VENICE — Local business owners Marty Rauch and Jacob McLeod opened a new “Hot Dog Shoppe” restaurant in Venice, with a grand opening set for Jan. 29.
The former Burger King replacement has been open since Thursday, Jan. 11 and has had a promising start, according to McLeod.
His father, Rob, helped open the original Burger King in the same building 40 years ago. Now, he will follow in his father’s footsteps, but instead with a company that many from Ohio are “crazy” about.
McLeod said that an Ohio man from East Liverpool actually camped outside overnight before the soft opening, as he wanted to be the first order.
He was gifted a free T-shirt for his enthusiasm.
Rauch will be the owner of the new eatery, while McLeod will be the general manager.
“It’s a full circle moment,” McLeod said. “I made my first Whopper right over there when I was just 5 years old,” he said, pointing to the kitchen chock full of bustling staff.
To get things cooking, the establishment is hosting a 9 a.m. ribbon cutting ceremony on Jan. 30. The event will feature a raffle to win free hot dogs or “swag,” such as shirts, hoodies and hats.