Kayem and Colossus Showcase the Role of Hot Dogs in American History in Partnership with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

May. 25, 2026

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Kayem, New England's #1 Frank, is celebrating in a distinctly playful and patriotic way with its "There When It Mattered Most" campaign, a creative reimagining of defining moments and figures in American history featuring hot dogs.

Created by Boston ad agency, Colossus, the campaign anchors itself in the re-imagination of famous, historical pieces of art like “Washington Crossing the Delaware”, “Portrait of George Washington”, “Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride”, The Destruction of Tea at Boston Harbor” and more. Each painting was “modified” to tell the story of the hot dog’s minimized role in American history.

The campaign comes to life in partnership with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), transforming key historical artworks and figures by inserting hot dogs into pivotal scenes from the nation's founding, whimsically telling the "true story" of the role that this iconic food played in fueling the birth of a nation.

Colossus Executive Creative Director Greg Almeida said:

“Without hot dogs, this nation would not be what it is today. Yet history has never quite told the full story. So as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, we felt like this was the perfect opportunity to set the record straight.” 

 

The 'There When It Mattered Most' artwork will appear in a one-day 'exhibition' in Boston's Faneuil Hall Marketplace on June 4th, before the pieces travel to additional locations in New England throughout June and July. They will also be featured on Kayem social media throughout the summer.

Matt Monkiewicz, President & CEO of Kayem Foods said:

"Kayem is always there for when it matters most. BBQs, family dinners, ballgames, and now America's 250th birthday. We want to celebrate the moment with an unexpected and fun campaign that highlights our connection to New England and our commitment to the food that makes these moments special. We're thrilled to be partnering with the MFA Boston and inviting people to see these historic works in a new and unique way that honors the hot dog, America's most iconic food."

 

On View at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Following their public debut at Faneuil Hall, select campaign works will be on view at the MFA from June 24 to July 24—fittingly displayed in the museum's cafeteria. Visitors can see the original artworks in the MFA's newly reopened 18th-century Art of the Americas galleries, which will be unveiled at the Museum's annual Juneteenth event on June 19, followed by an America at 250 Open House on June 20. Both events will be free for Massachusetts residents and offer programming including art making and performances. The new galleries feature more than 500 objects—including icons of the MFA's collection, long unseen works, and new acquisitions.

Nonie Gadsden, Katharine Lane Weems Senior Curator of American Decorative Arts at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston said:

"This collaboration with Kayem offers a fun and timely entry point into American history. We're excited to invite audiences to engage with both playful interpretations and the real stories and works that define our shared past."