Rick Lacey and Don Lawrie started The Hot Dog Guys in Tillicum Centre
VICTORIA – Something new is sizzling in Tillicum Centre.
It’s The Hot Dog Guys Foods Ltd., an up and coming west coast hot dog restaurant chain started by partners Rick Lacey and Don Lawrie. Not only that, but they bring their mobile carts to special events throughout Greater Victoria.
“We’re expanding and seeking qualified franchisees and licensees that want to share in our success,” says Don. “We’re being courted by all the major shopping centres who’d like the fun energy that we’ve brought to Tillicum Centre.”
The Hot Dog Guys Foods Ltd. focus is on family friendly fun, with a menu that is highly customizable, wide ranging, and invokes memories of good times.
“Our theme is a mix of a vintage drive-in, plus the concession stand from a baseball park or carnival midway, all brought inside a bistro style restaurant,” says Rick, adding that they serve Kosher all beef hot dogs from all-American favourite Hebrew National, and Halal chicken hot dogs. “We also offer breakfast wraps, gluten-free meals and dessert options.
“Treats are our second focus. We offer mini donuts, churros, 30 flavours of milkshakes, and multiple flavours of dairy-free, gluten-free Dole Whip. With our selection, anyone can take part in the fun we offer, regardless of dietary choices.”
The Hot Dog Guys can be booked for private events, weddings, concerts, corporate gatherings, or any place hot dogs are needed. They also deliver.
The Hot Dog Guys know a thing or two about tasty meats. Only the best quality, most flavourful beef dogs are cooked on their grill, including top brands from Schneiders and Harvest.
“They are selected for their premium ingredients, high standards for preparation, and outstanding full flavour,” says Don. “We only use the best hot dogs for our customers and we will never compromise.”
Rick and Don founded the company just over a year ago, and have experienced great success.
“We’ve built it from the ground up with our own hands,” says Don. “We were getting feedback from customers as we developed our offering, and we’ve honed the restaurant to what it is today. We started with a mobile cart, did some concert events, and then leased the location at Tillicum Centre shortly after. We opened officially on February 7, 2023.”
The Hot Dog Guys go wherever hot dogs are needed, and they deliver
“Not only did we survive our first year, but we paid off the restaurant in the first year,” he adds. “We’ve settled for nothing less than the absolute best quality products. We believe in fair pricing – all prices are on the 1/4 dollar – and approach food service with an ‘old school’ attitude. We understand that we’re here to be a part of your good time, and ensure that guests are treated with a big welcome and a smiling face.”
The company is growing steadily, and Don believes that fast food ought to be fun food.
“Both Rick and myself have been able to get out of the restaurant and focus on growing the brand and looking at the opportunities available for another location,” he notes. “We’ve got amazing staff and an amazing model to work from, now we need a few more entrepreneurs that want to follow our program.
“We pay fair living-wages and focus on treating our staff with respect. We care about them, and they care about our customers, and our customers care about the success of our business by coming back.”
The Hot Dog Guys are on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Business Examiner Staff
