Feltman: World’s First Hot Dog

Feltman: World’s First Hot Dog
Chain Theatre
May 6, 2026

Photo courtesy of Feltman: World's First Hot Dog

Before Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, there was Feltman’s Red Hots, and in his solo show, Feltman: World’s First Hot Dog, Michael Quinn tells the whole story.  Mr. Quinn is warm and friendly.  He whimsically tells about the creation of this culinary delight, along with fascinating tales of Coney Island and Brooklyn history.  More touching is his personal connection to specific events, and the role he plays in keeping it alive.

In 1856, Charles Feltman (played by Michael Quinn), a fifteen-year-old German immigrant, arrived in New York with no money and a strong work ethic.  He goes from sleeping on the floor in the bakery where he works to owning the largest, most popular restaurant complex in the world.  The key to his success was when he realized that visitors to Coney Island wanted something to eat that they could carry in their hands while enjoying the sun and sand.  He meticulously worked on the recipe for the perfect German sausage, combined it with sauerkraut, mustard, and onions, and placed it inside his best-selling breakfast bun.  He named them red hots because of their bright color, and sold them by the hundreds.  A business rival called them hot dogs in an effort to shut him down.  Ironically, the name stuck, and sales boomed. 

Michael Quinn as Charles Feltman
Photo courtesy of Feltman: World's First Hot Dog

After Feltman died and the Great Depression forced his restaurant to close, Nathan’s Hot Dogs ruled the
Coney Island Board Walk.  Decades later, a young Michael Quinn was handed the recipe to Feltman’s hot dogs by his grandfather, which was given to him by Charles Feltman himself.  This started Michael on a mission.  He worked tirelessly to reclaim Feltman’s hot dogs’ place in American culture. 

Michael Quinn tells this story with his heart and soul.  The tale of an immigrant working hard to achieve the American Dream is one we all need to hear right now.  The colorful characters of Coney Island, all played by Mr. Quinn, make the story fun and captivating.  It all blends into his own personal journey of hard work, success, disappointment, and satisfaction. 

Photo by Mikiodo, Courtesy of Feltman: World's First Hot Dog

Feltman: World’s First Hot Dog had its premiere at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival.  It is playing at Chain Theatre through May 10, then returns to Chain Theatre June 10-14.  If you grew up in Brooklyn or spent time in Coney Island, you will be delighted by this solo show.  Mr. Quinn’s performance is entertaining, and his writing is concise and informative. 

Domenick Danza