JJ'S RED HOTS
on Luther calls himself the head hot dog maker at JJ's Red Hots (named for his
kids Jack and Jessie) and says he got the idea for the popular Dilworth restaurant
from a place in Buffalo, New York, where he grew up eating the American classic.
"I just figured that with a lot of transplants here in Charlotte, the idea to have premium
ingredients and hot dogs built around regions would resonate … and come to find out,
people are really passionate about hot dogs! Here we are four years later," Luther says.
The original location opened on East Boulevard, and a Ballantyne location followed a year
later. Luther says the community's support has been great from the beginning. "Charlotte
has grown incredibly in the last 10 to 15 years, and people here embrace new things.
They'll give you a shot; you just have to deliver." JJ's Red Hots has also taken its in-
demand brand to college campuses, like Florida Atlantic University.
PHOTO COURTESTY OF ERIC GADDY
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WINTER 2016 23