Wienerschnitzel is an American fast food chain that specializes in hot dogs. It was started in 1961 and has grown since. Their mascot is a hot dog that is always running from people who want to eat him. "Der Wienerschnitzel" is the former name of this fast food chain.
The restaurant is known for the striking shape of its restaurants with their tall and steeply pitched roofs. Structures that have been converted from Wienerschnitzel's to other restaurants are easy to spot since their architecture is so conspicuous.
Etymology
"Der Wienerschnitzel" is a famous example of incorrect use of German (and, by extension, other languages in general) by native English speakers, particularly non-Europeans.
The expression der Wienerschnitzel is German—however the correct article to use in this case is the neuter form das, not the masculine der. Strictly put, Wienerschnitzel might also be seen as incorrect, as the term is really a two-word expression in German. Thus, Das Wiener Schnitzel would have been correct usage (use of Wienerschnitzel by native German-speakers has however been observed).
In addition to these linguistic flaws, Wiener Schnitzel actually means "breaded veal cutlet, Vienna style", which the restaurant chain does not sell. Confusion of Wiener Schnitzel with Wienerwurst (Vienna style sausage) probably gave rise to the name. The chain changed its name to "Wienerschnitzel" (sans article) in 1977 though many franchises retained the older name on their restaurants.
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