Story Created:
Jul 15, 2008 at 4:44 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Jul 15, 2008 at 10:56 PM CDT
CEDAR RAPIDS - You may have thought the customers come to the Flying Wienie for the food.
That's partly true.
What's even more true is it's one of the very few places to eat near Downtown.
"Friday, there must have been 150-200 people coming in as I was placing my order," said Paul Schwartz from the Michigan based company Maximum Restoration.
Despite being blocks from the river, the flood waters didn't touch the Flying Wienie. But, the sewer system backed up inside and left an inch or two covering the floor.
A lot of elbow grease later, and the Flying Wienie opened up just a few weeks after the flood.
The constant stream of out-of-town contractors has been great for business, but owner John Martin says he's not taking any comfort in that.
"We are concerned about what's in the future. That's why we're trying to keep everybody here, like our downtown people," said Martin.
When the contractors leave, Martin worries the downtown workers won't be back yet to fill their place. It's certain the contractors won't stay much longer.
"We're going to finish up this week, we're wrapping up the final jobs, and then we're back to Michigan," said Schwartz.
Sure they'll be back to Michigan, but they won't forget this lunch. Schwartz said it's the best dog he's ever had.
Martin hopes others won't forget that.
Email Justin Foss at Justin.Foss@kcrg.com
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Thursday, Jul 17 at 3:07 PM Look around before you order ! wrote ...
It is filthy inside. I agree it should be shut down for sanity reasons.
Thursday, Jul 17 at 4:34 AM To: Terrible... wrote ...
I bet you only eat at Chain Resturants like Mickey D's, TGIF's, Chili's, Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Appleby's, Culvers, Fazoli's, Pizza-Hut, Dominios, BK, KFC, etc... You make me puke! I glad I would never see you while I dine at The TIC-TOC, Xaviers, Leonardo's, or the fabulous STARLITE! Way to support the Local biz you ding-dong!
Thursday, Jul 17 at 4:27 AM Oh Grow Up! wrote ...
If the place was dirty and service was bad, I doubt the Linn County Health Dpt would let them stay open... AND judging by the respones posted the "personality" of the owners as being praised here, one can see customers dig the service. GO JOHN!!!!! (Even if he was a "Soup-Nazi" it would be great!) So... to those who whine... NO DOGS FOR YOU!!!!!!!
Wednesday, Jul 16 at 9:35 PM Dave wrote ...
I like cheese.
Wednesday, Jul 16 at 6:51 PM JOAN wrote ...
I DON'T LIVE IN CR ANY LONGER,BUT THE FIRST THING THAT CROSSED MY MIND WAS IS THE FLYING WIENIE FLOODED? GLAD TO HEAR IT'S UP AND RUNNING. IT'S NOT FOR EVERYONE'S TASTE,BUT I LIKE IT. NOW FOR THOSE WHO DON'T LIKE THE WAY THEY RUN THE PLACE,WHY DON'T YOU TRY RUNNING A FOOD BUSINESS AND YOU WILL SOON FIND OUT THAT IT IS REAL WORK.
Wednesday, Jul 16 at 5:10 PM Terrible wrote ...
The food sucks, the owners is a jerk, and the place is something you wish was lost in the flood. What a eye sore.
Wednesday, Jul 16 at 3:12 PM Former Customer wrote ...
While Im glad to see a local business doing well, I agree with most! The service was very slow/rude & it wasnt the cleanest place I've ever been to. Good Luck to the Flying Wienie!
Wednesday, Jul 16 at 1:16 PM Anonymous wrote ...
THEY DO HIRE OUT SIDERS. ALL COOKED TO ORDER FOOD TAKES AWHILE TO FIX IF YOU DONT HAVE ANYTHING NICE TO SAY DONT SAY ANY THING AT ALL
Wednesday, Jul 16 at 11:54 AM WEINER DEVOURER wrote ...
