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The Hot Dog Brand Encyclopedia · Entry 5 of 8

Hebrew National

Since 1905

100% kosher beef

Hebrew National began on Manhattan's Lower East Side in 1905. Its hot dogs are made from 100% kosher beef with the brand's original spice blend, and its 1965 slogan "We answer to a higher authority" is still one of the best-known lines in food advertising.

An independent New York street cart that serves Hebrew National.
An independent New York street cart that serves Hebrew National. Photo: Nielsoncaetanosalmeron, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

History

  1. 1905Theodore Krainin founds the company on East Broadway, on the Lower East Side.2
  2. 1930sButcher Isadore Pines buys the company; the Pines family runs it until 1968.2
  3. 1965Adopts the slogan "We answer to a higher authority."2
  4. 1993Its parent company is acquired by ConAgra.2

More to know

Hebrew National says its recipe, 100% kosher beef with its original spice blend, hasn't changed since 1905.

For cart owners

Kosher and all-beef matter to a lot of customers. If you serve Hebrew National, say so on the cart.

Sources

  1. Hebrew National: Our Story checked 2026-10-23
  2. Wikipedia: Hebrew National checked 2026-10-23