Upstate Picnic Foods
Hailing from Upstate, your picnic isn’t complete without these favorite brands.
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
It may seem like locally founded brands like Hofmann hot dogs and Terrell’s potato chips are available everywhere; however, these brands and more are sold only across the region (unless one orders online). The following popular brands have become essential parts of Upstaters’ picnics.
Zwiegle’s, Rochester
As far as Upstaters are concerned, the only other New York hotdog is Zweigle’s. In 1880, C. Wilhelm and Josephine Zweigle opened a butcher shop in Rochester. The 5th generation of the same family now owns the business, making red and white, skinless and pop open hotdogs; franks, sausage, chorizo, Italian sausage, kielbasa, deli meat, meat balls.
Hofmann Sausage Company, Syracuse
Grilled hotdogs are essential to many families’ picnics. Hofmann Hots are CNYers’ top choice. The Hofmann family emigrated from Germany to New York in 1861and founded a meat market. By 1879, they settled in Syracuse and began establishing their line of authentic German franks, sausages, Snappy Grillers, beef jerky, Hunter Sticks, and condiments, the most recent of which is a line of relishes.
Gianelli Sausage, Syracuse
A grilled sausage smothered in tender onion and green pepper brings flair to any picnic. Anyone in Upstate seeking an authentic Italian sausage looks no further than Gianelli. Founded in 1946 by Lou and Gary Davis as G&L Davis Meat Company, the operation has grown to include sausage links, patties, ground sausage and coiled sausage in a variety of flavors under the Gianelli label.
Dinosaur BBQ Sauces and Rubs, Syracuse
A good sauce slathered on the meat goes a long way towards a delicious grilled meal. Many CNYers reach for Dinosaur BBQ sauces and rubs to boost the flavor of their picnics. The lineup of Dinosaur goods come from the restaurant chain of the same name. In 1983, founder John Stage and friends decided to sell high-quality food targeting bikers at the Harley Rendezvous, a motorcycle gathering near Albany. They called their mobile concession stand “Dinosaur” after “Dino,” one of the founders, and as a tribute to a Hank Williams song. The business remained mobile for five years until they settled in Syracuse. The restaurant side of the business has expanded to Rochester, Manhattan, Troy, Newark NJ, Brooklyn and Buffalo. Dinosaur also caters with mobile barbecue food trucks. But if you can’t get out to Dinosaur location, their bottled sauces and rubs can bring the flavor home.
Hinerwadel’s Salt Potatoes, Syracuse
In the 1800s, Irish salt miners in Syracuse prepared small, new potatoes for their lunch by boiling them in salt. The result was not unlike a baked potato with a crisp skin and tender but not mushy flesh inside. A little more than 100 years ago, entrepreneur John Hinerwadel began serving salt potatoes along with their other clambake fare at Hinerwadel’s Grove, his restaurant in Syracuse. His success made salt potatoes a summertime staple in CNY. Bags of Hinerwadels’ potatoes —then sold at grocers throughout the region — became a must-have for anyone hosting a cookout. Although the Hinerwadels stopped serving their clambakes in 2018, the tradition of salt potatoes continues at picnics across Upstate.
Terrell’s Potato Chips, Syracuse
In 1946, William Terrell founded Terrell’s Potato chips, a company now operated by his
grandson Jack Terrell. The chips come in original, ripple, barbecue and “Syracuse Style” flavors. Terrell’s acquired Jean’s potato chips. Remember them, the ones in the blue (original) or red (ripple) boxes? But Jean’s is no longer in production.
Adirondack Beverages, Scotia
Refreshing beverages are always a welcomed part of every picnic. An Upstate favorite, Adirondack has been leaving condensation rings on New York’s picnic tables since 1967. The classic flavors are still available—orange, black cherry, cola, ginger ale, root beer and cream soda—along with newcomers. These include sparkling water and Frannie’s, a sparkling beverage with vitamins, antioxidants, energy and no sugar. Adirondack sources from a local protected glacial aquifer.
Heluva Good! Dip, Arkport
What else could you dip your Terrell’s into than Heluva Good! brand dip? It originates from Heluva Good!, a cheese company founded in Sodus, Wayne county in 1925. A customer tasting the new product exclaimed, “That’s a hell of a good cheese!” and the brand earned its moniker. Although now part of HP Hood, LLC, the dip and condiments parts of the company are in Arkport. The dip flavors include French onion, bacon horseradish, buttermilk ranch, bodacious onion, jalapeno cheddar, and white cheddar bacon.