Weird NewsCHARLESTON W.Va.Dairy Winkle Campbells CreekKanawha County Sheriff’ Office

Coveted Hot Dog Statue Stolen From West Virginia Restaurant Finally Returns Home

The short statue depicts a hot dog licking its lips and holding a bottle of mustard while pouring a bottle of ketchup on its head.
AP
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A statue of a hot dog is shown at the Dairy Winkle restaurant, April 14, 2022, in the Campbells Creek ssection of Charleston, W.Va. The Kanawha County Sheriff's Office says the statue, which was stolen from the business during a break-in sometime after a Jan. 11, 2023, fire, has been returned. (Lori Kersey/Charleston Gazette-Mail via AP)
via Associated Press

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — The owner of a West Virginia restaurant that was heavily damaged by fire has his coveted hot dog statue back.

The “Wienerman” statue was stolen from the Dairy Winkle in Campbells Creek during a break-in sometime after the Jan. 11 fire, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

A tip led deputies to a location where the statue was found undamaged. It was returned to restaurant owner Kerry Ellison, the statement said.

Investigators have not identified a suspect and are seeking information about the theft.

The short statue depicts a hot dog licking its lips and holding a bottle of mustard while pouring a bottle of ketchup on its head.

Ellison hopes to reopen the restaurant later this year.

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Before You Go

7 Ways to Trick Out Your Hot Dog
The Sonoran(01 of07)
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Can't decide what you want on your hot dog? The Sonoran just may be your Holy Grail: Bacon-wrapped, and topped with tomatoes, onions, cotija, tomatillo salsa, pinto beans, hot sauce, ketchup and mayo.

Want to make the best impression? Here's how to:
- Make your own mayo
- Make your own ketchup
- Make your own hot sauce (credit:Flickr:Accidental Hedonist)
The Cubano(02 of07)
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Wrapped in ham and swiss, grilled and topped with pickles and mustard. Like a Cuban sandwich, but still a hot dog.

Bragging Rights?:How to make your own pickles
Buffalo Bleu(03 of07)
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Buffalo sauce and bleu cheese — try it with a few crunchy celery leaves on top to round out the whole flavor experience. (credit:Flickr:yenna)
South Carolina Dog(04 of07)
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The best of the barbecue world all in one. Can't choose between chicken and a hot dog? Now you don't have to, this one's topped with tangy mustard-based South Carolina BBQ sauce and coleslaw!

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Named for the questionable conditions under which it's griddled, the Tijuana or "Danger Dog," wrapped in bacon and smothered in sliced onions, pickled jalapenos, ketchup and mustard may be the tastiest risk you take all day.

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Coneys(06 of07)
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Midwestern folk love their Coneys, a perfect marriage of rich chili, mild cheese, tangy mustard and chopped onions.
Korean Dog(07 of07)
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It takes spicy gojukchang, kimchi and a sprinkling of sesame seeds to make your barbecue a lot more exotic, dog. Pair this dog with a steak in a great Korean marinade and you've got braggin' rights.

More:Weird or good: Kimchi (credit:Flickr:madmarv00)
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