Elgin man wins hot dog eating contest at Barley House
They stuffed and stuffed their faces. And then stuffed down some more.
And finally, Kyle Sullivan of Elgin came out on top, as the winner of the first hot dog eating contest at Barley House along Randall Road in Algonquin.
Sullivan easily downed nine hot dogs and buns in four minutes, as part of the First Competitive Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest at the restaurant.
Bill Hansen of Lake in the Hills came in second, swallowing an impressive seven dogs in four minutes.
"We thank our participants for taking the plunge," said Brian Jason, manager of Barley House. "Four minutes was enough time to see who was the clear winner. We look forward to see what happens next year."
In all, there were 12 contestants who attempted to down as many hot dogs and buns as they could stuff in their mouths in the four minutes.
For having a stomach of steel during the contest, Sullivan won several prizes, including a gift certificate to the restaurant and a gallon keg of beer.
And of course he won the title of hot dog contest champion.
The other top-five eaters also won gift certificates.
Start practicing for next year if you're up for the challenge, because Jason says the restaurant is doing it again.
Art fair: Algonquin Commons along Randall Road will be host to an art and crafts fair this weekend.
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
It will feature upscale crafters from near and far.
It is the first time for the event, but organizers are hoping it will be a yearly tradition.
They attempted to host the fair last year, but didn't get enough crafters and artists in time to pull off the event.
However, this year, shoppers will have many crafters to choose from. They will be spread out around the outdoor mall, so you can go from one booth to the next, shopping and browsing.
Welcome, Skippy's: The old Krispy Kreme building in St. Charles will soon have a new tenant.
Instead of doughnuts, you'll soon be eating hamburgers and gyros out of the restaurant.
Skippy's Gyros is expected to open in the building formerly occupied by Krispy Kreme this month.
The business already has another location along the Randall Road corridor in South Elgin.
Sub shop: Galloway's Chicago Subs recently opened along the Randall Road corridor in Crystal Lake.
For all of you diners looking to enjoy the spring weather, the sub shop has outdoor tables, as well as indoor eating.
The restaurant is on the east side of Randall/Rakow roads, near the CVS pharmacy.
Amy Williams' column covers all the news of business along the Randall Road corridor from Batavia to Crystal Lake. Contact her at randallbiz@comcast.net or (847) 894-5036.