Heinz puts up ketchup-dispensing billboards outside Chicago hot dog stands known for not serving the condiment
CHICAGO — Chicagoans know that ketchup is a forbidden condiment on the iconic Chicago dog, but a new campaign by Heinz is tempting folks around the city to take a dip into the dark side.
The new “smackable” ketchup-dispensing billboards, placed in front of hot dog stands that are famous for not serving ketchup, offer up packets of the condiment to those who feel their meals are missing something.
“Heinz knows Chicago has a complicated relationship with ketchup… However, nearly four out of five people (88%) prefer Heinz Ketchup when eating out, so for many Chicagoans, nothing is more frustrating than being stuck at a restaurant without it,” a Heinz spokesperson said in a news release.
Now, the normal side of sass at the wiener’s Circle has become a full-on entrée with ketchup so close to the dogs.
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“Ketchup is for stuff that is spoiled. There’s nothing spoiled here. Everything is fresh, period,”
Tasha Morris, from the Weiner’s Circle, said.
Alongside the unique billboards, Pittsburg-based Heinz, has also launched a website where people can report other restaurants that refuse to serve the condiment.
“That’s pretty cool, you always need more ketchup,” Duane Bell, who was one of the first to smack the bottle outside the Wiener’s Circle, said.
When asked why they decided to place the billboards in front of restaurants unwilling to serve the condiment, a Heinz spokesperson said “’Smack for Heinz’ not only combats this frequent ketchup catastrophe, but also demonstrates to non-Heinz restaurants everywhere the length our fans will go to because ‘It has to be Heinz.'”
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