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This year's US Open has witnessed an unexpected star emerge: the French dip sandwich from Salt Hank's, priced at a notable $38. While the tennis tournament itself draws significant attention, this gourmet offering has surprisingly become a central topic of conversation among attendees. It represents a burgeoning trend where food experiences at major events are gaining as much prominence as the events themselves.

The Phenomenal Rise of Salt Hank's French Dip at the US Open

On August 27, 2026, during a media preview of the US Open's new food offerings, a culinary delight from Salt Hank's captivated palates and quickly became the event's most celebrated dish. Served at their stand in the bustling food village, directly opposite Arthur Ashe Stadium, this French dip sandwich is a masterpiece of flavor and texture.

Crafted with premium prime rib sourced from New York City's renowned butcher, Pat LaFrieda, the sandwich features a harmonious blend of sweet caramelized onions, rich provolone cheese, and a zesty horseradish aioli, all encased within a perfectly baked baguette. It is accompanied by a house-made jus, designed for dipping, which enhances the sandwich's savory depth. Reviewers noted its exceptional richness and delightful messiness, with the baguette maintaining its integrity against the flavorful jus, and the horseradish adding a subtle, satisfying kick.

While the identical sandwich retails for $34 at Salt Hank's flagship West Village location (with fries being an additional $6), the $38 version at the US Open includes a side of matchstick fries, making its value proposition a subject of discussion. This premium sandwich stands out amidst other high-priced gourmet options at the tournament, such as the $38 pastrami sandwich from Carnegie Deli, a $24 burrito from Dos Toros Taqueria, Fuku's $19 chicken sando, and Red Hook Lobster Pound's $39 chilled lobster roll.

Salt Hank's, founded in 2025 by Henry Laporte and chef Daniel Rubenfeld, initially gained a significant following through Laporte's engaging TikTok cooking videos. Their West Village restaurant quickly became a local sensation, famous for its French dip, often drawing long queues down Bleecker Street. The brand's expansion to the US Open and its recent acquisition by Wonder, a food-delivery platform, highlight its growing influence. Despite concerns from some fans about potential quality dilution due to expansion, Laporte has assured that all ingredients, including the Pat LaFrieda prime rib, are sourced from the same suppliers, and that the quality remains consistent across all locations. The Bleecker Street location temporarily closed to allow the team to focus entirely on maintaining the high standards at the US Open booth, bringing all staff and equipment to the event.

The current buzz around Salt Hank's French dip mirrors the sensation caused by the $100 caviar chicken nugget box at the 2025 US Open. This extravagant dish, featuring Korean-inspired fried chicken nuggets topped with crème fraîche, chives, pickled daikon, and 30 grams of Petrossian caviar, sparked debates over its cost-effectiveness. While some criticized the high price, others pointed out that the caviar alone retailed for over $100, suggesting the nuggets themselves were a bonus. This ongoing discussion about the cost versus value of gourmet offerings at such events underscores the evolving landscape of event dining.

The undeniable success of Salt Hank's French dip sandwich at the US Open underscores a fascinating shift in how attendees experience major events. It's no longer solely about the sport or the spectacle; the culinary landscape plays an equally crucial role in shaping the overall experience. The widespread discussion and fervent desire to try this particular sandwich demonstrate that high-quality, innovative food offerings can become a significant draw, sometimes even stealing the spotlight from the main event. This phenomenon encourages event organizers and food vendors to push the boundaries of conventional concession stand fare, fostering a more engaging and memorable experience for patrons. The commitment shown by Salt Hank's founder, Henry Laporte, to maintain the product's integrity amidst rapid expansion, especially in a demanding, high-volume environment like the US Open, offers a valuable lesson: authentic quality and passion can transform a simple dish into a cultural talking point, even if it comes with a $38 price tag.

In the evolving landscape of trendy hydration accessories, a new contender has emerged from Australia, poised to capture the American market. Frank Green, a brand celebrated for its elegant chrome tumblers, is quickly becoming a favorite among consumers seeking both style and practicality. This follows a period dominated by brands like Stanley and Owala, whose products transformed from simple drinkware into significant fashion statements and social symbols. The shift in consumer preference highlights a continued desire for aesthetically pleasing, functional, and environmentally conscious products in everyday life.

This Australian innovation emphasizes personalized design and a commitment to sustainability, resonating strongly with a demographic eager for distinctive yet responsible choices. Despite its relative novelty in the U.S., Frank Green is building a dedicated following, particularly through widespread social media engagement. Its unique blend of visual appeal and environmental responsibility positions it as a significant player, ready to define the next generation of popular drinkware. The brand's journey from a niche Australian favorite to a global aspiration underscores a broader market trend where product identity is as crucial as its utility.

The Ascent of Stylish Hydration

The contemporary market for water bottles has transcended mere functionality, transforming these everyday items into coveted fashion accessories and status indicators. Following the immense popularity of Stanley and Owala, which saw consumers lining up for limited editions and secondary markets flourishing with inflated prices, Frank Green is stepping into this dynamic arena. The brand distinguishes itself with a refined aesthetic, offering sleek chrome bottles that contrast with the more colorful and patterned designs previously prevalent. This focus on a sophisticated visual identity, combined with high-quality construction, appeals to consumers looking for both elegance and durability in their hydration choices. Frank Green's entry marks a new phase in the water bottle trend, where design and material quality are paramount.

This burgeoning trend highlights a shift where personal style extends to every item carried, including something as fundamental as a water bottle. Brands like Stanley and Owala set the precedent, demonstrating how effective marketing and a strong brand image can elevate simple products to cultural phenomena. Frank Green builds on this foundation by not only meeting but exceeding consumer expectations for design. The brand's customizable options and attention to detail, such as metal straws and integrated rubber straps, enhance user experience while maintaining a chic appearance. This strategic approach aims to carve out a unique space in a competitive market, attracting those who value refined taste alongside their commitment to staying hydrated.

Frank Green's Global Reach and Impact

Originating in Australia in 2013 under the vision of CEO Benjamin Young, Frank Green was conceived with a dual mission: to blend sustainability with contemporary style. Initially gaining recognition for its reusable coffee cups and ceramic-lined water bottles, the brand has steadily expanded its product line to include a variety of drinkware and accessories. Its most sought-after products, the chrome water bottles, exemplify this ethos, offering a premium alternative that marries eco-friendliness with high-end design. The company's significant growth in Australia, achieving over 10 million USD in annual revenue within six years, laid the groundwork for its current expansion into the American market, driven by a global brand perspective rather than merely a local one.

The brand's strategic entry into the U.S. market has been greatly amplified by social media, particularly platforms like TikTok, where its products organically went viral even before the company established an official presence. This digital buzz, fueled by the popular “emotional support water bottle” trend, has propelled Frank Green into the spotlight, attracting a new wave of American consumers who appreciate the bottles' "chic" appeal. Recent collaborations, such as the partnership with skincare brand Laneige, further cement its status as a desirable lifestyle brand. Despite its relative newness compared to established competitors, Frank Green’s distinctiveness and strong online visibility continue to attract a loyal following who value its unique blend of innovation, style, and environmental responsibility, establishing it as a formidable presence in the global reusable drinkware market.