Costco Polish Dog: Marin County teen leads campaign to bring back beloved item

MARIN COUNTY, Calif. (KGO) -- A Marin County teen has recently launched "Polish Dogs 2020" -- a political-like campaign to bring the beloved Polish dogs back to the Costco food court menu. Hot-dog eating champion Joey Chestnut has even offered an endorsement.

The face and brains behind the campaign are 16-year-old Izagani Aquino, a Junior Vice President at San Marin High School in Novato.

RELATED: Polish dog wars: Sam's Club to start selling item for under $1

"I love them with all my heart. They're really tasty," Aquino, wearing a "Polish Dogs 2020" shirt, explained when asked why he launched the campaign. "They used to be at Costco."

Aquino posted a tongue-in-cheek campaign video on YouTube in which he describes his advocacy for Polish dogs as an issue "very near and dear to my heart." He describes the $1.50 Polish dogs, which Costco took off the menu last year, as "a hallmark of American Society" and a "true symbol of our great nation."

He also created an Instagram account and Facebook page to promote his cause. His hashtag is #FeelTheBun.

RELATED: Costco customers devastated after Polish dogs removed from food court menu

Aquino said while he really does want Polish dogs back on the Costco menu, he's also hoping this campaign sends a bigger message.

"From the get-go, I always wanted there to be a more profound underlying meaning," Aquino said. "I made sure that I designed the whole movement so it was easily accessible to my peers, who could draw inspiration to it in order to raise awareness to things that they care about as well."

But on the Polish dog's issue, specifically, Aquino is already generating real support.

"This man is a genius. This boy needs to be put on a pedestal. I would vote for him for president as well," Eddie Manciei, a Costco shopper, said when he heard about Aquino's campaign effort.

San Jose's own eating champion Joey Chestnut, still recovering from the 71 hot dogs he ate on the Fourth, said he grew up eating $1.50 Polish dogs and that he's also behind it.

RELATED: How to shop at Costco without a membership card

"I think it would be good to get Polish dogs back," Chestnut said. "I think more than one encased meat on the menu would be a good thing."

Aquino said he had reached out to Chestnut on Instagram hoping he would get his backing.

"He's a legend in the food world. A legend in the hot dog world," Aquino said. "I'd love to have you on board."