Exclusive: Steve's Snappin' Dogs will join the new crop of restaurants opening at DIA
"For a small business like this, there's nothing better than getting a phone call telling you that you're going to have a restaurant at a world-class restaurant," says Steve, who will license the restaurant to LS Travel Retail. "I won't be running the day-to-day operations, but I'll definitely be there to make sure the same quality remains and our philosophies are still in place," he stresses.
The 1,400-square-foot space, which is near Udi's, will be similar to the original location on East Colfax. "The space is really reminiscent of my first store, but it will have a real Colorado feel," reveals Steve. "We'll have a muraled landscape of Colorado woods in autumn and lots of slate rock, and when you walk in, you'll definitely feel like you're in Colorado."
The quarters will include a dining room, separate bar, where the staff will pour local beers, many produced at Bull & Bush, and wines from Infinite Monkey Theorem and Bonacquisti, both based in Denver. In addition, he'll offer a grab-and-go area touting burritos, chili, salads and dogs -- and he'll feature breakfast, too. "We'll be open 365 days a year and 366 days a year when it's a leap year," quips Steve.
He admits that the competition was fierce -- Biker Jim called him yesterday to offer his congratulations -- but Steve says he's not surprised he won the bid. "I'm the Denver pioneer of hot dogs. I started a hot dog truck nine years ago at the Cherry Creek Farmers' Market; for three years, I was the sole concessionaire at Glendale's Infinity Park; Westword has given us six "Best of" awards for our hot dogs; and I've donated more that $16,000 to Project Angel Heart, Denver public schools, and to all sorts of other nonprofits; plus, we have a great price point, and I think the combination of those things may have given me a slight edge," he reasons, noting that the committee was looking for "local flavor."
An while there's still a lengthy process ahead, along with more negotiations, Steve is beyond exited to expand his wings. I'm still flying high at 30,000 feet," he says.
Follow @CafeWestword
Email to Friend
Write to Editor
Print Article
