Local hot dog joints can expect competition in the near future.
Johnny's Dogs, a fast-food restaurant boasting "the best dogs in town," will soon open the doors of its Tempe location at University Drive and Rural Road.
Featuring steamed all-beef hot dogs, chili dogs, various sausages and hot pastrami dip sandwiches, Johnny's Dogs is looking to add a bit of variety to Tempe's current fast-food selection.
"What makes it a great store and fast-food item is the synergy of the store, the purified water system and the variety of products," said John Tracey, founder of Johnny's Dogs.
The store is home to a Water Mart, which supplies the purified water Johnny's Dogs products are made with. For 25 cents per gallon, customers can purchase this water for their own containers.
Also located within the restaurant is Island Ices, which serves Philadelphia Italian ice, gelato, shakes and custard.
The grand opening for Johnny's Dogs is slated for Sept. 22 and 23.
Tracey said he plans to lower prices for the opening days to encourage students to give the products a try.
"People come to our [Scottsdale] store on Tuesday and Thursday just for the peppers-and-onion Italian sausage," Tracey said.
"The quality of the product is what brings our customers back."
Johnny's Dogs will be competition for Dave's Doghouse, located on University Drive between Myrtle and Forest avenues, but owner Dave Cheren is not concerned.
"The customers in my place walk out all the time saying this is the best hot dog they've ever had," Cheren said. "I don't wish [Johnny's Dogs] ill, but I don't think they can compete with our quality."
Architecture junior Megan Bernzott said she likes the practicality of hot dogs even though hamburger sales dominate much of the fast food market.
"Hot dogs are great because you can eat them on the go. They don't get all over the place like a messy burger."
Reach the reporter at Michael.Chichester@asu.edu.
