Brandi’s World Famous Hot Dogs is a slice of old-fashioned goodness, serving up Southern slaw dogs that have earned a reputation far beyond Marietta’s borders. These hot dogs come with chopped onions, yellow mustard, and a kick of spicy chili as the standard, but the real magic happens when you add a dollop of sweet coleslaw. If the idea of a chili-slaw dog sounds a bit unusual, don’t worry because after one bite, you’ll understand how the sweetness of the slaw perfectly balances the heat of the chili.
But the hot dogs aren’t the only stars of the show. The menu also features burgers, crinkle fries, onion rings, sweet tea, and for dessert, hot fried pies topped with a generous scoop of ice cream. It’s comfort food at its finest.
The building itself, dating back to around 1915, has a rich history. Originally a Shell Service Station, it later became “Ravan’s Marble Inn” in the late 1950s, owned by the Ravan family and named for its distinctive marble brick front. The Marble Inn was a popular spot, known for its hot dogs, barbecue sandwiches, and old-school curb service.
Betty Jo Garrett, who began working at the Marble Inn in 1955, eventually took over the business in 1979, continuing the tradition with her “World Famous Hot Dogs” topped with a spicy chili. She witnessed the transformation of this part of Marietta from a rural outpost to a bustling economic center during the late 1960s. It was a time when J.P. Brown Grocery, Shaw’s Feed Mill, and Burger’s Fruit Market were the local go-tos for everything from groceries to farm supplies.
Fast forward to 2002, and a new chapter began when 22-year-old Brandi Wilson took the reins, renaming the establishment “Brandi’s World Famous Hot Dogs.” Under her ownership, the restaurant now sells about 500 hot dogs and 20 gallons of sweet tea daily. The secret to their popularity? The spicy chili recipe that Betty Garrett handed down, keeping the flavor tradition alive.
Hours:
Monday through Friday from 10 am to 3 pm.
Address:
1377 Church Street Ext NE
Marietta, GA 30060
Phone:
(770) 422-3681
Menu:
The menu states that “Everything served with mustard, onions, & chili,” meaning that’s the default way their hotdogs and burgers are served. For example, a chili dog will automatically include mustard, onions, and chili. A slaw dog will include mustard, onions, chili, and slaw. If you want something different, no problem – you can order anything from plain hotdogs and burgers to cheeseburgers or a fully loaded masterpiece with mustard, onions, slaw, chili, and even a slice of American cheese.
The full menu includes chili dogs, slaw dogs, hamburgers, French fries, chili cheese fries, chips, onion rings, coleslaw, hot fried apple pie, and ice cream. For drinks, they offer sweet or unsweet iced tea and a selection of fountain Coke products.
Tips for Visiting Brandi’s
- Ordering: If you’re dining in, just go on in and grab an available table or a seat at the bar and someone will come by to take your order and bring your food to you. For takeout, head straight to the register to place your order.
- Bring Cash: Brandi’s does not accept credit cards, so make sure to bring cash. If you’re dining in, take your receipt to the register to pay after your meal. For takeout orders, payment is made at the register when your food is ready.
- Timing Is Key: The restaurant is a popular lunch spot, often packed during peak hours. To avoid the crowds and secure parking, aim for an early or late lunch.
- Parking: The gravel parking lot is a one-way route around the building. From Church St. Extension, enter to the right of the building, park, and when you’re ready to leave, continue around the back to exit on the other side. Also, do not park in the parking lot next door.
- Watch for the Train: Keep an eye out for the train that crosses Church Street Extension right in front of the building – a small quirk of the location that adds to the charm – and be sure not to stop or park under the train crossing gate arm.
- Spicy Chili: Brandi’s chili is known for its heat and it contains no beans. For a milder chili experience, add coleslaw or a slice of American cheese to tone down the spice. You can also ask for a lighter amount of chili.
- Menu Notes: The hot dogs are a distinct pinkish red, the fries are crinkle cut, the tea is refreshingly sweet, and the prices are very reasonable, creating a combination that keeps locals coming back for more.
- Closure Alert: Brandi’s closes at 3 pm on weekdays and remains closed on Saturdays and Sundays. If you’re coming from out of town, it’s worth checking Brandi’s Facebook page for any additional closures. As a family-run restaurant, they occasionally take time off around the holidays, spring break, 4th of July week, or for other special occasions.
Bonus Trivia:
- Brandi’s was closed May 29 through June 3, 2025 in order to film a scene for the upcoming John Madden Story. The movie stars Nicolas Cage as John Madden, alongside Christian Bale, John Mulaney, Kathryn Hahn, Sienna Miller, and Shane Gillis.
- There is a second location of Brandi’s in Cartersville, which opened in 2004 at 800 N Tennessee St. It was first run by Brandi’s aunt, then by her mom, and now Brandi herself keeps things going while bringing those world famous hot dogs a bit farther north. The Cartersville location features a few extras on the menu that you won’t find in Marietta, including tater tots, mini corndogs, and a choice of mild or spicy chili.
“One of the 7 Wonders of Cobb County”
– Marietta Daily Journal
“The spicy chili is Brandi’s specialty, and what separates them from the pack. The chili-slaw dog matches it with a creamy, soothing coleslaw, onions for crunch and a vinegary mustard for zing.”
– Zagat, Top 10 Hot Dogs in Atlanta
