Bears Fans Flock to Wieners Circle for Free Hot Dogs After Coach’s Stunt

A wave of excitement swept through Chicago as fans of the Chicago Bears lined up outside The Wieners Circle on December 2, 2025, to grab free hot dogs. The event kicked off in the early hours, with dedicated supporters braving the chilly 23-degree temperature to celebrate a playful challenge initiated by head coach Ben Johnson after the team’s victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Starting at 5 a.m., eager fans gathered outside the popular hot dog stand, waiting for a chance to enjoy complimentary food, courtesy of Johnson’s postgame antics. Following the Bears’ 24-15 victory on Friday, Johnson had playfully removed his shirt and yelled, “They’re hungry for some hot dogs!” as a nod to the establishment’s previous promise to give away food if he displayed his enthusiasm in this manner.

By 7 a.m., S. Rosen’s, a beloved local bakery, delivered 2,000 hot dog buns to The Wieners Circle in preparation for the event. As the clock struck 11 a.m., the staff began handing out hot dogs along with their trademark banter. Emma Kreis, operations manager at The Wieners Circle, expressed her delight, stating, “Seeing this all come together again has been so wholesome.”

Community Spirit and Team Loyalty

This celebration mirrored a similar event in September, when fans received free hot dogs after quarterback Caleb Williams threw four touchdown passes. Kreis noted that the idea for this giveaway came about when owner Ari Levy proposed that Johnson would have to remove his shirt again for another round of free dogs. “We were in the office, and he was like, you know what we’re going to do? If (Ben Johnson) takes his shirt off during or after any Bears victory this year, we’re going to do free hot dogs again,” she recalled.

Johnson himself had acknowledged the playful nature of the challenge during a media session, describing the situation as “a little disturbing” but admitting he was a “man of the people.” With the Bears currently enjoying their first winning season since 2018 and sitting at the top of the NFC with nine wins out of their last ten games, fans felt justified in their excitement.

The atmosphere outside The Wieners Circle was electric, with chants of “Thank you, Ben Johnson!” echoing amidst the slushy streets and mud. Fans were not just there for the food; they were there to partake in a unique cultural phenomenon that unites the city’s supporters.

Bringing People Together

Many in line expressed that the experience was more about camaraderie than just receiving a free meal. KJ Gaiter, a Lincoln Park resident and baseball coach, stood in line for about 45 minutes. “I decided that no matter the weather, I wanted to be here supporting the Bears,” he said.

The playful banter from The Wieners Circle’s staff added to the lively experience, with employees like Regan Eggert playfully engaging with customers. “Broke [expletive]! You better throw some money in my jar, [expletive]!” Eggert shouted, keeping spirits high.

Amidst the jovial chaos, customers like Dennis Shim and David Wright found themselves bonding over their mutual appreciation for the Bears. Shim, who wore a purple Baltimore Ravens sweatshirt, embraced the playful jabs from the staff, saying, “I’m willing to take my punishment; it’s all about the experience.”

For many fans, the Bears symbolize unity in a city known for its passionate sports culture. “There’s only one team in Chicago that everybody rallies around,” Wright remarked, highlighting the strong sense of community that surrounds the team.

As the day progressed, lines began to shrink, but the festive spirit remained palpable. Fans like Graeme Phillips reflected on the excitement, noting that events like this encapsulate the essence of Chicago. “It’s just amazing — bringing together people from so many backgrounds,” Phillips said.

As The Wieners Circle prepares for future events, Kreis hinted that more surprises may be in store, saying, “I’m sure there will be something else — Ari will probably tweet something else soon.” The warm camaraderie and shared enthusiasm for the Bears underscore a city that thrives on sports, community, and the joy of free hot dogs.