Wiernerschnitzel, the West Coast hot dog chain, took on its category rivals earlier this month with an aggressive marketing campaign behind the launch of a supersize Big Original Chili Dog. Now it has moved into burger territory with the addition of its first 100% Angus beef hot dogs. Featuring Angus beef has been a point of competitive pride for many burger chains recently. McDonald’s has tested a line of Angus burgers in Southern California but decided to delay a wider test because the market isn’t favorable for more premium-price menu items.
Wienerschnitzel, which operates 353 stores in 12 Western states, rolled out the Big Original Chili Dog (84% bigger than its standard dog) on March 1 after adding a third-pound Polish sausage to its menu repertoire earlier this year. The Angus Beef Dogs are the third menu ’09 addition for a chain just three months into the year, showing off some uncharacteristic marketing muscle. TV spots for the Angus product use the odd tagline, “Hot dogs are ‘Der’ again.” (Click here to watch the commercial.) That line and the chain’s “Der-licious” slogan play off the fact that the chain’s original restaurant was called Der Wienerschnitzel when it opened in 1961. The ‘Der’ prefix was dropped in 1977.
So you’re asking why Wienerschnitzel isn’t trying mini food like everyone else? It’s been there, done that, couldn’t make it work, apparently. In October 2007, the Newport Beach, Calif.-based chain launched little Chipotle Ranch Pupsters, with sliced hot dogs, pickles, onion straws, ranch dressing and chipotle sauce in diminutive dinner rolls. Priced at two for $1.89, they seemed prime candidates to ride the slider craze. And then they were gone. It’s a cruel business.
Can't keep track of all the new menu additions? Check the 
The May Burger of the Month at R.J. Grunts in Chicago is the Chihuahua Burger. That's a ground chuck and sirloin patty topped with Chihuahua cheese, jalapeño cabbage slaw, pickled red onion, cilantro, and Cholula garlic aïoli. To see the full list of May's best Burgers of the Month around the country, click 
Since I don’t remember the historic dropping of the “Der” in 1977, I’m not so sure about the “Der” part of the ad but it did make me want one. I was also pleased to see there was an actual bun and not a pita or a wrap or a slice of toast or a cracker or….
Why have I never heard of this place before? Which states are they in?
I love the slogan! I have decided I am anti-mini food and pro-random slogans! Bring on the Der! Hot dogs for all!
Also, did they ever consider that the failure of the Chipotle Pupsters was not due to taste issues but because the slogan “Grab a pair today” made more people’s inner 15-year-old giggle rather than induce hunger?