Wheeling Superdawg hopes to host more weddings

Pink and white flowers offset the geometric white and blue face of Superdawg July 8 as history was made.

Brittany and Eddie McKee of Chicago became the first couple to get married at the local institution known for the iconic hot dog statues on its roof nicknamed after the business' founders, Maurie and Flaurie Berman.

The McKees tied the knot at the Wheeling location in the grassy area between the drive-in's parking lot and the Potawatomi Woods Forest Preserve.

“You are only supposed to get married once and you want it to be special and fun,” the bride said.

The bride's father Ronald Teramani of Wheeling walked her down a white runner during the 10-minute ceremony as Superdawg patrons drove up and ate their meals.

“My daughter was a little apprehensive at first. I mean it was her wedding,” Laura Teramani of Wheeling said. It was her idea to host the wedding at Superdawg instead of the hall they had previously booked.

After the ceremony was over, guests walked to the picnic tables between the ceremony site and the parking lot where some of the tables were reserved.

The Teramanis used to visit the original Superdawg in the city for special occasions.

“After being in business so many years, we know that we are seeing the grandchildren of our original customers,” said Lisa Drucker of Skokie, an owner. She served as event planner for the wedding.

Drucker's parents founded the original Superdawg at 6363 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago in 1948. Three generations of the family operate the two locations.

“It's a life cycle event of our Superdawg family,” Drucker said.

While Drucker said that Superdawg would be interested in hosting more weddings, Brittany McKee said she hoped that wouldn't happen.

“Then I wouldn't be the only one to do it,” McKee said.