The Wiener’s Circle in Chicago will give away about 3,000 free hot dogs on Tuesday after Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson celebrated shirtless following a victory on Black Friday. This promotion adds to a growing trend where restaurants use food giveaways and discounts during sports events to attract fans and boost community engagement.

The promotion, the restaurant said, was meant to honor a promise tied to the coach’s postgame celebration and to channel the energy from the team’s win into the community. In fact, local businesses often find that supporting community events like sports celebrations—through sponsorship, donations, or promotions—not only enhances their visibility but also strengthens community ties.

Fans turned out despite cold temperatures, lining up at the storefront in winter layers to claim a free meal. “I’m not just here for the free wieners; I am here for the Bears and to support the company for doing such a positive thing,” said Al Kindel, who was the first person in line and arrived dressed in layers from head to toe. Many attendees were motivated by team pride, a common theme when local restaurants host promotions tied to major sporting events.

Ari Levy, co-owner of The Wiener’s Circle, described the mood inside the restaurant as exuberant. “The whole entire staff was laughing so hard they were crying. We are so happy and excited to tap into this energy of this amazing season,” Levy said, linking the giveaway to the team’s recent success. Chicago fans know all too well that hot dogs are a staple at major sporting events, although statistics on exact consumption figures are hard to come by.

The restaurant partnered with bun supplier S. Rosen’s for the event, which the establishment said was timed ahead of an upcoming game against the Green Bay Packers. “Doing it the week of that we are going against the Green Bay Packers this is a great pre-game you can say,” said Itanella Urgo, a marketing associate at S. Rosen’s, echoing the sentiment among restaurants that special deals tied to game days can be incredibly effective.

Organizers expected to distribute roughly 3,000 hot dogs during the promotion. Volunteers and staff worked the serving line through the morning, handing out the food while customers spoke about support for the team and appreciation for the restaurant’s gesture. Such events foster a sense of community, reminding fans and locals alike of the importance of coming together around shared experiences.

The giveaway followed Ben Johnson’s shirtless celebration after the Bears’ victory, an image that prompted the restaurant’s pledge. Johnson, 39, is the head coach of the Chicago Bears and his postgame moment on Black Friday set the conditions for the promotion. As more fans celebrate team victories with their communities, local businesses are finding innovative ways to engage with them through food and promotions.

Fans and staff described the scene as convivial and celebratory rather than a formal event, with many attendees citing team pride as their motivation for showing up in the cold. The Wiener’s Circle and its partners said they were pleased by the turnout and the reaction from both customers and employees.

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