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—one bite, and 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 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.
In addition to the Marietta location, there’s also a Brandi’s in Cartersville, which opened in 2004. This spot is run by Brandi’s mom, keeping it a true family business while spreading the love of these famous hot dogs a little further.
At Brandi’s, everything is served with mustard, onions, and chili as the baseline, but the menu is flexible enough to cater to any preference—from a simple plain hot dog to a fully loaded masterpiece with all the fixings, including a slice of American cheese.
Hours:
Monday through Friday from 10 am to 3 pm.
Address:
1377 Church Street Ext NE
Marietta, GA 30060
Phone:
(770) 422-3681
Menu:
When it says, “Everything served with mustard, onions, & chili,” this is their standard way of serving the burgers and dogs, but you can get anything from plain to one with onions, slaw, chili, and a slice of American cheese.
The full menu includes chili dog, slaw dog, hamburger (or cheeseburger, can be topped with chili and slaw as well), French fries, chili cheese fries, chips, onion rings, cup of slaw, hot fried apple pie, and ice cream. Beverage options include ice sweet tea and a variety of coke products.
Tips for Visiting Brandi’s
- Bring Cash: Brandi’s does not accept credit cards, so be sure to have cash on hand. Payment is made at the cash register after you’ve enjoyed your meal.
- 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 Know-How: 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 St. 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.
- Chili Alert: Brandi’s chili is known for its heat and contains no beans. For a milder chili experience, add coleslaw or a slice of American cheese to your hot dog to tone down the spice.
- Menu Notes: The hot dogs are a distinct pinkish red, the fries are crinkle cut, the tea is refreshingly sweet, and the prices are more than reasonable—a combination that keeps locals coming back for more.
“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
