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zombie dogz

Zombie Dogz Back to Food Truck Roots

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I can remember having my first ZombieDogz in 2014 in the Lowe’s Parking lot on Wilmington Pike.  It was the CALLING IN DEAD:  An all beef hot dog topped with a creamy homemade white truffle mac & cheese  and finished off with crumbled crackers.  It was my first of many experiences at this truck, which quickly established a cult following at food truck rallies, often with waits of up to an hour for one of their gourmet dogs.

In fall of 2016 they opened up a shop near UD on Brown Street.  But sadly, today on Facebook they’ve announced the store will close:

“Good morning everybody. First and foremost we hope that everyone is staying healthy and handling life the best they can right now.

The past year or so have been trying for us as a restaurant. Sales have been down and we’ve been barely getting by every month. Unfortunately having to shut down for 2 months only made matters worse. So with a very heavy heart we will be shutting the restaurant down permanently.

We will start back with the food truck when we can do so safely. Most of the festivals have already been cancelled for the year. So we will be doing what we can this summer and fall to get out there as much as possible. We will be keeping everyone updated when we know exactly when the truck will start back up again.

We want to thank everyone of you for years of constant support and love. Thank you for everything you have always done for us. We love you all and we can’t wait to get out there and see you at the food truck.”

So now we’ll be on the lookout for their Food Truck out and about.

Quest For The Best: Hot Dog

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Springtime means the return of baseball, the opening of local ice cream and concession stands and the first firing up of the backyard grill. For me, its the return of the hotdog.
This uniquely American treat came here from Germany and quickly gained prominence on carts and at hot dog stands. Mostly associated with baseball and youth concession stands, the hotdog has made its way to menus across Dayton and we are happy about that.
Here’s where you can find the best hotdogs in Dayton:

Zombie Dogz

1200 Brown St #150, Dayton

Photo Cred: Yelp user Brett P (trio of dogs)
No one has done more to elevate the lowly hotdog than Zombie Dogs. I am not a Zombie guy. The entire genre confuses me. The menu at ZD does not confuse me. If it’s your first time here are a few reminders:
Get the tots. Trust me.Get a a few of the mini dogs. It is too hard to settle on just one dog. But. If you must choose just one. I’d suggest the Calling in Dead. It is their 1/4 all beef dog covered in Truffle Mac and Cheese with a Parmesan breadcrumb on top. It sounds heavy. Its not. Still get the tots. I’d also suggest the Chicago style, just ask for it. Juan of the Dead is popular as well, the big dog covered in pulled pork and bbq sauce. Crazy good. These are not concession stand, overly cooked mystery meat dogs. This is hotdogs on a whole ‘nother level.
Get the tots.

Rootbeer Stande

1727 Woodman Drive Dayton
Footlong hotdogs for under $5.00. You may remember I mentioned this place in my quest for the Best Pork Tenderloin, but when I want a good old school hotdog, the Stande is my go to. Here’s why.
Sauerkraut. Yes. Sauerkraut. Few places you can get a hotdog with it. They also serve Nathan’s all beef dog in a Chicago style, the Hound Dog with bacon and bbq sauce, and the Uncle Reuben. This one is made like a Reuben. Kraut, Swiss Cheese and 1000 Island dressing. Don’t wear your dress shirt for this one. The Dirty D. Bacon wrapped and deep fried. Don’t tell your doctor. Just order it with a Rootbeer and thank me later. Final two words. Onion Rings. Hot and fresh for you always at this drive up stand.

Gibbs Ole-Tyme Hamburgers

535 E Dixie Dr West Carrollton

Some would call this is cheap imitation of the Miamisburg Hamburger Wagon. Don’t listen to those negative people. This place has a similar burger, yes. But they also have one of the best hotdogs I’ve ever had in town. The Southern Dog. Deep fried along side the cast iron burgers, toped with mustard, chili, onion, mustard and slaw. Yes. AND SLAW. Its a big messy bite but perfectly balanced with hot and cold, sweet and savory. A perfect lunch is two sliders, one hotdog and a cold Coca Cola. If the Southern Dog is too much, go with the more familiar Coney Dog, coney sauce, onion and cheese.

