By Sharon Oliver
Contributing Writer
REGION – Cool Dogs are an extinct species, but memories of this ice cream-based confection remain strong in Massachusetts.
Fond memories
Not too long ago, Dorchester native and Emmy award-winning “The Bear” star Ayo Edebiri appeared on Seth Meyers’ “Late Night,” stirring up fond memories for some and piqued curiosity for others. Besides giving the audience and viewers an imagined visual of her wild rides as a passenger on the old Fung Wah buses, the 30-year-old actress, writer and director also captured everyone’s attention when she spoke about her affection for Boston’s Cool Dog. Edebiri explained to the audience that the bun was a sponge cake, the dog was ice cream, mustard was replaced with a chocolate sauce, and whipped cream substituted for relish.
On “Late Night,” Meyers pointed out that the actress had brought some attention to a few of Boston’s historical moments. Edebiri said, “I am just like a complete nerd in my heart of hearts, as evidenced by the times that I’ve spoken to you about Cool Dogs and the Great Molasses Flood. I believe in local history. I don’t know what to tell you. I believe in it, against all odds.” The FX on Hulu comedy-drama series “The Bear” (2022-2026) dominated during awards season, having won 21 Emmys and five Golden Globes.
Invented in late 1990s
The hot dog inspired ice cream dessert created by Peter and Tara Franklin was invented in the late 1990s. The couple introduced and sold their first Cool Dogs at the Barnstable County Fair and in 2001, food vendors and brand name parks like Disney and Six Flags at an amusement park trade show proved to be the beginning of a business venture beyond their wildest dreams.
Rookies Peter and Tara worked in a tiny booth in a corner but ended up taking the top prize at the International Association of Amusements and Attractions (IAAPA) for their new product – the Cool Dog. Soon afterwards, stadiums and amusement parks throughout the East Coast expressed interest. What soon followed were deals with supermarkets like Walmart, Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale Club, sports venues, and other amusement parks like New Hampshire’s Story Land.
Although they were more popular in New England, Cool Dogs were even a concession option at the 2005 Super Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida, in a match-up between the Eagles and the Patriots. The novelty treat was sold at Fenway Park, Universal Studios in Orlando, Six Flags in Massachusetts, Story Land in New Hampshire and regional supermarkets like Roche Bros. and Stop & Shop.
Recession decline
During the height of the Cool Dog’s popularity, the ice cream was available in more than 250 locations. The Franklins strongly considered selling their business to Nestle but said the 2008 recession prevented it. Unfortunately, the treat’s popularity was short-lived and was discontinued in 2016, never recovering from the recession.
Brian W. of Weymouth told Boston.com, “I will never forget how before the end of the school year they would treat us to Cool Dogs for dessert after lunch. Cool Dogs were the absolute best, and it is a core memory. I don’t know how a treat like this couldn’t survive.”
Holly Davis wrote on Facebook: “These were so good.”
Even Marge Simpson got in on the trend somewhat in a 2004 episode of “The Simpsons” titled “All’s Fair in Oven War” where Marge learns about a cooking contest and enters her dessert dog recipe using deep-fried cookie dough links, meringue buns, cherry ketchup, and caramel mustard.
Meanwhile, over in Chicago’s Museum of Ice Cream, they have their own rendition that is actually hot dog-flavored and served in a pink poppy seed bun, dressed up in a drizzle of mustard and petite gherkins.
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