Dawgs So Bad They're Good

Someone let the 'dawgs' out in Huntington, and judging by the response of the crowd that turned out to sample them, these "bad dawgs" are -- quite frankly- rather good.

"It was a great opening and very successful," Tino Negri said of his first day of business as co-owner of Bad Dawgs, where the specialty of the house is gourmet hot dogs.

The idea of a bad dawg or gourmet hot dog served up with a plethora of savory toppings originated in Keene, New Hampshire.

Prices for the quintessential American fast food begin at $2.75 for a naked dog (which is not actually naked, but comes with green relish, ketchup or yellow mustard) to $3.75 for the "Pit Bull Dawg," decked out with baked beans, bacon bits, barbecue sauce, blue cheese crumbles, and jalapenos.

Negri, who is partnering with cousin Eric Josefson and his wife, Donna, said that he was pleased to see the trio's dream come to fruition after months of renovation and planning.

The take-out shop, located at 44 Gerard Street,  dished out 500 free naked dogs in course of four hours, Negri said.

"I am really proud. It was a great day of family, fun, friends and laughs," Negri said, adding that he took great pleasure in seeing his youngest customers chow down on hot dogs on the bench in front of the store.

The signature bad dawg, which comes with the customer's choice of four toppings, the "Chow Chow," the Siberian husky, and the Pit Bull proved to be the most sought after pairings of 100% all beef hot dogs and toppings.

"We cater to different tastes," Negri indicated, adding that pigs in a blanket and macaroni and cheese also proved  popular. There was also quite a demand for the organic, turkey and extra long kosher franks as well as  sides of loaded French fries and baked potatoes.

Maria Ierardi, who traveled in from West Islip for the grand opening, raved about the hot dogs.

"The hot dogs are wonderful, the best I've tried," she said.

The fanfare included orange and blue balloons, which played up the shop's color scheme and raffle drawings for Bad Dawg tee shirts. Canine accoutrements, which give the establishment that added 'bite," include paw print- embellished walls, and a metal dog bowl displaying business cards.

Negri is also pleased to have been able to staff his shop with Huntington youth.

"I am blessed with my crew," Negri said. "They are saying that this is the best summer job they ever had."

Negri has already had many inquiries from people who are interested in purchasing a franchise.

To preview the menu, visit baddawgsli.com.