‘Without a doubt, I am going to miss the people.’ Vic the Chili Man, back for two days
The uptown Charlotte lunch crowd and hot dog fans all over the city were devastated last February when Victor Werany, aka “Vic the Chili Man,” announced his retirement via Facebook.
Then COVID-19 decided to sweep into the Charlotte community shortly after, thwarting any attempts at a retirement party for the man whose cart had been a staple at the corner of South Tryon and Fourth streets and was once named named best hot dog joint in the nation.
Josh Parel purchased the Chili Man cart from Werany in July and quietly reopened it, Charlotte Agenda reported last year.
On Thursday, March 25, and Friday, March 26, Parel handed the reigns back to “Vic the Chili Man” in front of 7th Street Public Market for a more fitting goodbye. “If you maniacs remember, we had tried to plan a ‘Farewell to Vic’ party last year to celebrate how freaking phenomenal I am. But, due to Covid, we decided to bail out for the time being for the safety of all, but mostly me,” the Chili Man stated on Facebook. “Well, it’s time to revisit and get my continually growing fat ass behind the cart one more time,” he wrote.
We caught up with Werany on Friday as he was serving up dogs on the 7th Street Public Market porch. “Without a doubt, I am going to miss the people. This is what I do, this is who Vic is. I love people. I love talking. You’ve probably noticed that.
“What I’m not going to miss is dragging this 1,200 pound hunk of metal and food and water and propane all over God’s creation. It’s just tough on the old body. I am sure there are 54-year-olds that can do it, and God bless them — because I just can’t anymore.”
During the two-day retirement party, hot dogs were full price and all tips were donated to SHRED Charlotte. As of about noon on Friday, more than $350 had been earned for SHRED.
Fans weigh in on Vic the Chili Man’s hot dogs
Terri McCree’s favorite is the Frito Pie Dog. Brian Seymour enjoyed a Creole Trinity Dog with chili sauce, onions and peppers. Scott Lemos went with the basic, a Stoplight: Ketchup, mustard, relish, and a Southern Dog with chili, cheese, slaw and onions.
“It’s good to see him again,” said Jason Thomas, who has been eating at Chili Man for years and also had a pro tip: “I’ve gone since he’s handed off the reigns and it’s just as good as it always has been. It’s good stuff.”
This story was originally published March 20, 2021 at 1:44 PM.
