiners in Macon, Georgia.’
Customer commitment
The company’s motto, ‘I’d Go a Long Way for a Nu-Way’, plays an instrumental role in its success. There is truth behind it too – in fact, one customer reportedly drove 500 miles to visit Nu-Way, and when she arrived, she ordered 150 hot dogs to go! “Our logos and mottos have been a crucial way for us to communicate our story for over 109 years, especially the ‘newspaper article on the boy and Sam the beggar dog’. The meaning of our motto is, of course, that our faithful customers come from all over to visit our restaurants, even after being gone or relocated for years.”
In 2016, the date of September the 26th was proclaimed ‘Nu-Way Weiner Day’ to mark the company’s 100th anniversary in its birthplace and hometown, Macon. James and Spyros are very humble about the company’s success, and when asked about Nu-Way’s 110th anniversary next year, the pair have a simple method behind their operations. “We have continued to be successful by consistently offering tasty, high-quality menu offerings to our loyal customers day in, day out. It’s quite simple; we treat our employees and customers like family, and in return, they love visiting or working for us.
“Also, being a family-owned company is a significant factor that has enabled us to control our own destiny, as we operate independently, without the need to report to another entity. We’re passionate about developing our people so we only promote from within, and we have some managers who have been with us for decades.”
As our conversation ends, James and Spyros turn to what’s next for the business. “Our only focus is to ensure Nu-Way’s ongoing success to ensure we can continue to bring culinary happiness to our guests,” they conclude. “We may add another location or two, but the priority is always to serve customers with high-quality food that brings a smile to their face.”
From speaking with James and Spyros, it’s clear to see that Nu-Way isn’t just a restaurant – it’s a living piece of Macon’s history and traditions. From its humble beginnings in 1916 to its status today as a cultural and culinary landmark, Nu-Way has built a legacy based on family, consistency, and customer connections. As it enters its 110th year, the business will continue to serve its loyal customers with a nostalgic menu that honors Macon’s roots.