Charlie Joseph’s : The World’s Best Hotdog
Será Será Photo and Design
Growing up, my Saturday mornings weren’t complete until I had a Charlie Joseph’s cheese dog in one hand and a glass bottle of Coke in the other.
In 2021, walking into the downtown Lagrange location is like traveling through time. Explosions of red and retro memorabilia cover the walls and make me nostalgic for decades I never experienced. Checker print floors, rustic signs, and oh so much Coca-Cola décor. The smell of hotdogs and hamburgers mixed with the laughter of happy diners reminds me of my childhood.
And suddenly, I’m eight years old again.
My dad holds the door as I run to the counter and hop on a stool, swinging my legs and looking around for friends from school.
“Hey there, darlin’, what are we having today?”
“A cheese dog with mustard, barbecue chips, and a coke in the bottle!”
My dad orders a chili-slaw dog with onions and a large fountain Dr. Pepper.
We sit at the counter and watch the cooks, steam curling around us as we crunch our chips. My dad waves to a neighbor as I study vintage relics on the walls. Our hotdogs are brought out on a napkin, and it’s impossible to wait for them to cool off before sinking into that perfect first bite.
Ah, the world’s best hotdog, indeed.
“Have you been to Charlie Joseph’s?” is still one of the first questions I ask visitors and newcomers to LaGrange, GA. “You know, it’s actually home of the world’s best hotdog.”
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Joey Keeth’s family has owned and operated Charlie Joseph’s here in town for more than 101 years. His grandfather, Charlie Joseph, opened the restaurant in 1920 after migrating from Lebanon to New York, and eventually to LaGrange.
“My Granddaddy ended up down here in LaGrange and opened the store on June 20th, 1920,” explained Joey, whose grandfather ran the store for 26 years before passing away in 1946. Charlie Joseph’s son, Solomon Joseph, took over the family business after his father’s passing and operated the business until 1985.
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“Then I took over from my uncle in 1985 and have been running it up to date,” Joey told me.
Charlie Joseph’s now has two locations: 128 Bull Street, LaGrange, GA 30240, where inside dining and carry out is available, and 2238 West Point Road, LaGrange, GA 30240, which currently offers drive-thru and catering services only. Joey built the West Point Road location in 1992, and his son, Steven Keeth, now runs the older downtown restaurant.
This locally owned business has been family-run for the entirety of its 101-year existence, and Joey will celebrate his 50th anniversary of working in the family business this year. I can hear the excitement in his voice as he explains that when he eventually decides to pass the West Point location along, the restaurant will stay in the family.
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“Joey, if someone walks through that door who has never heard of Charlie Joseph’s, what do you tell them to order?” I asked.
“Well, first of all, I’m asking if they want a hotdog or a hamburger!”
We laugh as Joey continues, “If the answer is a hamburger, it’s got to be a double cheeseburger. And if it’s a hotdog, you need some of my spicy tomato relish. I’ve been making that since ‘85, and anybody who ever tries it... they get it again.”
Joey notes that an old-school favorite is the kraut dog, which is quite popular with older diners. On the other hand, a past personal favorite of mine was the scrambled dog: a plain chopped hotdog with a name or design drawn on the plate with ketchup.
Yes, the Charlie Joseph’s restaurants specialize in serving hotdogs and hamburgers, but there really is something for everyone on the menu. Not in the mood for a cheeseburger? Try a BLT or some homemade vegetable soup. Turkey sandwiches, chicken salad, pimiento cheese, and Brunswick stew are all also available to order.
When asked why he thinks the business has continued to thrive over the course of the past century, Joey answered, “We just try to treat people right. I’ve just always known that if you do that with people in business, then you’re going to be okay. Just treat other people the way you would want to be treated and always put the customer first.”
Joey also credits the success of his business to his family’s strong Christian values. In discussing his faith, Joey said, “the Good Lord has watched over my family and me and our business this entire time. There have been several times, I mean more times than I can ever count, where I didn’t see how we were going to make it to the next day.”
Joey said that things have not always been easy, especially in the earlier days when he first took over.
“But the Good Lord just takes care of everything. You put your trust and faith in him, and then you just go with it. As long as you do what he wants you to do, the chances are, you’re gonna be doing okay.”
Family-owned. Friendly service. Strong values. Delicious food. A local favorite with a classic menu and an exciting atmosphere, the Charlie Joseph’s restaurant is a truly special staple within the LaGrange community.
Have you been to Charlie Joseph’s? You know, it’s actually home to the world’s best hotdog.
Será Será Photo and Design