20 Years Later, S. Rosen's and Vienna Beef Celebrate Packaging Peace Just in Time for National Hot Dog Month

CHICAGO, July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This July marks the 20th anniversary of the "Piece Treaty of 2005," the historic pact between S. Rosen's Baking Company and Vienna Beef that solved the infamous hot dog and bun count mismatch by aligning both in 8-count packages. As America celebrates National Hot Dog Month this July, the Chicago-born solution feels more relevant than ever.

The milestone coincides with new Harris Poll data showing hot dogs continue to sizzle, with nearly half (49%) of grill-goers ranking them among their favorite grilled foods—just behind burgers (69%) and steaks (66%).

"Twenty years ago, we did what condiment companies are still calling for today," said Tim Lotesto, vice president, retail sales at Alpha Baking Company, maker of S. Rosen's. "We teamed up with Vienna Beef, righted the wrong of uneven packaging, and made sure that every bun had its dog. It was a proud moment for two Chicago brands and for hot dog lovers everywhere."

The trademarked "Piece Treaty of 2005: Every Bun Has Its Dog" is still celebrated in Chicago hot dog circles, and S. Rosen's hot dog buns remain the bun of choice—sold at 95% of hot dog stands across Chicagoland," added Lotesto.

Grilling Survey Shows Hot Dogs Holding Strong
In a new national grilling survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of S. Rosen's, 94% of Americans say they eat grilled food, and 45% grill at least monthly. While burgers and steaks remain top picks, hot dogs continue to hold strong as a favorite among nearly half of grillers.

"What people love most about grilling—flavor, smell, and the outdoor cooking experience—hot dogs deliver all of it," said Stephanie Powell, recipe developer for S. Rosen's Baking Company. "They're fast, fun, and easy to dress up or keep classic. We're celebrating National Hot Dog Month with five new recipes that honor tradition, reimagine savory classics, and introduce unexpected sweet treats. Visit srosens.com/recipes/grilling to get inspired."

Survey participants cited flavor (72%), smell (60%), and cooking outdoors (48%) as their top joys of grilling. The social side of cookouts also matters—43% said grilling is about spending quality time with others.

Chicago Leads the Way—Again
According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans will consume more than 7 billion hot dogs between Memorial Day and Labor Day—including 150 million on Independence Day alone. Illinois ranks among the top five states in retail hot dog sales, and Chicago remains the undisputed capital of the Chicago-style dog, with its famously specific seven toppings (mustard, onions, relish, tomato slices, pickle spear, sport peppers and celery salt—but never ketchup).

At the heart of that local legend? S. Rosen's iconic poppy seed buns, built with the hinge strength to support all those bold, flavorful toppings—without falling apart.

For those curious about what goes on (and what stays off) a true Chicago-style hot dog, S. Rosen's offers a definitive recipe and guide at: https://www.srosens.com/recipes/chicago-style-hot-dog/

Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf Alpha Baking from April 3-7, 2025, among 2,072 adults ages 18 and older, of whom 1,945 eat food cooked on an outdoor grill. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For full methodology, or media inquiries, please contact Carson Stoga Communications at [email protected].

SOURCE S. Rosen's Baking Company