Jack Legath, of Cleveland, displays the T-shirt he earned after completing Hillbilly Hot Dog's 'Homewrecker' challenge on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at the restaurant in Lesage.
Jack Legath, better known by his online persona ƵƵ is a personal trainer and graduate student at Ohio University, and a competitive eater in his spare time.
A self-described Ƶhungry guy,Ƶ Legath, 21, of Cleveland, broke the record Sunday for completing the ƵHomewreckerƵ challenge at Hillbilly Hot Dogs in Lesage.
Jack Legath, of Cleveland, displays the T-shirt he earned after completing Hillbilly Hot Dog's 'Homewrecker' challenge on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at the restaurant in Lesage.
Jack Legath | Courtesy photo
Hillbilly Hot Dogs offers visitors to its kitschy location their choice of gourmet hot dogs, burgers and even access to a wedding chapel. For the serious eaters, thereƵs the Homewrecker Hot Dog: a 15-inch, 1-pound hot dog with 2 pounds of toppings.
The challenge is simple, for those who are up for it: eat the Homewrecker in 12 minutes and get a free T-shirt; set a new record and get the whole meal free.
The previous record was 2 minutes and 34 seconds, a feat Legath beat by 2 seconds. While not expecting to beat the record, he said that he was going for it anyway because, ƵWho doesnƵt want a free meal?Ƶ
ƵItƵs a fun time either way,Ƶ he said.
Jack Legath, known as Jack Eatzz, sets a new record for eating the Hillbilly Hot Dog 'Homewrecker' challenge at the restaurant in Lesage.
Courtesy of Jack Legath
Creating a unique experience
Described as a Ƶlove storyƵ by Sharie Knight, she and her late husband, Sonny, established Hillbilly Hot Dogs in 1999. Since then, theyƵve seen their fair share of Homewrecker challengers over the years, averaging about 100 a week, she said.
Knight said that one of the reasons she thinks people like to come to the restaurant is that they love to be around something thatƵs Ƶso profoundly different.Ƶ
Hillbilly Hot Dogs sits just off W.Va. 2, a perfect spot for passersby and tourists to stop and admire the eccentricities of the space. It is covered with different knick-knacks and souvenirs the couple had acquired over the years, and even includes a spot for couples to get married or renew their vows. Knight said she and Sonny had renewed their vows Ƶ34 times in the 23 yearsƵ they were married.
ƵSo we were all about the love. I mean, just all about it,Ƶ she said.
Legath also noted the distinctiveness of the restaurant, where guests get their orders taken inside a school bus, and then get to walk around and visit the attractions afterwards.
ƵI really think (it) makes the whole experience worth it,Ƶ he said. ƵThatƵs definitely a tourist destination, one of the most unique areas IƵve been to.Ƶ
The Homewrecker Hot Dog Challenge was SonnyƵs idea, according to Knight.
ƵHe wanted to have the biggest hot dog anywhere, even if you want to say worldwide. He wanted to have the biggest one,Ƶ she said.
Jack Legath, of Cleveland, prepares to take on Hillbilly Hot DogsƵ ƵHomewreckerƵ challenge on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at the restaurant in Lesage.
Jack Legath | Courtesy photo
Initially, it was met with some pushback. They went to S.S. Logan Packing Company to get a prototype made and, according to Knight, were told ƵitƵll be a novelty; youƵll never sell them.Ƶ She convinced them to make the hot dog, however, and when a 15-inch, 1-pound frozen prototype was delivered to them, her brother saw it and said ƵHoly moly, that there is a homewrecker!Ƶ
It got so popular that eventually S.S. Logan couldnƵt keep up with production. Knight said the massive meal quickly turned competitive, since people often wonder if thereƵs a challenge to go with big food items.
A 15-year record
The first person who accomplished the feat was David Francke, who has a Ƶperfect last name,Ƶ Sharie Knight said, and set the record at 12 minutes. Over time, people chiseled away at it until the record sat uncontested for about 15 years Ƶ until Legath came along.
Legath has done challenges that involved conquering a pizza or a burger, but, in his experience, no establishment had offered a hot dog before.
ƵItƵs a 1-pound, 15-inch hot dog. And nobody ever really thinks about how big that really is,Ƶ he said. ƵAnd then to add on to that, itƵs with 2 pounds of their homemade coleslaw and toppings, like peppers and everything. And I think adding their own flair to it with their own homemade stuff really makes it unique.Ƶ
Keeping a legacy alive
It has been about four years since Sonny died, but the team at Hillbilly Hot Dogs works to keep his legacy alive by continuing his passion for friendliness and customer service.
ƵThe number one thing with that is, treat people how you want to be treated,Ƶ Knight said. ƵThat is truly SonnyƵs legacy, without question. If you knew the man, youƵd know he never met a stranger. He loved everybody and treated everybody the same way he treats you when you walk into our home.Ƶ
Just like its setting, Hillbilly Hot Dogs offers its own unique menu, and when people visit Hillbilly Hot Dogs, Knight suggests that they Ƶgo with what they know,Ƶ but also Ƶtake a walk on the wild side.Ƶ
ƵJust do something that you would never, ever, do, you know, and order that, because you wonƵt be disappointed,Ƶ she said. ƵIf youƵre willing to close your eyes and take a bite of something and just let the flavors bounce in your mouth Ƶ youƵre expanding yourself.Ƶ
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