The History of Cozy Dog Drive-In - on old Route 66 - Springfield, Illinois.

Cozy Dog is the original home of the cornbread battered hot-dog-on-a-stick. The Cozy Dog was invented by Buzz Waldmire - "you'd just better not call it a corndog."

A Cozy Dog is usually eaten with mustard. The hand-cut french fries are awesome too! 

Cozy Dogs was officially launched at the Lake Springfield Beach House on June 16th, 1946. Shortly after, the Cozy Dogs were introduced to the crowds at the Illinois State Fair that same year.

Waldmire's invention of his Cozy Dog and claim-to-fame was, unfortunately, ripped off and was renamed, the "corndog" which was thus marketed all over the U.S.

The first Cozy Dog House was located on South Grand between Fifth and Sixth Street in Springfield, Illinois.

A 1950s photograph of the first Cozy Dog with a Manager and Ed Waldmire standing in the parking lot.

A second Cozy Dog House was located at Ash & MacArthur. In 1949, Cozy Dog Drive-In was born; built on the old Route 66 which was South Sixth Street in Springfield.

In 1996 Cozy Dog moved to its current location, where Sue (Ed’s daughter-in-law) Josh, Eddie, Tony & Nick (Ed’s grandsons) continue on with the business right next door to the original location.

Cozy Dog Drive-In, 2935 South Sixth Street, Springfield, Illinois.
Route 66. Pen and Ink drawing by William Crook, Jr. ©2010

 

There is artwork, by one of the sons of the late Buzz Waldmire, Bob Waldmire. The famous "Wall Dog" artist, Bob Waldmire, has painted images on the sides of buildings along the entire Route 66. as an artist, he also did postcards, posters, and maps with many images of Route 66.

They use Oscar Mayer hot dogs for their Cozy Dogs.

Sadly, Bob Waldmire passed away from abdominal cancer on December 16, 2009. There is also some Buzz Waldmire memorabilia inside Cozy Dog, such as family photos and his book collection. Cozy Dog features a gift shop selling Route 66 merchandise.

An example of Bob Waldmire's artwork.

An example of Bob Waldmire's artwork.

VIDEO

"To the end of Route 66"
by Bob Waldmire

INDEX TO MY ILLINOIS AND CHICAGO FOOD & RESTAURANT ARTICLES.

Compiled by Neil Gale, Ph.D.