2002 marked the 40th anniversary of Wein-O-Rama in Cranston, Rhode Island. The luncheonette's bold red arrow and neon-lettered sign went out so long ago, that it's actually hip again.
Like quahogs or coffee syrup, the weiner is a flavor unique to local pallets. Any comparison to a hot dog is sure to offend. The weiner is smaller than your standard frank and much redder in color. They are topped in a hamburger meat sauce along with chopped onion, mustard and celery salt. What actually constitutes a weinie is an industry secret, making it a true mystery meat.
Locals either love or hate their weinies (also called hot weiners or gaggas) but their popularity is undisputed.
George Sotirakos has been working the grill inside Wein-O-Rama for as long as most can remember. He watches weenies by the armful walk out the door every day. At 6' 8", George is probably the tallest short order cook you will meet in the state. His long left arm is often draped in a row of buns as he assumes the position to make up hot weinies for the rush hour crowd. It is a practice the health department simply shrugs off as a Rhode Island tradition.
The Wein-O-Rama should be a stop on any Rhode Island road tripping agenda, but bring the breath mints. You can expect your lunch to come back haunting by the time you hit the Massachusetts line.
Wein-O-Rama
1009 Oaklawn Avenue
Cranston, RI
Everyone Comes Out A Weiner
