History

Dog n Suds had a humble beginning back in 1953 in Champaign, Illinois when Don Hamacher and Jim Griggs, two music teachers from the University of Illinois, opened a hot dog and root beer stand. Rapidly, Hamacher and Griggs' success became known in Central Illinois, which led them to forego the teaching profession and get into the fast-food franchising business full time. Dog n Suds in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s became one of the most successful fast-food franchises in the country.

The tradition continues

71 years later, Dog n Suds is still alive and well with 20 restaurant locations around the country and retail sale of its “World Famous” Root Beer through a network of distributors nationwide. Our customers love the old-time look and feel of a classic drive-in and travel near and far for the opportunity to enjoy our World Famous Coney Dogs and cool off with our hand-crafted World’s Creamiest Root Beer!