Meet Nate Mallard, the Rock Hill Realtor turned Hot Dog Critic
In the midst of fuel pumps and convenience stores in rural Rock Hill, a man sits in his SUV ardently reviewing hot dogs on camera. Nate Mallard, a Rock Hill realtor by profession, has evolved into a cherished neighborhood personality. His passion? Reviewing hot dogs from the backseat of his SUV, and sharing these reviews with the world on social media.
Reviewing Hot Dogs for Fun and Lordship
Mallard, 36, is not a professional food critic. He’s a realtor who started reviewing hot dogs on a whim to bring life to his Facebook feed. And within less than a year, his hot dog reviews from familiar local establishments and off-beat gas stations have become mini-celebrations on social media, making him the unofficial hot dog lord of York County.
The Hot Dog Journey
Rock Hill loves its hot dogs, especially the classic Carolina-style dog. And each local establishment seems to have its own beloved rendition of this signature dish. Mallard, thus, found himself fitting well into this hot dog-loving niche.
In his quest to understand and appreciate the nuances of Carolina-style dogs, Mallard’s arguments revolve around the quality of chili, mustard, onions, and finely chopped coleslaw – which together make a classic Carolina dog. His reviews don’t focus much about the bun or the smoked sausage inside; it’s always about the perfect harmony of the flavors on top.
The Birth of a Mini-Celebrity
Mallard is a mini-Rock Hill celebrity that people now recognize. His Facebook videos have garnered tens of thousands of views. This former media and entertainment professional, who resorted to real estate, wanted a creative outlet that could boost his business and connect more meaningfully with his community.
Suggesting local eateries or convenience stores that offer mouthwatering hot dogs, the social media community supported Mallard’s hot dog reviewing endeavor. Thousands view his videos, and each new review causes a stir in the Rock Hill food scene. Such is the audience’s affection for his reviews.
Moving Forward
With his humor-filled, heartfelt critiques of the humble hot dog, Mallard plans to evolve his reviews to include sit-down interviews in the future. He aims to bring out fascinating stories from local vendors about the history of their hot dogs and how they relate to Rock Hill’s food culture at large.
But what’s next on the plate? Pizza? Wings? Well, the reviewer has set his sight on keeping the focus on hot dogs for now. After all, he started this journey showcasing a unique aspect of Rock Hill—its ubiquitous, much-loved hot dogs. And there seems to be no end to this mouthwatering saga anytime soon.
