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"World's Best" hot dogs getting a new home if rezoning is approved
By DAN TELVOCK The wood floors are scuffed bare from decades of foot traffic and the building's foundation is cracked and crumbling. It's hard to believe the "World's Best" hot dogs are made in this place called Powell's Friendly Market at the corner of Lafayette Boulevard and Harrison Road in Spotsylvania County. "This building was old when I came here 49 years ago," said 82-year-old David Osborne, who lives behind the store. The store, which many people call an eyesore, will change in appearance if the Patel family gets approval to redevelop the site. But rest assured, the hot dogs are staying put. For right now, though, if you look past the dilapidated building and walk inside, you'll find yourself in the middle of a localized "Cheers," where everybody knows your name. The din of cash registers echo inside, with the smell of chili and onions permeating the aisles. The store's large, white metal sign with a cartoon hot dog proclaiming they are the best is an icon in Spotsylvania. A customer can spend as little as 99 cents or up to $1.59 for a chili-cheese dog. The store is also tops in the region and 22nd in the state for lottery ticket sales. The strong base of customers comes for the family atmosphere and swears by the food. Whether you have home-cooked chili--which employee Gloria Howard says is "the real stuff, not that canned soybean stuff"--splattered on your dog or a juicy half-smoke, it's all good. "I don't know what it is, but these hot dogs don't taste like anything else," said Elaine Waller, a customer of 20 years. She had two of her sons with her on a recent day, and bought seven hot dogs. David Hughey, who has been buying hot dogs with mustard, relish and onions here for 20 years, said the atmosphere resembles a local barber shop. "The people are special here," he said. "These are the friendliest owners. They know just about everyone by name."
Read more stories about Spotsylvania Date published: 1/28/2008
wow brings back memories to me.. i remember when it used to be named something else an the powells bought it, i lived in the subdivison across from it * in late 70s bought my first beer there lol but the hot dogs then were umm eww lol ..thats not what they were famous for till later but the place reminds me of home things i remember
QUOTE "They razed a home at 3602 Lafayette Boulevard for a sub and sandwich shop that is opening soon". Wouldn't it be wise to sell the "World's Best" hot dogs there also.
If you have never had one, you need to try one. My husband's favorite is with ketchup and cole slaw. they also have a good Bar-b-Que.
..and now I will go there to taste them. It looks like the special ingredient is "love." And the price looks right as well. I now know what I'm going to spend my big fat tax rebate cheque on!
Money over history or atmosphere. Good bye small town, I am sure all appeal for those dogs will falter in a "New improved fancy and High Rent store)
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