WindMill

The Windmill is a chain of restaurants located mostly near the Jersey Shore known for its hot dogs and other fast food. The original location, a windmill shaped building in Long Branch, New Jersey, was built and opened in 1964. Leo and Ed Levine bought the restaurant in 1976, and opened a second location in Belmar, New Jersey, three years later. Since that time, WindMill Gourmet Fast Foods has grown to include eight locations—four franchises and four owned by the family. George James in The New York Times writes, "Aside from Sabrett, the family-owned hot dog manufacturer based in New Jersey that makes the Windmill hot dog, the Levines probably constitute the largest wiener dynasty in the state."The Windmill's Hotdog style is a Jersey Shore variant of Kosher style flat grilled. The Windmill's Long Branch location is known for its fierce competition with nearby Max's Famous Hotdogs. The Windmill claims it is a favorite of Bruce Springsteen. The company sponsors an annual hot dog eating contest in Lake Como, New Jersey. Besides its staple Hot Dogs, the chain serves many other sandwiches, including chicken and fish, and a California-style Double Burger known as the Big Ed, though it can be made to suit the customer's wishes. The Burgers and the chain's Rib Eye Steak sandwich are popular with customers. Side dishes include cheese french fries almost as well known as the hot dogs, as well as chili cheese fries, fried mushrooms and fried mixed vegetables in a bread-crumb batter. In addition to standard fountain soda selections, the chain offers orange-ade and grape-ade, as well as bottled drinks. The condiment offerings, set up at the purchase counter, include diced onions, relish, red sauce, sauerkraut and pickles.