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Business & Tech

Hot Diggity Dawg!

The "baddest dawgs" on the planet are coming to Huntington in June.

The humble hot dog has long been the stuff of both paupers and kings. Long before hot dogs made Nathan's of Coney Island famous at the turn of the 20th century, hot dogs were looked upon with such favor in Germany that 'frankfurter wurst' were distributed to the populous in celebration of imperial coronations.

Now local connoisseurs of the quintessential flavorful fast food will be happy to know that a new contender had thrown its hat in the ring in the hopes of becoming top dog.

Tino Negri, of Coram, and Eric and Donna Josefson of Holbrook, are opening up "Bad Dawgs" at 44 Gerard Street sometime in June, and they hope it will be the first of many Long Island Bad Dawg franchises.

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According to Negri, the concept of the Bad Dawg or gourmet hot dog served with a plethora of toppings originated in Keene, New Hampshire. Two years ago Negri and the Josefsons began creating a buzz by selling hot dogs out of a Bad Dawg mobile unit at weekend events and festivals. They were clearly barking up the right tree because soon the demand was such that they decided to open a storefront.

"I couldn't think of a better place to open up shop," Negri said of his dream location in the heart of Huntington Village, adding that the shop will prepare take-out orders that customers will enjoy as they walk around town or relax on a park bench.

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"The focus is on taste," Negri said of the gourmet hot dogs which are made from 100% beef. Veggie, organic, turkey and kosher hot dogs will also be available on request.

Customers will soon find out that variety is also the name of the game at Bad Dawgs, and it's all in the toppings.

"There are close to 30 different toppings," Negri explained, adding that you can order the dog of your dreams, the signature 'Bad Dawg," with up to four toppings, or you can order by "breed."

The "chow chow" is served up with chili, lettuce, tomato, shredded cheddar, real bacon bits, sour cream, with hot sauce for that added bite.

Or you might consider the "pit bill," which showcases baked beans, bacon bits, barbecue sauce, blue cheese crumbles, and jalapenos.

Negri's personal favorite is the St. Bernard, which is topped with chili, coleslaw and shredded cheddar.

Side dishes include baked potatoes, knishes, loaded French fries, mozzarella sticks, sweet potato fries, chicken wings, and macaroni and cheese.

There will also be seasonal soups.

The 'dog bowl'—a specialty of the house—consists of the customer's choice of macaroni and cheese, chili or baked beans, laced with hot dog bites.

A 'litter of pups"-- 'bad dawg' jargon for pigs in a blanket is sure to become a children's favorite.

Negri is looking forward to his store's grand opening.

"There'll be free hot dogs for the day. We will be giving out 'buy one, get one free' cards and raffling off gift cards, and there will be balloons for the kids," Negri said, adding that his eye-catching Bad Dawg truck will be parked out front.

The store hours will be from 11 am to 10 pm, Monday through Thursday, and Sundays, with the shop being open until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

 

 

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