Return of A&W's iconic Whistle Dog a trip down memory lane
It is nestled in a toasted bun with relish and topped with real cheddar cheese and bacon, and it’s a classic Canadian favourite.
The A&W Whistle Dog has returned to the menu since disappearing in 2017, after gathering a cult-like fan following, according to a media release by A&W.
“Since its departure, Whistle Dog fans have started petitions, written songs, rallied support on the radio, and filled up A&W's comment sections on social media, all in an attempt to bring the iconic hot dog back,” said A&W.
Kelowna resident John Thiessen has loved them since he was a child when his mother worked as a cook at an A&W restaurant.
READ MORE: Canadians struggling with rising food costs need help from government: advocates
“We always liked hotdogs more than hamburgers because hotdogs were easier to hold and eat,” he said. “The Whistle Dog made the regular dog grandiose with cheese and bacon and fried onions, bam. They are associated with baseball games, summer heat and having a great time in the summer.
"They are simple, the perfect sized meal and the way the bun is cut the wiener nestles in it and can’t come out, with the toppings piled up.”
Whistle Dog fans better get them while they’re hot because they will only be available for a limited time.
To celebrate, A&W is releasing Bring Back the Whistle Dog, a "hot dog-umentary" about the cult menu item and the lengths its diehard fans have gone through to get it back.
While Canadians can get their hands on a Whistle Dog as of yesterday, July 25, they'll have to wait until Aug. 12 to watch the irreverent dog-umentary, which will be accessible via A&W's social channels and YouTube.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Shannon Ainslie or call 250-819-6089 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.