Trolley Stop

530 East 5th Street Dayton
I’ve been known to say things like…Trolley..best patio in Dayton. Best chip dip in Dayton. Best Veggie burger.
However, the Double Dogs, a fork and knife kinda deal, should not be overlooked. Two beef hotdogs, chili (house made), onions, cheese and it comes with MikeSells chips and Herbie dip. I mentioned the dip earlier. Its worth mentioning twice. They’ve taken the hotdog to a new level here. It feels almost fancy.

Chicago Gyro and Dogs

3979 Indian Ripple Road, Beavercreek
Chicago Authentic
You’ve seen this place on my quest list before. They rank high in my book for Dayton’s best Gyro. For friends who ask for the best Chicago style dog, I send them here. Vienna Beef dogs are brought in from Chicago along with that neon green relish and sport peppers. They even have the poppy seed bug and celery salt on top like they do in the Windy City. Where else can you get an authentic Chicago style dog with authentic Chicago ingredients, made by a guy who hails from Chicago? Hint. This is the only place in Dayton and it’s only $3.00. They have a Cincy dog too, chili, cheese and onion and they are serving some of the best fries in town.
Where do you find a great Cuban sandwich? Let us know in the comments.
Check Bryan’s other quests:

Quest For The Best: Cuban Sandwich

Quest for the Best Biscuits and Gravy

Quest for Dayton’s Best: Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

All Good Things Must Come To An End…

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I can remember when I had my first Zombie Dogz experience.  It was the horror themed truck’s very first outing in the Lowe’s parking lot on Wilmington Pike in 2012 and the idea of a hot dog topped with decadent things like macaroni and cheese, taco meat and fritos  just seemed so decadent.  In talking with Lee VanArtsdalen, who is the co-ower with her husband Dave, we reminisced about that first outing, where they served 68 people, she even remember my order!  Dave’s love of all things Zombie brought them to their second gig for the truck,  serving up their street eats at  the annual HorrorHound Weekend, where they were bombarded with  30,000 people to feed.

Zombie Dogz Food Truck

And from their the legend just grew.  Often the most popular truck at a rally, fans would line up and wait times often hit an hour for the growing list of gourmet hot dogs with an ever changing menu of ingredients.  Their popularity continued to grow and in 2016 they were named “Best Food Truck in Ohio” by Ohio Magazines in the annual readers poll. That same year they finished 2nd as 2016 Hot Dog Vendor of the Year poll in the national contest rum by Mobile Cuisine.


In the winter  of 2016 rumors started swirling about a brick and mortar location of Zombie Dogz and MostMetro was able to confirm the rumors in June and on Sunday, NOVEMBER 13, 2016 the doors opened at 1200 Brown Street.

Business a the shop has stayed steady, menu items have been added (yeah tots and White Truffle Mac n Cheese) and the truck continued to be out and about around town.  The menu continues to rotate with some of the more popular dogs being brought back for limited runs, while new dogs are introduced.  In June of this year they even introduced flights of coney sized versions of the gourmet dogs, so you can enjoy multiple creations.

But Today Zombie Dogz posted this on their Facebook page:

 

What’s up everybody. So, we are winding down our FOOD TRUCK season and wanted to fill you in a little bit. What we’re about to fill you in on is kind of sad. You may have noticed that we don’t make as many FOOD TRUCK posts lately. Well, there’s a reason………. I think after running long and strong for 5 years our little baby has come to an end. We don’t make posts anymore because we aren’t sure if half the time our trucks gonna make it!!! It’s pulled 12,000 lbs and has several tens of thousands of miles under her belt, and unfortunately she’s coming to an end. She’ll hold up for the rest of this months scheduled events, but after this month, we’re putting her to rest?????. So, with this being said, I’d like to list the rest of our events left for this season.

