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Cape Fear Foodie: Hot Dog Road Trip Part 4

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Cape Fear Foodie: Hot Dog Road Trip Part 4


WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – What better day to celebrate our local hot dogs, than on National Hot Dog Day? My thoughts exactly. Then again, how is that we are already through the middle of July and we’re just now going on our first Hot Dog Road Trip of the summer? It’s truly shameful on my end. But we’re all here now, the gas tank is full, the 100 CD holder is bursting at the seams, and the AC is struggling to keep up in this unrelenting heat…so let’s put rubber on the road.

Here’s a quick rundown of my entirely arbitrary rules for the Road Trip. For one, I try to stay away from chain restaurants at all costs (think Sonic or Cook Out). Secondly, I only order my hot dogs one way, with chili, slaw, onions, and mustard. To many here, that’s a Carolina Dog, for others it’s a West Virginia Dog. Either way it’s delicious and I highly recommend you give it a try if you haven’t before. Finally, I am judging these “scores” based on the hot dog itself, the bun, onions, chili, and slaw (sorry mustard).

Thank you to everyone who answered my Hot Dog Road Trip roll call, I received nearly 50 emails and comments about places I needed to check out. Some of them I have tried before, and you can read the previous three Road Trips here:

Hot Dog Road Trip Part 1

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Hot Dog Road Trip Part 2

Hot Dog Road Trip Part 3

Many suggestions were of places I have never heard of before, or had on my list for a long time. I plan to make a trip to all of them, but here are a handful to satisfy your appetite.

Sweet D’s Cuisine

Some may find it strange our first stop is at a bakery known for it’s delicious sweet treats, including fresh croissants drizzled and filled with a variety of sugar-laden goodies. However, Sweet D’s Cuisine also offers plenty of savory items as well, including hot dogs. When it comes to this dog, the chili has a solid beef flavor (albeit a little dry), the slaw is fine cut and creamy, the onions freshly diced, and the bun was soft and perfectly enveloped its contents. The weakest link here was the hot dog itself (no pun intended), it seemed overcooked and tough, which is a real shame because the rest of the ingredients are top notch. This dog gets a respectable 3.25/5.

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A hot dog that shines in nearly every way, except the hot dog itself. A rare breed.(WECT)

Monkey Junction Pit Stop

The next stop on our route takes us to a convenience store along Carolina Beach Road, the Monkey Junction Pit Stop. This place is a one stop shop for nearly everything you need on the way to the beach, they also have some killer hot dogs. You will have to ask the clerk to whip up your order, this isn’t a gas station where the hot dogs rack up more miles than your car while rolling under a heat lamp. The dog is quality, the chili is a meaty sauce, the slaw has a real creamy zing to it, the onions are fresh and finely diced, and the bun is firm but soft. A glamorous glizzy here, 4/5.

For a convenient store, this hot dog from the Monkey Junction Pit Stop is worth your time and...
For a convenient store, this hot dog from the Monkey Junction Pit Stop is worth your time and money.(WECT)

Truck’s Chicken ‘n Fish

When walking into Truck’s Chicken ‘n Fish on Red Cross St., you immediately smell the hunger-enducing aroma of fried chicken. Which makes sense, it’s in the name. Though some suggest they also make a hot dog worth stopping in for, so that’s exactly what I did. As you can see from the picture, Truck’s doesn’t skimp on the toppings (though mustard was accidentally forgotten). While this is a fork and knife hot dog, with each dog piled high, nothing particularly stands out. I will be back for some other menu items, and maybe give these dogs a shot at redemption. A lackluster showing, 2.5/5.

So many toppings, but not nearly enough flavor.
So many toppings, but not nearly enough flavor. (WECT)

Sea Level City Vegan Diner

I know what you’re thinking, a vegan hot dog? As they say, “all’s fair in love and hot dogs,” or something like that. This may seem like a detour on our road trip, but it’s a stop I’ve wanted to make for some time. The soy-based dog here tasted just fine, the toasted bun was a positive as well, in fact, the entire package was one of the prettiest hot dogs I’ve ever ate. Yet, something just wasn’t right. Maybe it was the black bean chili (beans typically aren’t in hot dog chili) or the red slaw that didn’t impart much flavor, but this dog was more bark than bite. This creation is in the dog house, 2.5/5.

