#716 hot dog

As a native Chicagoan, I admit to my love of hot dogs.  Just thinking about the Chicago Dog, with its Vienna Beef dog, sesame seed bun, celery salt, neon green relish, tomatoes (but no ketchup!), sport peppers and dill pickle spear -- well, it makes my mouth water.  

Vienna Beef estimates that 200,000 hot dogs are sold in the Chicago area per week!* Although I love Portillos and the dogs they sell, I don't think I would ever get a tattoo with their name inked into my skin.  Some people feel otherwise.  

A local hot dog restaurant, Hot Doug's in Chicago, offers free hot dogs for life if a patron has a Hot Doug tattoo.  Or at least they did.  Doug's announced that they are permanently closing on October 3 -- creating a void for those who bought the 700-800 sausages they sold on a daily basis.    

Is there a business out there that you love so much you would get their tattoo?  And how would you feel if the owner retired, rendering your tattoo worthless?

Think about how you can provide something that makes your clients want to be an ambassador for you instead of being a walking billboard.  I am all for brand/business loyalty, but would recommend cultivating it in a way that does not involve body art!  

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

Sources:  *Despite closures, Chicago still relishes its hot dogs by Don Babwin for the Associated Press in the Telegraph Herald, May 9, 2014

** http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20140506/avondale/hot-dougs-closing-permanently-october-3-its-time-do-something-else

Thanks to Andy for the idea.