From the vegetable-garnished ``Sedona'' to the pineapple-topped ``Choriperro'', South Florida is home to a creative lineup of hot dog options. And a handful of wiener-centric eateries are taking a sweet bite out of the $1.6 billion hot dog industry.

Their unique takes on the American staple -- ranging from high-end chic to Chicago-style to South American flair -- have allowed them to thrive despite focusing on a single, low-cost item.

``Even though we have three products -- hot dogs, French fries and drinks -- they all have to be fresh,'' said Jill Arbetter, who owns Arbetter Hot Dogs in Southwest Miami-Dade County. ``That keeps people coming back.''

Nationwide, hot dog season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, a 100-day stretch of steamy summer dog days when Americans consume 7 billion franks -- 818 per second -- according to the National Hot Dog & Sausage Council. Hot dog sales increased slightly to $1.6 billion last year, the council said.

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