The Wiener's Circle is once again giving away free hot dogs Tuesday.
The restaurant is making good on its promise to give away free hot dogs if Bears head coach Ben Johnson took his shirt off in celebration. And Johnson did just that on Black Friday, when the Bears beat the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles 24-to-15.
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The chilly temperatures were not stopping people from getting in line to receive a free hot dog.
The co-owner said they expect to give out about 3,000 hot dogs Tuesday.
"I'm not just here for the free wieners; I am here for the Bears and to support the company for doing such a positive thing," said Al Kindel, who received a free hot dog.
Kindel was the first person in line at The Wiener's Circle Tuesday.
The "Bears super-fan" arrived around 7 a.m., dressed in layers from head to toe, even though the doors didn't open until 11 a.m.
The Wiener's Circle promised free hot dogs after posting a poll on social media asking people to weigh in on the criteria of their next hot dog giveaway. The option for a shirtless coach Ben Johnson won.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOn Friday, after the Bears beat the Eagles, Johnson gave a victory speech in the locker room. That's when the 39-year-old coach ripped off his shirt, creating a viral moment.
"I figured the sooner than later: I'm not in the weight room very much anymore," Johnson said. "You know, I think anytime you get a chance to feed a city, you want to do it. So, man of the people."
The moment even took The Wiener's Circle by surprise.
"The whole entire staff was laughing so hard they were crying," said Ari Levy, co-owner of The Wiener's Circle. "We are so happy and excited to tap into this energy of this amazing season."
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWith the help of their bun supplier, S.Rosen's, The Wiener's Circle is once again delivering on its promise.
"Doing it the week of that we are going against the Green Bay Packers, this is a great pre-game you can say," said Itanella Urgo, marketing associate at S. Rosen's.
It's one dog per person, while supplies last.
Lines have been long all day.
This is the second time this season the North Side hot dog stand is giving away free food.
Back in September, fans flocked to Wiener's Circle for a giveaway after Caleb Williams' four-touchdown performance against the Dallas Cowboys.
Allison Pustelnik and her mom, Lynn, found themselves standing in line at the Wiener's Circle for the second time this season.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"That's Ben Johnson for you. He's awesome. He's crazy. You never know what he's gonna do next, and he did this for us," Pustelnik said.
The Wiener's Circle has been dishing dogs and disses.
"There's something beautifully Chicago about getting a hot dog before noon and getting called an (expletive)," Bears fan Bob Keen said. "Bears fans and bears fandom is a lot of fun when we're losing. So when we're winning, oh, this is gravy."
"They'll make you cry; they'll give you good food, and you'll definitely come back," 43rd Ward Ald. Timmy Knudsen said.
Not even an onslaught of insults can wipe the smiles off the faces of Bears fans.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"He's only 2 years old. I want him to start in the Chicago tradition, if you just get a hot dog, watch the bears games," fan Daniel Toczek said.
Hundreds of Chicagoans slushed through the snow, decked out in their gear, trying to stay warm.
The crowds slowed traffic along North Clark Street. Even the Chicago Fire Department joined in on the celebration.
The giveaway brought out costumes, families with babies and even Coach Johnson look-a-likes: all soaking in the moment of their beloved Bears.
"We love a good sports team in the city, and the Bears are the definition of a good sports team," fan Earl Johnson said.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Bears are 9-3 at the top of the National Football Conference, or NFC, with a big game this weekend against the Green Bay Packers.
The co-owner says they want to do this again and are open to any wacky ideas from the public.
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