| The Windmill | |
|---|---|
| Restaurant information | |
| Established | 1964 |
| Street address | 200 Ocean Ave. (location of the first restaurant of the chain) |
| City | Long Branch |
| State | New Jersey |
| Postal code/ZIP | 07740 |
| Country | United States |
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.[1] Leo and Ed Levine bought the restaurant in 1976, and opened a second location in Belmar, New Jersey three years later.[1] Since that time, WindMill Gourmet Fast Foods has grown to include 8 locations—5 franchises and 3 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."[2] 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.[3] The Windmill claims it is a favorite of Bruce Springsteen. The company sponsors an annual hot dog eating contest in Lake Como, New Jersey.[4]