Hot dog: Original chili returns to Git’N Go
Wes Tilley, left, and Patrick Nolan enjoy hot dogs from the Git’N Go deli. The company recently worked with its supplier to bring back its original chili recipe after listening to customer feedback. (photo:Tony Cox )
The company was asked by customers on Facebook last month to return to the original Git’N Go chili historically served at the popular Anderson County-based convenience store chain.
Fortunately, that original recipe — known and loved for more than 50 years — made a welcome comeback May 11 at all four company locations.
“We watch and we listen,” owner Joe Hollingsworth said. “So, when those messages started coming out, the first thing I did was really think about what they’re saying and take it to heart.”
After all, as a company, Git’N Go Markets always strives to practice objectivity, especially when it comes to customer feedback, he said.
“We find it’s better to not just brush something aside, but really try to look at it from all angles,” said Nicci Hollingsworth.
The change had come because Lenoir City-based Family Brands, Git’N Go’s longtime meat-processing partner, experienced some major production setbacks, including a fire that destroyed the facility.
“We did our best to find a quality hot dog in replacement while they rebuilt, but that is a tough standard,” said Git’N Go President Bill Robinson. “Family Brands is rebuilt, and we now have our famous Git’N Go hot dog back in supply.”
A recent inspection at Family Brands also led to new USDA packaging regulations, ultimately affecting Git’N Go’s chili product.
“The USDA went to the plant where the chili is made in Lenoir City, and inspected the packaging on our chili, which had been the same for years upon years,” Robinson said.
He said the product formerly came in a plastic tube with metal crimps on each end.
“Well, the USDA decided they would no longer allow that metal, and they said the only thing Family Brands could do is come up with a new packaging style,” Robinson said.
Due to this change in regulations, Git’N Go’s chili was recalled, and Family Brands had to shut down the line of equipment that produced the company’s famous chili recipe.
“Family Brands worked tirelessly to figure out how to package the Git’N Go original recipe with all new equipment,” said Robinson, noting that the USDA also had to come back in for approval prior to release.
“During this time, we had no option but to serve a substitute chili that a big part of our customer base didn’t like as much as the original,” Robinson said. “But after three months, we are all happy again with the original hot dog and chili together as of May 11.”
While Family Brands has received USDA approval for both the original recipe and its packaging, Robinson said that Git’N Go is “not taking this for granted.”
“Joe, Nicci and I are happy to have the Git’N Go original chili back in action and we appreciate the partnership with Family Brands to make it happen,” he said.
Git’N Go Markets has been recognized for nearly 20 years as having the best hot dog in Anderson County. It has also been named the county’s Best Convenience Store and Deli Restaurant. For more information, visit gitngomarket.com.