Dude those hotdogs are the best once when i had a few xtra dollars i actually ate almost 5 of them and fed the rest to my pet. i was so full i felt sick but it was so good i couldnit stop eateng them. so glad to see you open and hopefuly i can save a few dollars to beat my old record!!!!
Wednesday, Jul 16 at 11:25 AM MY OPINION wrote ...
THE FOOD TAKES A LONG TIME TO GET OUT , THE FOOD IS NOT THAT GOOD, THE STAFF IS USUALLY RUDE, IT IS FAMILY RUN AND THEY NEVER HIRE OUTSIDERS. THE OWNERS ARE SLOBS AND MONEY HUNGRY,THIS IS NOT CHICAGO STYLE AND THE GYRO MEAT USUALLY HAS FLIES FREQUENTLY LANDING ON IT SERIOULY LOOK AT IT BEFORE YOU ORDER.
Wednesday, Jul 16 at 11:01 AM Former customer wrote ...
I liked it the first few times but was severely mistreated the last few times. I am glad they finally cleaned the place. I thought it was getting pretty disgusting. I have seen cleaner hog barns. It is nice to see a local business thriving but I have mixed emotions about this one. My family got yelled at last time we tried to visit. Here is an idea lock the door when you are closed and maybe a sorry we are closed sign in the window like every other respectable business.
Wednesday, Jul 16 at 10:46 AM Veggie Dogs wrote ...
I wish they had veggie dogs. Maybe I would go there if they had a vegan or vegetarian option.
Wednesday, Jul 16 at 8:44 AM AJ wrote ...
Tastiest chili dogs ever!
Wednesday, Jul 16 at 2:31 AM matt wrote ...
Flying weenie - absolute best food in town. try the italian sausage. pure heaven! i need that recipe john! i ate there weekly until my job relocated me to honolulu. can i phone in a take out order? flying weenie on ice via priority mail? my god how i miss your food!
Tuesday, Jul 15 at 11:55 PM Alan from 1st AG wrote ...
Hey John, Glad to hear your going great!!! You have great food and everyone will find out eventually! Remeber when I said you should franchise... bet others agree with me now. God Bless Brother!!!
Tuesday, Jul 15 at 11:24 PM Wienie lover wrote ...
I freakin' LOVE the Wienie! It's a real CR gem.
Tuesday, Jul 15 at 9:27 PM Sewage system backed up wrote ...
That's not something you want to hear about in a restaurant regardless of how much cleaning they did! Still, I'll be more than happy to frequent the Flying Wienie. Best Chicago dogs this side of . . . Chicago!
Tuesday, Jul 15 at 8:20 PM I.C. girl wrote ...
Ate there for the first time in May. Very good food! My aunt from Texas enjoyed it as well. Advertise in the Penny Saver or other avenues and you'll grow your business!
Tuesday, Jul 15 at 7:49 PM BobbyLee wrote ...
We used to love the food there, but the last few years the place was too filthy inside. The walls and ceiling were absolutely disgusting to see. The food is prepared right below the dust, dirt and cobwebs. It must not be getting inspected by the county or state as it should be. It's too bad because their dogs were really good.
Tuesday, Jul 15 at 7:44 PM Tye Male wrote ...
hey John! We are all heading down tomorrow around 12:45 PM - save us a big table! We are bringing a first timer - Middle School intern Lauren Darr. See you then!
Tuesday, Jul 15 at 6:54 PM Anonymous wrote ...
When the Flying Weenie first opened I regarded it as another hopeful restaurant that wouldn't last, but it has and to be real honest, though I don't stop in as much as I'd like to, I'm glad it's still around and I hope it doesn't close. I'll admit I'm partial to those cheese fries with bacon bits;0) My prayers to you that you'll be able to stay open after the flood help leaves.
Tuesday, Jul 15 at 5:02 PM Lindsay wrote ...
We will never forget ur dogs, or gyro cheese fries, or everything else there is to choose from. Its my boyfriend, tony, and I's favorite place to eat in CR. I don't know what we would do w.o the flying weinie! and John always makes the visit memorable!:) See ya next time!
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