Weenie Wonder permanently closes all locations

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A Columbus-area fast casual eatery serving hot dogs and milkshakes has permanently closed all of its locations.

Weenie Wonder closed its Dublin and Easton locations Tuesday, the same day the company announced the closures on its website and social media. Weenie Wonder served specialty hot dogs, tater tots, potato wedges, mac and cheese and milkshakes. The first restaurant opened at Bridge Park in 2022 and a second location followed at Easton in 2023. Both locations were adjacent to Pins Mechanical Co.

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The concept was operated by Rise Brands, the group behind PINS Mechanical Co., 16 Bit Arcade and No Soliciting. The company said the decision to close Weenie Wonder was part of a “strategic realignment” to focus its resources on the rapid growth of other brands in its portfolio.

“We hold ourselves and our brands to a very high standard to deliver exceptional guest experiences. Even though we strongly believe in the Weenie Wonder brand, unfortunately, the economic model was not sustainable and the brand failed to meet our standards,” said Troy Allen, CEO of Rise Brands.

Rise Brands also stated it will also be providing “resources and transition support” to all affected staff.

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Weenie Wonder gift cards can now be used at any Pins Mechanical Co. location for double the value, according to Rise Brands. A Weenie Wonder Facebook post teased a new concept taking over both spaces but did not specify what.

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