Putting On The Dog?

Some Chicago-area restaurant are experimenting with one of the boldest cultural changes of the century.

McDonald’s, the king of hamburgers, is allowing some franchise owners to add hot dogs to their menu boards on a trial basis.

Officials at the Oak Brook, Ill.-based corporation are quick to point out this is not a company-sponsored national promotion.

“We have no plans to introduce hot dogs nationwide,” said Jane Hulbert, McDonald’s spokeswoman.

But what’s next? Apple pie at Pizza Hut?

Hulbert said a couple of franchises are introducing hot dogs on their own if it is “appropriate to the particular market.”

McDonald’s franchises in the Chicago area with hot dogs on their menus were contacted by Knight-Ridder Financial News but would not comment on how well demand has been at the traditional hamburger outlets.

But industry sources in Chicago claim the hot dogs are “very successful” and have become a “very popular” item.