Coming soon: Doggy Style Hot Dogs

This unassuming storage space in the northernmost section of the Big Wheel auto parts store (4455 Stone Way North) will soon house Wallingford’s newest culinary addition: Doggy Style Hot Dogs.

First, about the name: Doggy Style co-owner Mike Kniaziuk told us the name was inspired by a friend’s grandchild, who called hot dogs “doggies,” not by its less wholesome connotations. “It was embarrassing going to City Hall to get the license, but 99 out of 100 people loved it. You get a lot of smiles,” Kniasiuk said. “It wasn’t provocative thinking to start. Mainly people think the name’s cute.”

Now, for the hot dogs. Kniaziuk doesn’t want to sample another one for a long time, he said, because he and co-owner Odie Haylock have “tried them all.” They settled on Bavarian Meats’ frankfurters with natural casings, and plan to sell an “East Coast-style” dog on a New England split-top bun (West Coasters, you may need to see a picture). Kniaziuk, who’s from Boston, was surprised that Seattleites weren’t familiar with the split-top bun. These will be buttered with garlic butter and fried, then offered up in a slew of variations that are being fine-tuned. Prices will range from $3.75 to $5.25, Kniaziuk projected.

This eatery is a side business for Kniaziuk and Haylock, who own a drywall and construction company. “Things are getting slow, and everyone has to eat,” Kniaziuk reasoned and consulted with a friend who owns hot dog stand on the East Coast. Haylock remembered an espresso stand in the spot long ago (Jump Start Espresso was there for less than a year 10 years ago), so they approached Big Wheel’s owner about leasing the space.

Kniaziuk hopes to open Doggy Style by the end of the month and plans for hours to be Monday through Saturday, 11 to 7. We’ll be sure to let you know when the opening day is set — they’ll be giving away free hot dogs.

Thanks to Domenic for the tip!