The term "Red Hot" was a nickname applied to hot dogs since at least 1835, and was pluralized for a new take on Cinnamon Imperials that was launched in the 1930s by Ferrara Pan Candy Company.

The plant is currently operated by Ferrara Candy Co. — created by the merger of Farley & Sathers of Minnesota and Ferrara Pan of Illinois. With factories in Winona, Iowa, Illinois, Tennessee and ...