One afternoon, Bisana Kolenovic, a now former branch manager at Citizens Bank in Maple Shade, glanced out her office window and spotted a “for rent” sign next to Dr. Brewlittle’s Beer Co. It immediately sparked her curiosity.
She talked with the brewery’s owner, Chris Torre, learning more about the space and began thinking about how she could help her brother, Abi Mackic, finally pursue his lifelong dream.
“I told Chris I’d be interested in possibly doing a grab and go hot dog joint. I said this is all I need, the space right here. I don’t need anything bigger. And, it would be perfect for the Brewery and perfect for the hot dog space,” Kolenovic told What Now Philadelphia.
She continued, “I called my brother and said to him, ‘You always wanted to do a hot dog joint. You got the idea. I got the place. Do you want to do it?’ He said, ‘Let me get back to you.’ He called me back the next day and said, ‘We’re doing it.’”
Now, the dream is becoming a reality: Kolenovic and Mackic are set to open the much-anticipated hot dog shop this fall.
The Dog House will bring a taste of New York to Maple Shade, opening at 112 E. Main Street.
The shop will offer 10 specialty hot dogs, including a New York dog, Maple Shade dog, Philly dog, The Hangover Dog and a vegan option to name a few. Customers can choose a “dirty water dog,” a New York-style hot dog cooked in a seasoned water bath, or a grilled dog. There is also a “Groom Your Own Dog” option, letting customers customize their hot dog with their favorite toppings.
They will use Snap-O-Razzo products–gourmet beef hot dogs–making them unique in South Jersey. The menu will also include classic Sabrett Hot Dogs, offering a mix of familiar favorites and specialty flavors.
In addition to specialty dogs, the menu will feature loaded nachos, dog nuggets–mini dogs wrapped in phyllo dough, Snap-O-Razzo pickles on a stick and tater tots. Customers can top the tots with the same condiments used on the hot dogs.
“I don’t know what the popular items will be, so we’re going to play around with several things. It’s fun. I want to have fun,” Kolenovic said. “Once we see what the feedback is and what customers love, we’ll stick with the options they love most. I’m open to change. I’m open to offering things I haven’t thought of, so I’m going to have a suggestion box.”
The shop will primarily serve as a takeout spot or a place to grab a quick dog after visiting the brewery, which does not sell food. A few tables and chairs on Main Street will be available for customers, with chairs featuring a hot dog design. For larger groups, a bigger table will be set up in the back.
The Dog House is set to open in September, though a specific date has not been announced. For updates, visit the shop’s website and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
