The internet can be a dark place, but thanks to wonderful people, it can also change lives for the better. When hungry diners visited a hotdog joint, they noticed the owner looking sadly out of the window, looking for customers to come in. To help out, they posted a photo of him, hoping, perhaps, to attract a few people. What they didn’t expect was for the photo to go viral and the hotdog joint to be packed with customers eager to try unique foods.
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A local restaurant owner was sadly looking out of the window for more customers. Little did he know that this photo would go viral, bringing him hundreds of hungry diners
Image credits: KOCO ABC 5
Scott Hosek loves food and loves to see people enjoying a nice meal. That’s why, four years ago, he decided to open Spirals hot dog restaurant in Norman, Oklahoma. He was excited to offer unique hot dogs - a tasty bite like customers have never had before. The menu boasts a big variety of sausages: franks, Polish sausages, hot links. All of them can be topped up with a selection of toppings from traditional cheese or macaroni to peanut butter.
However, owning a business is not just sunshine and rainbows, and Spirals went through many ups and downs, especially during the pandemic. But Scott never gave up: he showed up for his customers, ready to cook up a storm. The stress eventually got to him and in October 2023 he suffered a stroke, but thankfully made a successful recovery.
As some days are slower than others, Scott has time to personally check on the dinners and make sure they are having a lovely meal. One of those days, he was wandering around the diner and looking out the window, hoping for a busier day.
Image credits: Jessica Loaiza (not an actual photo)
Scott Hosek opened Spirals four years ago, hoping to treat customers to unique hot dogs and feel-good, homey food
Image credits: spiralshotdogs
One of the patrons noticed Scott and snapped the picture of him. He posted it on social media with the caption "He has been standing here waiting on customers to come in”.
The image clearly struck a chord with hundreds of people online as the photo went viral. The community flocked to support Spirals, even forming lines outside the restaurant. One quick browse on their social media and it is no surprise - from mouthwatering dogs to bowls and various treats, there is something for everyone.
In an interview with the local news, Scott shared that Spirals experienced one of its best days, making a week’s worth of profit in just one day. Scott and his team had better prepare, as the word spreads around and an impressive 4.9 Google rating will surely attract even more hot dog aficionados.
Each of the hotdogs are named after his family members, the bowls infused with family signature spices
Image credits: spiralshotdogs
Image credits: KOCO ABC 5
The influx of diners was an unusual experience for Spirals staff, but they handled it with flying colors, leaving everyone with a big smile and full belly. Not only locals visited the joint, but also people from out of state, some driving for four hours to grab a bite.
Each of the hotdogs are named after Scott’s family members and every bowl has a family signature to it, making it the ultimate comfort food. But the food is not the only secret that attracts people - Scott takes great pride in helping out the community and adding a personal touch to the place. Unlike many joints that feel commercial and lifeless, Spirals offers a lovely atmosphere and we all know food tastes better in a nice place.
Add a hilarious owner who loves to chat with the customers and joke around, and Spirals makes a perfect place for a family meal or friendly catch-up. Is your belly rumbling too?
After the photo went viral, locals and out-of-towners flocked in - some even drove for hours from different states
Image credits: KOCO ABC 5
Scott is very happy to be able to feed so many people and show them what a hotdog with a twist means
Image credits: spiralshotdogs
Christmas might be over, but this certainly felt like a miracle as Scott’s hard work finally paid off after a customer shared a photo. He is hopeful for the future: "It makes you a believer in social media for sure. We’d love nothing more than to have this kind of traffic every day.”
And if you’re worried they’d be out of the favorites - don’t. Despite the influx of people, they’ve only run out of one sauce. The stars were surely on Spirals' side that day!
Hoping to welcome more foodies, Spirals posted on their website: "We can’t wait to welcome you, and show you exactly what FOOD WITH A TWIST really means!"
What was the craziest hot dog you ever had?
The internet became a lovely place to be with people cheering on Scott
