Originated by Firm Roberts (1882-1956) after opening a shoe shine-cigar-news stand at 1106 Broadway, on June 22, 1908. He soon relocated to Broadway and 12th, and started selling hot dogs, scrambled dogs, chili, and sandwiches that made him a success. The scrambled dog was the best seller and helped his business grow, and soon he established Firm Roberts Cafe, a fine wooden building on Cusseta Rd. The building burned down during WW2. When the building was replaced it was built of brick. The Scrambled Dog became known around the world because of the many military men who came there to eat them.
Lieutenant Stevens (1931-2019) began serving the Scrambled Dog in the '40s at Dinglewood Pharmacy where they are still being served. They have continued to keep the tradition alive. Although slightly different from the original, they are still a local favorite.
Their fame grew to Washington DC when President Jimmy Carter requested some be made for the White House. And later the Scrambled Dog was served at weddings in Saudi Arabia and Florence, Italy. Great Britain's Prince Charles was treated to the Scrambled Dog, served on a silver plate, in 1976 by the Governor and Mrs. Busbee at the Georgia Governor's Mansion.
- Steam the hot dog and heat the bun
- Put hot dog in the bun
- Slice in bite size pieces, cutting completely through both bun and hot dog
- Carefully move to a celery dish or large bowl
- Cover with at least two ladles of chili. The original chili had beans.
- Additional toppings include: Oyster crackers, chopped onions, mustard, ketchup, dill pickles, shredded cheese, and coleslaw.