About us

What is a Superdog?

A "Superdog" is more than just a hot dog—it's an explosion of flavors, bringing together the best of street food in one unforgettable bite.

It starts with an all-beef hot dog nestled in a fresh hoagie bun. We then drench it in our signature house-made pineapple, garlic cilantro, and special sauces, along with classic ketchup and mustard.

Next, we add a satisfying crunch with crushed, ridged potato chips, a crispy slice of bacon, and a blanket of Monterey Jack cheese. But we don’t stop there. The Superdog is placed in a broiler, melting the cheese to perfection and lightly toasting the bun, sealing in every layer of deliciousness.

Superdog is best enjoyed with friends on the street, soaking in the energy of Ames. Find us today and taste the legend!

 

The Story of Superdog

Superdog has been a late-night legend on Welch Avenue in Ames, Iowa, serving up delicious and unique hot dogs to college students, bar-goers, and midnight revelers for over two decades. What started in 2001 as a passion project by two Colombian entrepreneurs quickly became a staple of Campustown nightlife, introducing Iowa to the bold and flavorful street food of their home country.

After a couple of years, local entrepreneur Matthew Goodman, known for his Smiles and Gyros cart and the founding of Fighting Burrito, saw the potential in Superdog and purchased the business. Under his leadership, Superdog became even more embedded in Ames' late-night culture. Eventually, Goodman partnered with Chad Watkins, who carried on the Superdog tradition while also running Battlecry Smokehouse through the late 2010s.

Superdog persisted through changing times, including efforts to keep the carts rolling during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in the fall of 2021, Goodman and Watkins decided to pass the torch, selling the Superdog business to Preston Snyder, owner of the Blue Owl Bar. Snyder kept the hot dogs flowing for a semester before the carts were put into storage, leaving a void in the late-night food scene.

That void didn’t last forever. Ames native Max Peterson, with a massive craving for his favorite late-night food, sought out the Superdog carts and revived the brand. On January 5th, 2024, Superdog officially returned to Welch Avenue, reclaiming its place as a must-visit stop for anyone craving a legendary late-night bite.

Long live Superdog!

 

Interested in working with us?

Whether you are looking for catering for a special event, or would be interested in becoming a Superdog Slinger, shoot us an email!