Is there anything better than Costco? Think about it: you can buy everything you ever need for the rest of your entire life. I mean, if the zombie apocalypse does actually come true, you know where I’ll be holed up for the rest of my days – if no one beats me there first.

But one of the best things about the store? THE HOT DOGS. If you’re a regular, you know you get the hot dog/soda combo for $1.50. What a deal! What a country!

Let’s explore this great American tradition and look at 5 facts you probably don’t know about Costco’s famous hot dogs.

1. A long-standing tradition

Costco’s hot dogs have been around for 35 years, since 1984. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, know what I’m sayin’?

Photo Credit: Facebook,Rosario Arellano-Montes

2. Born in a cart

Photo Credit: Facebook,New Jersey Food

The famous dogs were first sold in a cart in front of a warehouse in San Diego. And the guy who originally sold them, Jay de Geus, still works for Costco, now as a regional food service supervisor.

3. Switching brands

Photo Credit: Facebook,Karlie Goodleaf

Costco sold Hebrew National hot dogs from 1984 until 2009, when Hebrew National closed up shop. Costco made the switch to their own Kirkland brand and it’s been that way for 10 years now.