Hot wiener sales cool in weak economy

CRANSTON, R.I. (AP) - The weak economy and fast food chains have taken a toll on yet another aspect of life in Rhode Island: sales of the red hot wiener.

The Providence Journal reports that the state's signature comfort food is being hurt by record unemployment, rising food costs and competition from restaurant chains.

Gus Trikoulis is selling George's Grill in Cranston. He says the economy is no good and he's just trying to survive.

Many of the state's early hot wiener restaurants were opened by Greek immigrants in the early 1900s, the 1920s when the economy was strong and during the Cold War.

Some red hot wiener makers blame fast-food restaurants that sell $1 entrees to cash-strapped customers and chains such as Subway that sell food at gas stations and convenience stores.