A new hot dog shop will be opening in Springdale early next year.
Pittsburgh Street Hot Dogs is leasing the former building for DD’s Catering, located on Pittsburgh street at the corner of Colfax.
Owner James Reddy Jr., a Springdale resident, anticipates a soft opening of the shop in January and a grand opening in February. The Springdale resident chose February to open because the earlier winter months are known for slower traction in the industry.
”I had no sense of urgency with opening the shop. I did not want to open it up during the middle of winter, and there’s the uncertainty with covid still around,” he said.
Reddy has more than 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry. He previously owned two other businesses in Swissvale and is minority owner of Park Pizza & Cream in the Regent Square section of Pittsburgh. The idea of opening of a hot dog shop popped into his head after seeing the lack of hot dog shops in his town.
“I started scouting the local areas … and I was surprised I did not see a hot dog shop in those areas,” he said.
All the food and products at the shop will be locally sourced from small or local businesses around the area, including Smith’s Hot Dogs.
”I want to support as many small businesses as I can,” he said.
The location of the shop — close to Springdale Jr.-Sr. High School and the PPG Industries Inc. Springdale Plant — is perfect to Reddy, expecting to tap into the lunchtime crowd.
The 600-square-foot shop will have indoor seating for 12 to 16 people. There are plans to add outdoor seating and a patio in the spring.
The menu will feature a variety of items, including rotating specialty hot dogs, a lunchbox meal, fries, chips and more. The shop will also partner with a local bakery and brewery to further expand its menu.
”The foundation and goal of the business is to have high-quality hot dogs at affordable prices,” Reddy said.
Reddy’s next step is to file for plumbing and building permits. Renovations are expected to be completed by or before Christmas.
“I like the variety of the demographic [in Springdale]. I think the hot dog shop will do well,” he said.