THE MENU WILL BE EPIC FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON AND WE WILL BE RUNNING SOME OF OUR CLASSICS AND MOST POPULAR DOGS. I’m putting it like this because the post will be so long with our schedule, but if you’re curious, you’re always welcome to contact us through messenger with questions about the menu??

TODAY, October 27th, from 9:30am-4pm we will be at the 13th annual CFC Pumpkin Chuck WPAFB.

5901 Airway Rd.
Riverside, Oh 45431

SATURDAY, October 28th, we’re doing a double??

From 11am-1pm we will be at the KETTERING REC. CENTER AND COMPLEX SOCCER FIELDS for this years WAG-O-WEEN event. Come help support Sicsa and the Humane Society celebrate Halloween with fun family activities and fun times with lots of cute puppies??

From 6pm-9pm we will be at JUNGLE JIMS for their Masquerade Ball in their new multi media facility along with 3 Floyds Zombie Dust Beer.

4450 Eastgate Dr.
Cincinnati, Ohio 45245

MONDAY, OCTOBER 30th from 6pm-10pm is going to be a super amazing event and one of my favorites to visit. We are going to be a part of the Dayton’s Grafton Hill Historic Association that is bringing back the annual STODDARD AVE PUMPKIN GLOW????

And Lastly TUESDAY 10/31 the last event of our whole food truck existence, we are glad to be ending it with such a cool event, and an amazing supporter of ours over the years. We will be at ENGINE HOUSE TATTOO celebrating their 5 year Anniversary from 5pm-8pm????

21 E. CENTER ST. Germantown, Oh 45327

Thank you all for your support over the years!!!! Our truck has brought us so many great memories and a LOT of customers who we now consider good friends, if not family. It has got us to where we are today and we’ll never forget how we got this far…..?
We hope that you will join us for some of our last events with our truck and help us say good bye and put her to rest properly??

Again, we are very, very appreciative for all the love and support over the years.

Thank you?

Stay Gold Dayton ????✌?


In talking with Lee she shared “this is so bittersweet.  The truck was a dream, we grew and nurtured and Dayton welcomed us.  But after 5 years the wear and tear on the truck and the trailer are dealing showing.  The generator is dying and the repairs to the trailer were becoming to much.  But we have the bricks and mortar location and we can really just concentrate on that now.”  But as we chatted about the changes over the years, and the birth of her 2 children and all the friend they’ve made in the community, and how the storefront has been a game changer for their business. She also let slip, that perhaps, in time, the truck could come back to life…just what we might expect from a Zombie!

 

Big News From Zombie Dogz

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Starting Monday, June 5th Zombie Dogz Conies will be added to the menu at the popular gourmet hot dog eater located at 1200 Brown Street, near UD.

You’ll be able to order a “flight” of any 3 Zombie dogs- plain or gourmet dog options being offered on the store menu, plus  side of tater tots for just $10. Just perfect for when you want to try more than one specialty dog. And yes, it’s the exact same hot dog, still grilled, just downsized to make sampling easier!

 

The introduction of the ZD conies also makes for the perfect main ingredient for them to introduce a kids meal- one coney of your choice, plus, a gogurt, sliced apples, or seasonal fruit at that time, and their choice of a beverage: juice pack, soda, or water. The kids meal is $5 with a gourmet dog option, or $4 with a plain option.

And one more big addition you can now order online through the Zombie Dog website,
You pick and order what you want to your specifications –  Dogz, beverages, side items, cupcakes, you name it, you can do it, even pay online and then just run in for pickup. No waiting in line, no human interaction, no payment necessary in store, because you’ve already paid online. You absolutely have to do nothing but just pick up your food with either your order number on it, or if you’ve entered it,  your name.  Even better, you can order ahead and set your pick up time.

