It's not the part of the Pronto Pop you usually focus on, but it's integral to the meal. A Pronto Pup is a type of deep-fried hot dog similar to a corn dog. Without the stick, it would just be a hot dog in batter. The wooden stick is essential for coating the hot dog in batter, retrieving it from the fryer oil, and, of course, holding it while you eat the Pronto Pup.

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But as it turns out, there is quite a backstory to these unassuming wooden sticks, one that crosses generations and several continents.

The Story Behind Pronto Pup's Wooden Sticks

A small white stand has stood on S Harbor Dr. since 1947, and while in most cases its size is a blink-and-you'll-miss-it situation, that is never a problem because there is always a huge line of people waiting to get a $2 at Pronto Pup.

Recently on Facebook, longtime owner Carl Nelson shared his journey to replace the wooden sticks his business has used for years.  For years, the sticks were ordered from an overseas company, and despite Carl wanting to find a producer in the States, he could never find a local maker within his budget.

Next time you have a Pronto Pup in Grand Haven, before you toss this stick in the trash, take a second to appreciate the long journey it took to get here.