This soy-based hot dog has many things going for it, but ultimately some ingredients kept it...
This soy-based hot dog has many things going for it, but ultimately some ingredients kept it from reaching full potential.(WECT)

Sam’s Hot Dog Stand

I’m technically breaking the first rule of the Hot Dog Road Trip here…no, you can still talk about the Road Trip, it’s not that kind of rule. I visited a chain (of sorts). Sam’s Hot Dog Stand started in my native West Virginia, and has dozens of locations spread out through the Mountain State, Kentucky, Virginia, and North Carolina. However, I have received plenty of suggestions through the years for me to pay Sam’s a visit, so I finally obliged. The ladies here could not have been any nicer, and the hot dog they provided is about as good as you can get. A perfectly steamed bun cradles a beef hot dog, then its lathered in your choice of mild or spicy chili (I went with the latter) and topped with onions, mustard, and fresh, finely chopped, and creamy coleslaw. Others take note, this is how slaw should be on every hot dog. A blue ribbon frankfurter worth telling people about, 4.8/5.

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Nearly perfect in every way, even if it's not exactly a
Nearly perfect in every way, even if it’s not exactly a “mom-and-pop” restaurant.(WECT)

Stay tuned this summer, as I visit many more locations, and as always, I am always seeking new suggestions. Have a favorite hot dog? Send me a note at corey.preece@gray.tv

IF YOU GO:

Sweet D’s Cuisine is located at 2321 S 17th St, Wilmington, NC 28401

Monkey Junction Pit Stop is located at 4902 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington, NC 28412

Truck’s Chicken ‘n Fish is located at 604 Red Cross St, Wilmington, NC 28401

Sea Level City Vegan Diner is located at 1015 S Kerr Ave Unit A & B, Wilmington, NC 28403

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Sam’s Hot Dog Stand is located at 5917 Oleander Dr STE 110, Wilmington, NC 28403

Do you recommend a restaurant? Or know of a best-kept secret that you want the rest of the Cape Fear to know about? Shoot me an email at corey.preece@gray.tv and I would love to feature your selection. Cheers!



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North Carolina, Bill Belichick officially name Bobby Petrino offensive coordinator

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North Carolina, Bill Belichick officially name Bobby Petrino offensive coordinator


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Bill Belichick is adding an experienced offensive coordinator to his coaching staff at North Carolina football for the 2026 college football season.

On Friday, Jan. 9, the Tar Heels announced the hiring of Bobby Petrino as the offensive coordinator. Petrino spent the last two seasons with Arkansas as the offensive coordinator and was promoted to interim head coach following the firing of Sam Pittman.

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Belichick and the Tar Heels opted to part ways with former offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens on Dec. 12, after one season.

“We are fortunate to add an elite coaching talent in Bobby to our staff,” Belichick said in a statement. “He brings an extensive background and a proven record of success on offense at every level of football. Bobby has consistently built great offenses everywhere he has been, and we look forward to having him work with our program.”

UNC finished 2025 as one of the worst offenses in college football. Out of 136 FBS teams, the Tar Heels finished No. 131 in total offense and No. 121 in scoring offense (19.3).

Petrino brings previous head coaching experience to Belichick’s staff, with stops at Louisville (2003-06), the Atlanta Falcons (2007), Arkansas (2008-11), Western Kentucky (2013), Louisville (2014-18) and Missouri State (2020-22).

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With the Cardinals, Petrino coached 2016 Heisman Trophy winner and two-time ACC Player of the Year Lamar Jackson. Last season, the Razorbacks ranked 19th nationally in total offense with 454.8 yards per game.

“I’m extremely excited to join Coach Belichick and the Carolina football program,” Petrino said. “This is an incredible opportunity to work with one of the best at a storied institution. I cannot wait to get started in Chapel Hill alongside this coaching staff and student-athletes.”



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North Carolina Democrats, Republicans share takes on deadly ICE shooting in Minneapolis

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North Carolina Democrats, Republicans share takes on deadly ICE shooting in Minneapolis


RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — North Carolina political leaders disagree heavily on what happened during a deadly-ICE involved shooting in Minnesota and what should happen next.

Several videos immediately circulated depicting the moment when Renee Good was shot in her vehicle by an ICE agent. Democrats and Republicans dispute what the video actually shows.

“I’m horrified and I’m disgusted,” Democratic state Sen. Sophia Chitlik said.

Chitlik represents Durham where immigration enforcement agents had a large presence a few weeks ago. She stated the video shows why she and some of her constituents don’t want the agents back.