 

 

 

 

How To Score An Invite To The Zombie Dogz 4th Anniversary Party

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On Sunday March 26th Zombie Dogz is throwing a party at Club Masque to celebrate their 4th anniversary.   They’ve rented out the entire club for the party.

They are even giving 200 of their customers a chance to attend.  All guests will need a ticket and here’s how you can get a chance to get one of the 200 tickets to the big shindig they are giving away:

Starting tomorrow, Wednesday, March 22nd through Saturday March 25th
for every hotdog purchased at the Brown Street Zombie Dog location, you can fill out a raffle ticket. On Saturday the 25th at 8pm they will do a drawing for the winners. They will call all the winners to let then know who gets to attend the party!

The Gem City Slasher

What’s included you ask….?

On free hotdog and chips, runs from 7pm-9pm, then with your guest pass, you’ll receive 4 free domestic beer tickets and enjoy local Dj’s throwing down all night.

So hustle on down to 1200 Brown Street, enjoy your favorite hot dog and you’ll have a chance to win a ticket to the Sunday night party.

Zombie Dogz 3 Month Anniversary $13 Meal Deal

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It’s been 3 months since Zombie Dogz opened the doors on their Brown Street location and they are celebrating with a Valentine’s Day Eve special.  According to a post on their Facebook Page:

Supporter of ours and fellow business owner’s son was born with only half of a heart and has undergone 2 surgeries with more to come, and yet none will ever “fix” him. They’re only life sustaining, which is unimaginable having kids of our own?. His name is Mason and his heart condition is HLHS, all proceeds are going to The Children’s Heart Foundation in Illinois. So, for $13 you can get any hotdog, any side, a drink, and a cupcake.

Speaking of cupcakes….., Cake, Hope, & Love, who’s cupcakes we already carry, have graciously donated 200 of our EXCLUSIVE ONLY red cream soda and strawberry compote cupcakes, and for every cupcake sold with this promotion, and we’re hoping to go through all 200, we will match it, hoping to double the proceeds raised. They’re even decorating them with a half of a heart.

We will also have it all kinds of sappy-wonderful for you all. We’re thinking some Marvin Gaye, Boys to Men, flowers, a disco ball, confetti?? endless, but I think you’re getting what I’m throwing down?. Come and spend our anniversary/Valentine’s ‘Eve’ with us and help us raise a lot of love for this little boy!

You can visit Zombie Dogz and help benefit baby Mason from 10am – 9pm Monday  at  1200 Brown Street .

Zombie Dogz Now Open on Brown Street

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15032310_1441808535833851_7648682607517009699_nAfter much anticipation and several practice nights, the doors at Zombie Dogz  officially open at 1200 Brown Street today at 10am.

They’ll be serving up their gourmet hot dogs seven days a week.  Hours will be:

Monday-Thursday 10:30-11
Friday-Saturday 10:30-midnight
Sunday 10-9

With 12 dogz on the menu and 3 seasonal dogs making special appearances, they’ve even added a  gluten free bun option, diners will have plenty of choices.  Sides include Dr.Pepper baked beans, truffle macaron15016181_1194712637262713_3339948040059206830_oi and cheese and tater tots!

They’ve also partnered with Beavercreek bakery  Cake, Hope & Love to offer an exclusive line of cupcakes with three  flavors (pictured below) you won’t find anywhere else, according CH&L owner Shannon Teague. For many of us this ability to support to awesome local entrepreneurs in one building is great news!

Owners David and Lee VanArtsdalen, with 9 week old Dylan and big brother Dylan have spent the last week hosting friends, family and supporters into the restaurant so they can test the new staff, the set up, learn the registers and get ready for the crowds that will no doubt pack the place.  At one of the preview nights, I commented to them I think their biggest problem is going to be staying below the mandated  occupancy code of 66!  Lee shared that on top of having the new baby and opening the shop, they are moving to a new house this coming weekend as well.

