The Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield, Illinois, was one of several dining establishments that received a Gold Award for 2022 from the Sangamon County Department of Health.
According to the Springfield State Journal-Register, the Route 66 landmark and other restaurants met these criteria from the health department:
- Being certified food manager compliant;
- No more than two priority or priority foundation violations for Class I;
- No more than one priority or priority foundation violation for Class II;
- No more than three core violations;
- Being owned by the same person or group throughout the year;
- Operational behaviors observed during an inspection;
- No violations that would require a return visit from a health inspector.
Each winner receives a rebate on their food permit fee. Those honored three years in a row or more receive 20% off of their rebate. Back-to-back winners get 10% off. First-timers receive a 5% rebate.
A full listing of awardees shows Cozy Dog received a 20% discount, which means it’s been top-notch for food safety for at least three consecutive years.
The Cozy Dog arguably could be perceived as a greasy-spoon restaurant, but its documented cleanliness shows it is otherwise.
The Cozy Dog Drive-In launched in Springfield in 1946 after its founder, Ed Waldmire Jr., developed the Cozy Dog corn dog while in the Air Force in Amarillo, Texas.
Variations of cornbread-coated hot dogs had existed, but they took too long to prepare. Waldmire’s batter coating over the wiener fried in oil allowed it to be served to customers faster. It could be argued Ed Waldmire was the father of the modern-day corn dog.
The Cozy Dog Drive-In opened on Route 66 in Springfield in 1949. A Walgreens sits on the original Cozy Dog site, and the restaurant moved next door. Ed’s grandsons have carried on running the restaurant.
(An image of corndogs and fries at the Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield, Illinois, by Jasperdo via Flickr)