Growing up on the south side of Chicago, Bruce was constantly hearing from all the city workers, police, and firefighters who lived around him about all the different hot dog and beef joints they frequented. Once he got his drivers license he made it his mission to start visiting these places and try them out for himself. He first started in city and suburbs but everywhere he traveled he would always keep an eye open for a hot dog stand to try. Even after he got married and started raising a family. On all vacations from coast to coast they would always look for the perfect hot dog. Brands and condiments changed greatly from one city to another but the one thing he always noticed was he couldn't wait to get back home to have a Chicago style hot dog. It became an obsession with him to find a hot dog better than a Chicago style dog. So far he has not found a better tasting dog anywhere.
In 2006, Bruce decided to start his own stand but it must incorporate two things- good food and motorcycles- the two things he loves to do- eat and ride. He searched for months looking for the right location and stumbled upon a hot tub store he turned into Hawgs-N-Dogs, featuring Vienna beef dogs, polish, italian beef, 100% 1/4lb. beef burgers, and his famous fresh cut homemade fries. His son, Brad, brought in an old family favorite that he created, a bacon wrapped deep-fried hot dog with all the condiments of a Chicago style dog. They called it the Hawg Dog, they also feature the Hawg Polish which both became instant hits along with the homemade fries. People would come in just for the fries, especially in the summer to go along with their BBQ.
Their motto, "Grab your weiner and go" was the brainchild of his other son, Matt, who said you could come in and get a good meal and be back on the road quickly. The walls are decorated with pictures and info of motorcycles from all around the world. There is also a bookcase with manuals from many part distributors. The bulletin board by the front door has info on roads to ride, pictures of motorcycles people are selling and different pamphlets concerning sales or promotions at several different motorcycle dealers in the area. The ever present "hog" statue sits by the front window, usually with a Bears, Bulls, White Sox, or Blackhawks hat on his head depending on the season. The TV is always tuned to sports or motorcycle or car programs.
Hawgs-N-Dogs' is a great place to go for great food, good company, and a great place for rides- from scooters to cruisers. It is surrounded by country roads- no congestion and close to two interstates- Route 80 and Route 57. it is family friendly and almost as many hot rods and muscle car enthusiasts come to Hawgs-N-Dogs as motorcycle riders, to enjoy the friendly atmosphere, a good meal and always good conversation.
