Not Just Franks — Restaurant in Concord

Not Just Franks is an order-at-the-counter place, and when I arrived at 11:45, there was already a line and plenty of people seated. As I waited, I looked around and noticed that almost everyone was eating pretzels.

I now know why.

Though I actually came here for hotdogs, the number of people eating pretzels made me curious enough to order one. It was easily one of the best pretzels I’ve eaten in my entire life. Soft, hot, fresh, and delicious. Note: these are the type with a lightly crispy exterior and sort of flat and not real puffy, not the dense doughy kind with the tough brown exterior.

I also ordered 4 hot dogs. I couldn’t decide what to try. Don’t judge me.

All-the-way: the chili was sweeter than I prefer, but the outstanding slaw more than made up for it—it was delicious and announced its presence boldly without being overbearing.

German: just mustard and sauerkraut. It was positively delicious, with some of the best sauerkraut I’ve ever had. A lot of sauerkraut is overpoweringly sour and tough—this was not. It was delicious, tender, and perfect.

Intimidator: basically a chili dog with hot sauce and jalapeños, it added a nice spice to the hotdog selections today. Delicious!

Frank’s Favorite: with mustard and NY red onions (which is onions in a red sauce if you don’t already know that). Another great hot dog today.

I don’t know what brand of wiener they use at NJF, but it is very good.

If you are a hotdog (or pretzel) lover, put this place on your...

One of the biggest problems I've encountered as a native northeasterner is that I'm always disappointed when I encounter northeastern food elsewhere in the country. Pizza, sandwiches, hotdogs -- among a few other things -- these are ours, and no one else seems to understand them. Even when the proprietor says they're a northeasterner themselves.

Not Just Franks is average. Average hotdogs served on average buns with average toppings. You get better at a New York or Chicago hotdog stand, which aren't exactly known for their high quality. And the pretzels... aren't. They're pizza dough twisted into pretzel shapes, then baked. Pretzels are supposed to be pretzel dough (shocker) and boiled. That's what gives them their shine and bite.

Southerners missing the mark on northeastern food doesn't really surprise me. What does surprise me is that the menu doesn't include the most obvious option. There isn't a combo that includes 2 dogs, 1 pretzel, and a beverage. That's just bizarre.

Conclusion: I should have known better when I read the name on their door. Not Just Franks? Knot Just Franks is the obviously better name -- and no, it's not already taken. This place just doesn't have any imagination or...

I walked in at 2:52pm, 8 minutes before closing. Ordered 13 hot dogs, 3 pretzels, 6 drinks, and chips. It had been a while since I had Not Just Franks BUT everything was just as great as the first time! I mean as good as it was when they were located inside Carolina Mall. This is one of the few places that masters consistency. When it comes to the chili and slaw, you can taste that they are making this in-house and not just opening a package or can. The Sweet Carolina reminds me of those good old “church hot dogs” that we used to buy after service growing up. I couldn’t wait to get home and dig in. The young lady that took my order was kind enough to help me carry my food to the car. It was a big order. The owner working humbly in the back with his head down, fast pace, and gentle smile. I always look for him as my sign that it’s still the same goodness…still the same quality…still the same attention to detail whether it’s related to the dogs or the pretzels. So affordable, so fast, and so delicious! I will continue my rush to get here before 3pm when I’m in the mood for a great hot dog (Sweet Carolina and a Deputy Dog…yum)…and a soft, warm pretzel if I’m...