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Picture by Katie Wilson

   Hot dogs are an American staple and they can be found just about anywhere, but there are not many hot dog restaurants as unique as Hot Rod Dogz. This is a restaurant that mixes the popular food hot dogs and the old timey car hot rods. This restaurant also works to bring the community together through great food, live music, and souped-up cars.

   Hot Rod Dogz is located off of Beech Avenue by Lancaster Boulevard. This restaurant sells a variety of hot dogs. The Dually is no ordinary frankfurter; it contains two hot dogs in one bun with a choice of three toppings. The Impala is another favorite, with an all beef dog, cilantro, onions, jalapenos, and tomatoes. Hot Rod Dogz also offers sandwiches, burgers, salads, and desserts.

   Hot Rod Dogz hosts a cruise-in every fourth Saturday of the month from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The month of October offered a special Halloween theme. At the cruise-in, they provided live music from the band “Boy’s Night Out.” They also had a car show where the best-decorated car received a prize. People dressed up to participate in the costume contest with hopes of winning a prize.

   Moral Shillings helps organize the event. She said that it brings the community together and provides a fun atmosphere. The restaurant promotes a 50/50 raffle: fifty percent of the money goes towards the restaurant and fifty percent is awarded to the ticket holder.  She explained, “We do the raffle to raise money for the restaurant. The winner also gets a trophy.” Even though the raffle is to raise money, it is also fun for everyone.

   Michelle Matson attends the cruise-in every month, and she heard about the event through one of the musicians a couple of months ago. She decided to see what it was all about and has not missed a month ever since. She explained, “I enjoy the music, cars and people.” Most of the people at the event attend regularly, so they all know each other.

   Judy Redman also attends the event every month. She enjoys the variety of live music, as she also heard about the event from a musician. She noted, “ I come every month and have seen the cars like five times, but they are beautiful each visit.” She would recommend the event to friends who have a love for music and cars just like she does.

   David Terrell was presenting his car at the cruise-in. He said, “I bring my car to just about every car show.” He heard about the cruise-in through other car shows he attended. He loves to see all the different cars and would definitely recommend the event to friends and family.

   Overall, Hot Rod Dogz is a unique restaurant. People from all over the Antelope Valley attend the monthly cruise-in event. They enjoy the live music, friendly people, scrumptious food, and flashy cars.