The first hot dog and sausage shop in Scotts Valley has found a home on Scotts Valley Drive.
Co-owners Mardi Meyer and Cyndi Beason opened Dawgs on Aug. 19 and have already amassed a host of regulars looking for a link.
“The whole community has been so supportive, really since day one,” Meyer said.
The duo settled in Scotts Valley after they couldn’t find a suitable lease in Aptos and the Capitola Village. When saw a cute storefront on Scotts Valley Drive for rent, they fell for the spot.
After taste-testing nearly every hot dog in the area, they developed their own menu.
Offerings include a classic quarter-pound beef dog, American Kobe beef and vegan dogs, as well as smoked bratwurst, Italian, Polish and Louisiana hot link sausages.
“We have a quality product at a reasonable price,” Beason said.
“We’re not a Costco hot dog, but all of our hot dogs are premier, 100 percent beef,” Meyer added.
Their specialty, however, is topping combinations. For example, the “Ole” topping — suggested for any hot dog, smoked brat or Louisiana hot link sausage — combines guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo salsa and jack cheese.
The most popular order so far, Beason said, is the Louisiana hot link with the “Island” topping, a flavorful blend of mango, pineapple, peaches, red bell pepper, mild jalapeño and onions.
The family-oriented shop serves Polar Bear ice cream and shakes, wine and beer and house-fried potato chips.
The staff greets regulars by their first names, and Dawgs will soon have a happy hour on the porch behind the store.
“It’s about making people feel welcomed,” Meyer said. “They feel like they are in a great, fun environment.”
The store took part in Scotts Valley Community Day and plans to continue working with schools.
At a glance
WHAT: Dawgs
WHERE: 5272 Scotts Valley Drive
INFO: 438-5800, www.dawgs-sv.com or “dawgs
-sv” on Twitter