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“Get out,” she said. “We do not want ICE and CBP in our community. Not only do citizens and constituents not want them here, law enforcement doesn’t want them here. Our sheriff’s office, our police department, is very focused on keeping people safe, which is why crime is down. We manage public safety here.”

Matt Mercer, the communications director for the North Carolina Republican Party, stated the video shows the ICE agent acting in self-defense.

“I think what you see is the video speaks for itself,” Mercer said. “You had a federal agent acting in self-defense after potentially being rammed by someone in a vehicle, which is unfortunate. You just hate to see what happened.”

Chitlik disputes the notion that the ICE agent acted in self-defense, saying, “It’s not true. The video shows that it’s not true. [Good] was trying to back up, not move forward, trying to leave the situation. They aggressively pursued her.”

Republicans continue to back the federal agents in Minnesota and across the country, arguing it’s what millions of Americans voted for.

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“It’s already shown a lot of progress,” Mercer said. “You’ve had over two million illegals deported or self-deported from our country, which is exactly what President [Donald] Trump campaigned on.”

Some Democrats say immigration enforcement agents don’t make communities safer and instead incite violence fear.

“ICE is not here to keep us safe,” Chitlik said. “ICE is here to police us. ICE is here as an agent of fascism in our cities. They are not welcome here.”

Republicans say the immigration agents aren’t the ones raising tensions.

“Anytime you see people using an iPhone app and saying there’s ICE [in the area], it’s intentionally provoking and stoking tensions,” Mercer said. “You’d like to see people using their right to protest in a way that’s not obstructing the mission these hardworking officers are doing every day.”

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CBS 17 has not heard of any plans for the immigration agents to return to North Carolina.



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Current State of North Carolina’s Quarterback Room

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Current State of North Carolina’s Quarterback Room


This offseason has been a complete quarterback carousel for the North Carolina Tar Heels. Following the debacle of last season, it was obvious that North Carolina needed to make significant changes at quarterback.

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In Bill Belichick’s first year as the head coach, the Tar Heels compiled a 4-8 record and failed to qualify for bowl eligibility for the first time since 2018. There were several factors that led to the lackluster season, but the production and effectiveness from the quarterback position may take the cake, in terms of who should be blamed the most for North Carolina’s failure of a season.

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In 11 games, Gio Lopez threw for only 1,747 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions while attempting 6.7 yards per pass. If you don’t possess a quarterback who can operate at a competent level, it is virtually impossible to compete with that player leading the offense.

Nov 22, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Gio Lopez (7) is hit after a pass by Duke Blue Devils defensive back Caleb Weaver (3) during the first half at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-Imagn Images | William Howard-Imagn Images
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As mentioned, it was apparent that the front office had to venture out in the transfer portal to potentially find their next quarterback. The Tar Heels did land 2026 four-star quarterback recruit Travis Burgess, but it was not yet known that both Max Johnson and Bryce Baker would enter the transfer portal this offseason.

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Not to mention, after recently announcing that he will return to Chapel Hill in 2026, Lopez became the latest quarterback to leave the program, making his intentions of entering the portal known on Monday. On Wednesday, Lopez officially signed with Wake Forest.

Here is what general manager Michael Lombardi and North Carolina’s front office orchestrated to add depth to the quarterback room, and how those moves affect that position.

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Assessing the Tar Heels’ Quarterback Situation

Sep 20, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9) looks to throw a pass during the first quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

With three total quarterbacks leaving the program, North Carolina needed to orchestrate multiple moves to improve the depth at the position. While the Tar Heels landed Billy Edwards Jr. and Miles O’Neill, those two additions do not instill a ton of confidence in a room lacking experience and proven production.

In four years, Edwards Jr. has one year of starting, while O’Neill has eight appearances over the last two seasons. The Texas A&M transfer possesses more potential than Edwards Jr., as he still has three years of eligibility remaining. There is more room to grow for O’Neill. We already know what Edwards Jr is: a backup quarterback who could play here and there as a starter.

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Nov 22, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Miles O’Neill (16) hands the ball off Texas A&M Aggies running back AJ DiNota (41) before a game against the Samford Bulldogs at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Buvid-Imagn Images | Joseph Buvid-Imagn Images

Meanwhile, Au’Tori Newkirk played sparingly during his freshman season in 2025, and Burgess will be a true freshman in 2026. None of these quarterbacks provide both high potential and experience. They possess one or the other, which could become problematic if no one establishes themselves as the clear-cut starter.

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