A legendary New Jersey hot dog joint will open a stand at Prudential Center for the 2026-2027 Devils season.
The Devils announced via Instagram on Sunday that Rutt’s Hut will officially join the food lineup at the Rock this season. It’s the Clifton hot dog joint’s first foray into the world of stadium and arena dining. Rutt’s Hut will serve its legendary hot dogs—called “rippers”—plain or with chili. The famous, vibrantly yellow cabbage relish and crispy onion rings will also be available at the stand.
A ripper is a style of hot dog popularized in New Jersey, featuring a naturally cased hot dog, deep fried until the casing rips—hence the name. The style is especially associated with Rutt’s Hut, which has been slinging out deep-fried beef-and-pork links since 1928.
A plain ripper at Prudential Center runs $8.49, while a ripper with chili costs $9.99. It’s a far cry from the $3.30 that a ripper runs nowadays at Rutt’s Hut proper, but the freedom to scarf one down while watching the Devils take the ice? That’s priceless.
The news comes months after MetLife Stadium debuted their Rutt’s Hut copycat for the 2026 World Cup, cleverly named Garden State Rippers. When the news broke in June that MetLife would serve their version of a ripper, Rutt’s Hut quickly responded on Instagram, stating: “MetLife is great… we are flattered…. but legends know where to go. Rutts Hut—The ONLY place for a real Ripper.” MetLife has kept its ripper around for the 2026-2027 NFL season.
But Prudential Center is bringing the real thing to the arena. The same Thumann’s brand hot dogs used at Rutt’s Hut. The same yellow relish. The same chili. The same buns. The same crispy onion rings.
For fans of Rutt’s Hut, it’s another reason to head to the Rock to catch a Devils game (it’s our year). For hockey fans who have never had the delight of biting into a steaming hot ripper, now is your chance to finally indulge. Though I urge you to go eat one at the source, too.
It’s a fitting collaboration. One of New Jersey’s most iconic institutions and Jersey’s only major sports team join forces to bring a true Garden State delicacy to the fans.
MetLife can keep its copycat ripper—your teams don’t even claim New Jersey.
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
