Saugys have been a Rhode Island delicacy since 1869. Started by Alphonse Saugy in the late 1800s, it was a staple of the old Canal Street provisions district located at 274 and 285 Canal Street in Providence, RI for decades. My father snacked on them throughout his youth in the Federal Hill section of Providence, and made sure his kids did too when visiting his parents there in the 70's. But at home here in CT? It was Hummel's and nothing but. To the point that we were flying cases of Hummel's out to relatives in Florida throughout the 80's and 90's, and to my mom all the way in Vegas. No other hot dog compared.
But when in Rhode Island do as the Ocean Staters do.
In 1912, at the age of 14, Leo McCaughey, grandfather of the current owner, started working for the Saugy brothers driving a horse-drawn wagon along the cobblestone streets of Providence. During World War II, Alphonse shut the place down because he couldn't get the high-quality meat that he needed. Leo, along with Adam Leips and Ludo Spangenberger, reopened Saugy on June 7, 1944.In 1971, Saugy moved from Canal Street to 30 Cross Street in Providence.
Today, during the summer, step into any grocery store throughout RI and the first thing you'll see are Saugys, strategically placed before you, steps into the joint, packages of hot dog rolls to the left and right.
There is a definite difference between the two popular dogs, with the Saugy utilizing a family recipe consisting of all natural ingredients that have been passed down from generation to generation, a natural casing German-style Frankfurt.
Have you ever had one? And which do you prefer?
What's more, should The Vinnie Penn Project host a Hummel vs Saugy event!?