In its final days, lines form around JJ’s Red Hots as Charlotte diners say goodbye
JJ’s Red Hots, a beloved Charlotte hot dog joint that’s been serving up smokehouse sausages for over a decade, is closing for good.
The Dilworth neighborhood hot spot’s last day in business will be Sunday, March 16, an employee confirmed to CharlotteFive on Monday, March 10.
An Instagram post followed just before noon: “We just couldn’t shred enough cheddar to keep it going,” stated the local eatery, known for its signature hot dogs with creative topping combinations. It has been a staple in Charlotte’s food scene since 2012.
Fun fact: The hot dog joint even got national attention in 2017, when it was featured on a Food Network episode of Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives along with then-food truck Papi Queso.
“JJ’s Red Hots is one food establishment that has gone entirely to the dogs … hot dogs, that is. Owner Jonathan Luther draws the crowds with his menu of hot dogs and sausages that can be customized with a slew of toppings,” the network’s website says.
“’That’s legit,’ Guy declared after tucking into a spice-laden, cheese-laced sausage loaded with sauerkraut, pickled onions and mustard.”
After its two sister restaurants closed during the beginning of the pandemic, its flagship location was the last remaining of the JJ’s Red Hots name — until now.
‘The last wurst’
”We were fortunate enough to be able to do it for almost 13 years. 12 years, 8 months and 12 days, in fact. 111,264 hours,” the team said in the Instagram post about the closure.
”Thanks to all of you who relished the wacky idea of a hot dog and sausage concept in Charlotte, NC, and who continued to support us through the Covid debacle, store openings and closings, and the like. We will especially miss our weekly regulars and superfans, without whom we would have never made it past the first few months.”
While this marks the end of an era for its flagship location, JJ’s Red Hots’ food truck and catering business will still be in operation.
After its Monday announcement, JJ’s Red Hots saw an outpouring of support, with diners lined up — sometimes around the building —for one last taste of their signature hot dogs. Watch our video above ⬆️ to hear Charlotteans share their favorite memories and tell us what they’ll miss most about this Dilworth hot dog institution before it serves its final customers.
MEMORIES: Here at CharlotteFive, we’re still remembering fondly the C5 Herbivore and C5 Carnivore hot dogs the restaurant created for us years ago. We’ll miss you, JJs!
JJ’s Red Hots
Location: 1514 East Blvd Charlotte, NC 28203
Cuisine: American
Instagram: @jjsredhots
This story was originally published March 10, 2025 at 11:39 AM.
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