UNK students may soon have a new go-to snack option: the viral Korean corn dog chain Kong Dog is reportedly launching a limited-time pop-up location inside the Nebraskan Student Union.
The pop-up part of Kong Dog’s nationwide campus tour will run for a trial period of three weeks beginning April 1.
“This is something we’ve been working on quietly for a while,” said Marlene Toastley, UNK Dining coordinator. “When Kong Dog reached out about bringing their concept here, we saw it as a fun opportunity to offer something unique and exciting to our students.”
Known for its golden, crunchy exterior and Instagram-worthy cheese pulls, Kong Dog takes the traditional corn dog and elevates it. Some of their menu options feature mozzarella fillings, ramen noodle crusts, potato cubes, squid ink batter and even sugar toppings.
The chain has gained massive popularity on TikTok where videos of people stretching melted cheese several feet into the air regularly go viral.
“Wait, this isn’t a prank?” said Derek Niblet, a sophomore business major who initially thought the poster he saw was fake. “If this is real, I’m skipping class on April 1 to be first in line. I have no shame.”
According to a post made this past weekend, the pop-up will be located in The Graze. It will temporarily be replacing the pizza counter, which will return once the Kong Dog run ends.
The menu will feature several of Kong Dog’s best sellers, including the original mozzarella dog, the potato dog, the half & half (half mozzarella, half hot dog) and the churro dog rolled in cinnamon sugar.
UNK will be one of just five universities in the country chosen to host the brand’s wildly popular over-the-top cheesy creations. UNK students will be able to vote on a special “Loper Dog,” a custom creation exclusive to the Kearney pop-up. Suggestions so far have included cornbread batter with ranch drizzle, a Runza-infused sausage and one entirely wrapped in bacon.
“I think it’s a great way to bring something new to campus,” said Brianna Cornsleeve, a junior nutrition major. “Plus, it’s perfect finals food. Crispy, cheesy and slightly questionable, just like me during exam week.”
The Kong Dog pop-up will be open from April 1 through April 21, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday or until they run out of cheese (which, officials say, is very possible).
UNK Dining Services said the decision to bring Kong Dog was also based on student surveys from last semester, where “more international food options” and “cheese” tied for the top response.
“We listen to our students,” Toastley added. “And apparently, our students want cheese on a stick. Who are we to say no?”
DISCLAIMER: This story is a part of our annual April Fools’ issue, this story is not real. Happy April Fools’ Day!
