A Chicago-style hot dog from Willy-Yums.

Dogecoin is a cryptocurrency created in 2013 to mock the very idea of cryptocurrency—a so-called “memecoin” with a dog theme that has received support from the likes of Elon Musk, Gene Simmons and Mark Cuban. But it’s not just celebrities who are falling head-over-paws in love with this digital currency, known for its iconic Shiba Inu mascot.

Bradenton’s Willy-Yums Hotdogs and More (pronounced “Will-Yums”) recently started accepting it, as well. The restaurant, which was opened by Rob Williams in 2017, offers an array of gourmet hot dogs ranging from classic New York and Chicago styles to combos that put a twist on the street food. Ever heard of a pizza hot dog or a bacon and mac and cheese hot dog before?

“I’ve been a fan of Dogecoin for two years now,” says Williams. He became interested in the cryptocurrency after a friend introduced him to Robinhood, the investment trading website and app.

When Williams began investing in the meme coin, it was valued at only $0.002, well below its present value of around 17 cents. “I said, ‘You know what? I’m going to get it. It’s not expensive. Let me go ahead and get some,'” says Williams.

What exactly is the draw of Dogecoin? Williams says he enjoys how fun and easy it is to buy and trade. The currency’s mascot being a dog only adds to its appeal. “I like the fact that it’s D.O.G.E. and I do hot dogs,” he says. “I like the idea of hot doge.”

Now fellow Dogecoin fans can use the crypto cash as their preferred method of payment at Willy-Yums by simply scanning a QR code and entering their order total. And if that wasn’t enough for Doge-lovers, during the month of February, Willy-Yums will be offering a special promotion. Anyone who pays for their order using Dogecoin will receive 50 percent off their total.

Willy-Yums Hotdogs and More is located at 2003 14th St. W., Bradenton. For more info, call (941) 243-6906 or visit the restaurant’s Facebook page.