The VanArstdalen’s posted this thank you on their facebook page today:davidlee

“Something I’d also like to mention is all of the local community we’ve pulled in to help build our location. The artists, marketing people, tech peeps, contractors, design group, realtor company ect……. are all a part of helping our restaurant come together and wouldn’t be what it is now without the help of everyone who’s rode this ride with us. We’d just like to give a special thanks to those mentioned that have really made our new location what it is now.”

We wish them all huge success!  And yes, they food truck will still continue to make appearances around town!

deaddixie

“Dead Dixie”: Bacon, Apple and Blue Cheese Bliss.

15073431_10157768198440717_4404577358129546321_n

Zombie Dogz Sets Opening Date

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zombie_dogzSo………, with much excitement, we’d finally like to announce that we are finally opening Sunday, NOVEMBER 13th 2016 @ 1200 Brown St. Suite 150. We will be open from 10am-9pm.

We are offering 12 core Dogz out of the long list of dogs that we have and will always have another 3 to seasonally rotate around throughout the seasonal changes. We are implementing side items other than chips, and also salads, and a new protein, chicken sausages, and also, finally by popular demand, a gluten free bun option????

Something I’d also like to mention is all of the local community we’ve pulled in to help build our location. The artists, marketing people, tech peeps, contractors, design group, realtor company ect……. are all a part of helping our restaurant come together and wouldn’t be what it is now without the help of everyone who’s rode this ride with us. We’d just like to give a special thanks to those mentioned that have really made our new location what it is now❤️

It has been a long journey and we are so proud to finally be at this point of

zombiedogzart

Art by Matty McTatty

finally showing everyone what we’ve spent 3 years working so hard for, and what we’ve been working on the last 6 months. We’ve really put a lot of our blood, sweat, and tears into our brick and mortar location, and we are just so stoked to finally introduce Zombie Dogz Dayton to the community. We couldn’t have made it this far without everyone’s support over the years. That’s why we are just so full of emotions to finally give Zombie Dogz a permanent place here in Dayton, but most importantly to finally give our employees a permanent job. We are so lucky to have the crew that has stuck by us since the beginning and has believed in us this much to have stuck it out this long with us for this day to finally come. We’ve hired a new crew that we feel is just as rad and are so lucky to have wonderful people working for us.

With all of that being said…….. We super look forward to opening and seeing your lovely faces ?❤️
Now there’s no excuse that you couldn’t find us?

Again, thank you for helping us get to this point. It will never be forgotten❤️

Zombie Dogz

Garlic Fest Announces Food Vendors for Sunday

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Bacon Wrapped, Grilled Chicken Legs.

Another exclusive scoop for our Food Adventure fans.   Sons of Italy Lodge, Dayton Most Metro and Dayton Dining have finalized the food vendors for Sunday’s Garlic Fest.

Are you a foodie?  Then Daytonians, this weekend is your chance to eat, drink and be garlicky all while listening to one of Columbus’ favorite bands, The Danger Brothers.  Cooking Demos, beer, garlic eating contest and craft vendors fill out an all star lineup..

Fasten your garlic burps, here we go !!!

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— WHAT: GARLIC FEST and BOCCE CLASSIC 

Upstate NY Hot Dog

— WHEN: SUNDAY, JULY 17th from NOON- 8PM

— WHERE: BELLA VILLA HALL – 2625 County Line Rd, Beavercreek

— WHAT ELSE:  FREE ADMISSION – FOOD VENDORS  – CRAFT VENDORS – BEER TRUCKS

— FREE COOKING DEMOS – inside the Bella Villa Hall Main room

1pm Our own JACKIE SCANLAN aka “HUNGRY JAX” from Food Adventures  

2pm Our own LEEANNE “CHEF HOUSE” from Food Adventures  and HouseMade Sriracha

3pm Special guest, CHEF ANNE KEARNEY, 2 times James Beard award winner and owner of Rue Dumaine

— GARLIC EATING CONTEST 4:45pm by the stage – Prize money is $100.. can you beat the competition ???

