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www.shelbyinfo.com Our 43RD Year • Issue No. 14 • April 9, 2026 704-484-1047
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Wiener Works in Kings Mountain has been hotdogging it for over 50 years By Alan Hodge
If you took the hotdogs that Wiener Works in Kings Mountain sells in just one year and laid them end to end, they would stretch from its location at 1009 Shelby Rd. to the city of Shelby. Now, multiply that times the 52 years Wiener Works been in business and the trail would reach to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Any way you measure it, that’s a lot of hot dogs and the reason for such stupendous sales is simple - good food, good service, good prices, and a hometown spirit to boot. According to Wiener Works manager and owner Jason Jarvis, the business goes back to the mid-1970s when his father Bill and mother Debbie opened a Wiener King franchise in Kings Mountain. “He was a district manager for McDonalds and wanted his own business,” Jason says. “But Wiener King went bankrupt and the place became Wiener Works in 1974. We are still a Wiener Works franchise but an independent one.” Debbie passed away in 2020,
but Bill worked until he retired just three years ago at age 76. “He worked 13-hours days,” said Jason. Joining Jason, who started working at the restaurant at age 13, in keeping the place running these days are his brother Greg and sister Jackie. “I’ve been here 30 years,” he says. “It’s challenging but I’ve been blessed.” Wiener Works has an eclectic and plentiful customer base. A recent morning saw the place open at its usual 10am start time, and by 11am a steady stream of folks was coming through the doors. “In addition to our Kings Mountain customers we have people come from as far away as Charlotte and South Carolina,” Jarvis says. “Some of them order a bunch of footlongs and take them out.” The age range of customers is wide as well. Last Tuesday, eight-year-old Kyra Wilson and her grandmother stopped in for lunch. “I really like eating here,” Kayla said. “The French fries are my favorite.” Jarvis pointed out an inter-
Another satisfied Kings Mountain Wiener Works customer. Eight-yearold Kyra Wilson is seen with owner Jason Jarvis just before she dug into her piping hot fries.
esting demographic fact. “Some of our customers came here as children now they bring their own kids in.” he said. Friday night football games at Kings Mountain High School really brings in a crowd. “It’s one of our busiest times,” he said. There are many factors in the Wiener Works success story - starting with the bill of Kings Mountain Wiener Works is located at 1009 Shelby Rd. (Photos by Alan Hodge) fare. A look at the menu reveals hot dogs done in a variety of fashions - including “The Works” with mustard, chili, onions, slaw and cheese, chili dogs, kraut dogs, corn dogs, burgers in a variety of configurations, bbq sandwiches, chuck wagons, ham and cheese, chicken sandwiches, fish sandwiches, fries, o rings, etc. etc. PS the wieners are high quality pork/beef blend items from Elm Hill. What takes a lot of folks by surprise is the very reasonable prices for these eats. For WIENER WORKS DAY SHIFT – Owner Jason Jarvis, Bryan Packer, instance, a Works dog is just Caleb Jarvis and Brandyn Marr. two bucks, a basic burger just $1.85, small fries only $1.50 and small drink the same. “We will always try to have High or Pinnacle Academy.” “We try to keep our prices Jarvis is looking forward to fast service, good prices, and low so everyone can afford it,” further Wiener Works success. good food,” he says. Jarvis said. “We are trying to buy the Kings Mountain Wiener Wiener Works is also known building and property,” he says. for the friendly service from its works is open 10am-8pm Mon“We want to modernize the resstaff of 15 employees. day-Friday; and 10am to 4pm “We have five full-time and taurant and pave the parking Saturday. Currently payment is nine part-time employees,” he lot.” But according to Jarvis some cash only. said. “Most of our part-timers are student at Kings Mountain things will never change. See HISTORY, Page 2