After a brief stint with a new identity, the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is ditching the Frankmobile moniker and embracing its original, iconic name that has resonated with hot dog enthusiasts for decades. According to an announcement shared on their Instagram account, the Kraft Heinz Company has decided to revert to the classic name, much to the delight of fans nationwide. "It’s been a franktastic summer!" the post boasted. "But like you, we missed this BUNderful icon. Help us welcome back the Wienermobile!"
The short-lived rebranding to Frankmobile was intended to honor Oscar Mayer's 100% beef franks and their revamped recipe. However, it seems tradition outweighed innovation in the court of public opinion. Fans made it clear that the attempt to refresh was, frankly, less than stellar. As reported by Fox10 Phoenix, Oscar Mayer, who has deployed several of these vehicles for promotional activities, has since responded to public sentiment with the reversal.
While the Wienermobile itself is back to business as usual, it's currently rolling into Phoenix for a series of appearances. The 27-foot-long hot dog on wheels will be making its rounds, starting at a Safeway on W. Osborn Road on Thursday and wrapping up its visit on E. Indian School Road on Sunday, Phoenix New Times reports. Residents can swing by to snag some Oscar Mayer swag and get an insider's look at this American classic.
Oscar Mayer's Wienermobile has been a rolling piece of Americana since its inception in 1936, evolving through various iterations but always keeping that distinctive hot dog shape. Alongside the vehicle's brand reintroduction, they made a call earlier this year for new "hotdoggers," the drivers who passionately pilot these meaty machines. According to Phoenix New Times, these drivers, such as BBQ Brady and Aioli Anna, put in a yearly average of 20,000 miles, hitting at least 40 cities across the U.S. A notable alumni is former U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan, who once spent a summer behind the wheel of one of these glorified franks.
The Wienermobile's tour in Phoenix will include stops at various Safeway locations, as well as a special showcase at the Rock and Roll Car Show at the Pavilions at Talking Stick. The full schedule is posted so prospective visitors can plan their trip to see the vehicle that has, despite a name hiccup, continued to transport folks to smiles and good cheer - one wiener at a time.