— FREE CONCERT by THE DANGER BROTHERS  5pm – 8 pm – a RARE Dayton appearance by the band you know from Buckeye’s games Hiney Gate Parties on Lane Ave. PARTY ROCK N ROLL at its most fun  – HANG ON SLOOPY – Could be the biggest O… H.. I … O chant in Dayton history.

 

GARLIC FEST FOOD VENDORS:

1) FRICKER’S – We smell garlic chicken on the horizon! Dayton’s chicken experts roll the truck in for some good eats.

2) TEXAS BEEF AND CATTLE CO. – Slow cook BBQ experts on the premises.. We expect garlic rubbed brisket among other slow smoked specialties.  Meats! Meats! Meats!

Garlic Boneless Wings

3) GIOVANNI’S – Fairborn’s legendary Italian restaurant brings the garlic eats.  Expect some hearty, filling menu items here.

4) SWEET P’S HANDMADE ICE POPS – Fruitty, fresh and COLD.  This will cool your hot head and your mouth will thank you.

5) SCRATCH CATERING:  Their garlic chicken tenders stole hearts last year.  What else do they have in store from Chef Hayden?

6) GYRO PALACE:  Huge, gaping gyros loaded with tons of meat, veggies and garlic

Spicy Garlic Chicken over White Rice

tzatziki sauce.  Get some !

7) THE HOLY CANNOLI BOOTH – The Italian club is deep frying cannoli and sprinkling chocolate on top.  A religious experience in taste!

8) ZOMBIE DOGZ – The king of Dayton’s Food trucks promises 2 never before done flavored hot dogs !  STAY TUNED !

9) RITTERS FROZEN CUSTARD:  Cool sundaes loaded with toppings and sauces.  If you dont get whip cream on your nose, it doesn’t count.

2 New Flavors coming to Garlic Fest

10) Q FOOD FOR EVERYONE: Bacon wrapped chicken legs, Garlic shrimp and salmon are the possible choices here with BBQ.

11) MOHAWK FREESTYLE GRILL:  Garlic Mohawk Burgers and more!  More than a mouthful and so juicy.  Chef Aaron wont dissapoint you!

12) BOURBON STREET GRILL and CAFE:  Spicy chicken or Bourbon Chicken all made with garlic and poured over your choice of rice.

James Nunez and his BBQ crew

13) MAMMA DISALVOS – Who better to do garlic fest than these guys?  We expect garlic pasta and more from this Italian crew.

14) DEEP FRIED HEAVEN – From veggies to garlic pizza fries, these guys are gonna deep fry some delicious specialty items.

15) KOWALSKI HOTS:  In upstate New York they say “hots” instead of hot dogs.  This guy grills red and white hots, not spicy just hot dogs and brands you can only find in upstate New York. As for garlic sauce or coney sauce.

Fresh Popsicles

GARLIC FEST CRAFT VENDORS:

1) THE SPICY OLIVE: Garlic infused olive oil and more flavors ! Fresh Olive oil guaranteed.
2) WEEZY’S GARLIC:  Garlic for sale..  health benefits galore
3) COSTCO:  Your favorite spot for warehouse deals.  If you dont know about them, now’s the chance …
4) SCENTSY: Wickless candles, electric warmers and flavored waxes.  Wonderful fragrances.
5) SERVANTHOOD STICHERY:  Unique crafts and puzzle lamps.  Defintely worth a visit.

We expect some yummy garlic dishes from Giovannis

6) NERIUM INTERNATIONAL: Age defying skin creams and moisturizers.  Look young while eating that garlic item.
7) LOVE HARVEST BODY ART:  Face painting.  Kids love this stuff and what adult wouldnt look good with some garlic on their cheek.
8) PAINTED HORSE STUDIO: Clay art and hot sauces.  A local art teacher and her husband have some unique items for sale.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Garlic Chicken