Most local hot dog places never make it to national television, but in the last week Rudy's Hot Dogs was both host to President Obama Friday, and the site of a live CNN broadcast Tuesday.

Robin White, manager of Rudy's West Sylvania Avenue location, said CNN arrived at 6:30 a.m. -- 90 minutes before Rudy's opened -- and spent the day asking customers and employees their opinions on the state of the economy and what they would "tell Washington if they could." The interviews were broadcast live.

Ms. White recalled the frenzy Friday when President Obama stopped in for a couple of hot dogs, fries, and a bowl of chili. She said more than 100 reporters clustered into the small restaurant, as well as customers and President Obama's team of secret service agents. Tuesday's atmosphere was much different. The CNN Satellite truck was parked inconspicuously in the back, and the CNN team sat quietly in a corner.

VIDEO: View part of the CNN broadcast from Rudy's Hot Dog

CNN anchor Ted Rowlands said that because of its great food and friendly atmosphere, Rudy's attracts a diverse crowd, making it a prime spot to conduct random interviews.

"We really hit the gold mine," he said. "People feel so comfortable here. It makes sense, because the owners are so welcoming."

Ms. White herself was interviewed on CNN. She said she "told Washington to knock it off with the gas." She also expressed her frustration with the war on Iraq. "I told them to bring the guys home."

Mr. Rowlands said people in Toledo seemed especially friendly, even those who opted not to go on television. "We've been interviewing people pretty much every hour," he said.

CNN is touring through cities around the country over the next week, asking local residents' opinions on the nation's economic state and the government.

Nevada is the next state on the list.

First Published June 8, 2011, 5:32 a.m.