The Original Hot Dog Factory is beefing up its ownership team.
Ismael “Izzy” and Charity Ramos, along with Benjamin Engel and Jonavon Stephens, will be taking over the brand.
Husband-and-wife duo Izzy and Charity Ramos have extensive experience in the restaurant industry as franchisees of The Original Hot Dog Factory, owning a location of the hot-dog eatery at Halcyon in Alpharetta that opened in 2021. They also owned a location at Marietta Square Market.
Izzy Ramos told What Now Atlanta they were originally drawn to the brand because of the unique menu items and the original concept; you don’t see a hot dog restaurant on every corner.
Engel is the owner of Trending Up Strategy, a national marketing agency. Stephens, who will be The Original Hot Dog Factory’s chief expansion officer, is the owner of Aquarius Vision, a Georgia-based sports and entertainment business management firm.
The Original Hot Dog Factory was founded by Dennis McKinley. The company began in 2010 with a location in Smyrna and now has 13 locations across seven states. The menu includes hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, wings and beverages.
If it’s your first time visiting, Izzy said the wings are a fan favorite. Charity’s recommendation? The Jamaican Jerk Chicken Dog.
“That’s been my favorite since we first visited,” she said.
Under the new ownership, the company is eyeing expansion, with Izzy saying they’re particularly focused on Georgia, Florida and Texas. New brand ambassadors are also set to be announced in 2024.
[Editor’s Note: This story has been updated with comments from Izzy and Charity Ramos.]
