Shorty’s Famous Hot Dogs

Shorty’s Famous Hot Dogs opened on South White Street in 1916 and has been a Wake Forest habit ever since. The same family that started it still runs the place, and Chris Joyner is the owner today.

The menu is hot dogs and burgers, and the appeal is the room as much as the food. People talk about growing up on those bar stools and hoping one day to bring their own children to the same seats. It is one of the oldest businesses still open in town.

What to know

• Regulars who move away say the staff greet them with open arms.
• One customer called it her favorite place ever for hot dogs and burgers.
• Reviewers describe employees who can turn an ordinary day into a funny one.
• Another said it is the kind of place you want your kids to grow up visiting.