Ep 11. Let's Be Frank

In episode 11 of season 12 of American Pickers, titled "Let's Be Frank," Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz embark on another adventure to explore some of the most unique artifacts in America. This time, they are searching for rare and historic items related to the iconic frankfurter.

To start their quest, the pickers head to Cape May, New Jersey, where they visit an antique dealer named Eric and his massive collection of memorabilia related to hot dogs and frankfurters. Mike and Frank are amazed by the wide variety of hot dog toys, advertising signs, and vintage restaurant equipment in Eric's collection. They even get to visit the spot where the first recorded hot dog stand was opened in 1884 by a German immigrant named Charles Feltman.

Next, the pickers travel to Philadelphia, where they meet a woman named Maria who owns a curious antique shop filled with oddities. Among the many objects in her shop, Mike and Frank discover a rare and elaborately decorated hot dog machine from the early 20th century. Maria confesses that she's been trying to sell the machine for years but hasn't found a buyer who appreciates its history and intricate craftsmanship. Mike and Frank know they can help her find the right collector who would cherish the machine.

As they continue their journey, the pickers make a detour to visit a long-standing hot dog stand in Scranton, Pennsylvania, called Coney Island Lunch. They meet the owner, Joe, whose grandfather opened the stand in 1923, and hear stories of how he's kept the family tradition alive for almost a century. Mike and Frank are impressed by Joe's dedication and the charming vintage decor of his stand.

Finally, the pickers head to New York City, the birthplace of the modern hot dog. They visit the Frankfurter Express stand in Times Square, where they taste some of the best hot dogs in the city and chat with the owner, Eddie. Mike and Frank also seek out some of the most famed hot dog stands in the city, searching for vintage cookware, signs, and other memorabilia. Along the way, they hear about the fascinating history of the hot dog in New York and its role in shaping American cuisine.

Throughout the episode, Mike and Frank share their love of history and unique objects, as they uncover hidden gems related to one of America's most beloved foods. They discover the many ways hot dogs have been advertised, made, and sold throughout the decades, and reveal the stories of the people behind these artifacts.

"Let's Be Frank" is a fun and exciting episode of American Pickers that takes viewers on a tasty trip through hot dog history. With their characteristic enthusiasm and curiosity, Mike and Frank inspire viewers to appreciate the unique character of everyday objects and the stories they tell about American culture.