A popular Anacortes hot dog shop is moving to a larger space after seven years in business, bringing its gourmet franks and signature nostalgic charm along with it.
Dockside Dogs, owned by Michael Broome, is relocating from its cozy spot at the main entrance of Cap Sante Marina to a new location at 501 Commercial Ave.
“I’ve always thought, at least for the last three to four years, that we have a strong brand and I know based on my business experience that it’s one that could grow into something bigger,” Broome told What Now Seattle.
The new location will be a significant upgrade in size.
“It’s a great location, and it’s right in the heart of downtown. It’s a good-size space for us,” Broome said. “We went from two eight-by-twelve garden sheds with some outdoor gravel space to having about 4,400 square feet, including a covered patio out back. Even though we are going to be bigger in size, we don’t want to lose our roots.”
The space will be divided into three sections: a front room retaining the shop’s nautical 1950s diner vibe, a middle room with a sports theme featuring memorabilia and two 75-inch TVs, and a back patio.
“We’re still going to be playing our 50s, 60s, and 70s music, and people love it. People come in, especially boaters, and they’re like, ‘You’re playing our music.’ Even teens that come in, I see them tapping their feet and dancing in their seats,” he said.
Dockside Dogs will also expand its menu, adding new dogs to the lineup.
The current lineup features Gourmet Hempler’s all-natural Wagyu beef served six different ways. A standout favorite is the “Anacortes Dog,” topped with chive and onion cream cheese, bacon, crumbled sweet Maui onion kettle chips and creamy street truck sauce. The menu also includes a classic dog, chili dogs, a Reuben dog, Fritos corn chip dogs and the Thai peanut butter dog.
“One of the new ones we had on the menu before, it was our backyard barbecue dog. It’s got a drizzle of chili, bacon, zesty barbecue sauce, French’s crispy fried onions and creamy coleslaw on top. And we’ll have a bonsai Teriyaki dog,” Broome said.
He continued, “We’re also adding warm pretzels with beer cheese dip and mustard. We have a mustard bar that currently has 10 different kinds of mustard. We’re adding salads: a house salad and caesar salad that you can add chicken to.”
Dockside Dogs will also offer wine and beer after recently receiving approval for a liquor license, according to business filings.
“We’re not doing a draft system. We are doing canned beer, but we’re serving it in a frozen glass, not just a chilled glass. We have a glass freezer,” he said.
Broome is excited to maintain his reputation as the “hot dog guy” of Anacortes.
“It’s been a labor of love growing this little business. One thing I’ve learned is that everybody has a hot dog story–whether it’s their favorite kind of frank or favorite hot dog stand. It’s funny how the hot dog is true Americana,” Broome said. “It has been a really fun journey and I’ve met a ton of great people. It’s a little gem for the town.”
Follow Dockside Dogs on Facebook for the latest updates on their big move.
