It's a dog eat dog world, and Spike's Junkyard Dogs is the reigning dog! Spike's has become the talk of the town with its top-notch hot dogs, original toppings and original names like Mexicali Dog, '57 T-Bird, and Sinatra Dog to name a few. Many go for the food, others to just hang, but there are those that go to make a name for themselves.

It has come to this: man against dog – hot dog that is! Man and dog face off to see who is the true champ – after all, there can be only one! Picture it. You sit in a room. They're chanting your name. You take a deep breath and concentrate on the task before you.

In this case, a hot dog. Not a scrawny puny weenie made from mystery meat in a fluffy white bun. A real dog among dogs. A bratwurst-styled dog, meaty, topped with tomatoes, green onions, brown mustard, a pickle spear, and a hot pepper! Inside a lightly crusted French roll. It's Spike's signature hot dog -- the Junkyard Dog -- and it takes no prisoners.

How many can you eat? One maybe two? Feeling a bit wild, you may even make it to three. But would you dare try six? In one sitting? After all, if an eighty-pound kid can do six in twenty minutes, you can surely do more.

Your competition!

Few dare, and fewer survive. But it has been done, and those that have made it, have had the honor bestowed upon them of becoming members of the Kennel club, their picture on the wall, and their very own Spike's Junkyard Dog t-shirt to wear like a badge of honor.

If your appetite is big and your goals high, then you're aiming for 18 in order to beat the big dog.

What could possibly posess someone to go for the gold? To become top dog? Well, majority of the players are teenagers and college students that are, very simply put, hungry for competition. Eating 6 dogs is not an easy task. Players take it seriously, and have to psychologically build themselves up according to Garreth Mundy, manager of the Thayer Street location. Those that dare step up to the plate must take it in and keep it down in order to win. Six gets you a t-shirt, but beating the big dog will get your tab cleared.

According to Mundy, the most common words heard after competing are "I think I'm gonna be sick." And do you blame them? After eating all those dogs, many disappear into the sunset never to be seen again. Only a brave and hungry few dare come back after their death defying attempt at the throne.

Of all five locations, the most daring is Spike's at 723 Thayer Street (401/454-1459). Their top dog has eaten no less than 17, while Spike's in Cranston is a close runner up with 13 hot dogs. Thayer Street is an old pro when it comes to the Kennel Club. They have been in business for 10 years with a growing loyalty to the Kennel Club for the past five years.

With the popularity for Spike's growing, so is this franchise. There are locations in Providence, Cranston, Warwick, and a brand spanking new location in Boston that should be up and running by October. So, no matter where you are, if the craving hits – you know where to go.

Previous Victors!

And, if you can't get to Spikes then there is always the possibility that Spike's will come to you. Because if great can't get better – think again! If you are a fan of 95.5 WBRU and their concerts, then fear not because Spike Dog Trucks have been seen on the premises! Yes, you've heard right, Spike's is on the road and bringing the junk yard to you.

So, when hunger hits and your in the mood for a "Freaking Hot, Hot Dog" and "Poodle Fries", or even a vegetarian hot dog, remember Spike's motto: "World's Best Hot Dog – maybe better".

Ziomara Hernandez is a soon-to-be graduate of Florida International University where she has been studying journalism and broadcast media. She is a Providence native that enjoys everything and anything that has to do with living!

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