Hot dogs with red sauce is topic at meeting

Jim Moore, whose father in 1935 brought an A&W Root Beer franchise to Flint on Beach Street and later opened the Hot Dog Stand, 11338 Saginaw St., Grand Blanc, was the featured speaker at the Eastside Business Association Jan. 18.

Moore gave a brief history of the beverage, and then talked about the renowned red sauce his father made for Koegle hot dogs.

"The original red sauce doesn't have vinegar," said Moore. "My father didn't care for the taste of vinegar in ketchup. "He thought it distracted from the Koegel hot dog," he said.

Moore explained A&W Root Beer was developed in 1918 by Roy Allen. In 1919, Allen opened his first roadside stand at a parade honoring returning World War I veterans in Lodi, Calif. Allen offered parade viewers a thick and creamy drink called root beer. His creation was such a success that he decided to take on a partner, Frank Wright. In 1922, Allen and Wright combined their initials to brand the beverage A&W Root Beer.

According to Moore, Allen wasted no time opening his first permanent root beer stand in Lodi, followed by a second one in Sacramento. It featured the first drive-in concept with boys providing curbside service. Then in 1924, Allen bought out Wright and began a franchising program, which became America's first franchised restaurant chain. He sold A&W Root Beer concentrate exclusively to these franchises to ensure quality. By 1933, more than 170 outlets were franchised.

In 1935 Moore's father opened a franchise on Beach Street. He collaborated with Albert Keogel and produced the A&W hotdog which was steamed instead of grilled. In 1964, Moore's father opened the store in Grand Blanc where the red sauce recipe was developed by Moore's mother.

Today, the A&W brand is owned by Taco Bell. The Hot Dog Stand in Grand Blanc is owed and operated by Moore's daughter.

In other matters Chris Frye from AdzZoo talked about internet marketing and digital mass exposure. He said that traditional media is not working anymore and encouraged members to think internet for marketing.

He explained that 97 percent of people using internet searches don't go to page two when doing a Google search. He explained why it's important to get the most from advertising dollars by insuring the marketing information appear on the Google's first page.

In other action:

• It was announced that IMA Brookwood is sponsoring Wine, Women and Chocolate from 1 to 6 p.m. Feb. 11. Cost is $50 per person. Call (810) 742-2169 for more information.
• Flint Science Fair will be held March 16 through March 19 at Kettering University for grades four to 12 attending Genesee, Lapeer, Shiawassee and St. Clair counties.