If you grew up in Cleveland and have spent any time in Ohio City, then you are familiar with the Hot Dog Inn - Home of the Old Fashion Hot Dog. Don Raimondo grew up on this side of town and the Hot Dog Inn was the place to eat and be. He recalls from back in the day, “All my buddies and I would spend a lot of time there, so I was sad to hear they were closing after 92 years of business in March 2020."
Don and his wife, Shannon, couldn’t let the tradition of these amazing dogs end after 92 years, so with a spin on the name, The Dog House was born.
Since Don and Shannon both come from successful entrepreneurial and professional backgrounds, it seemed only natural to bring tradition and the success of making dogs from Cleveland to Brunswick. The Dog House will sit in front of another successful business owned by this power couple, Havana's Choice Cigars and Lounge.
“Nothing seemed to make sense for an empty building in front of the lounge on our property until we heard about the Hot Dog Inn”, says Don. “Then it hit me, this is it. The Dog House and Havana's Choice Cigars and Lounge!”
Havana's Lounge has been very successful in its location at 170 Pearl Rd., Brunswick and is one of three Havana Cigars lounges in the area that are owned by Don and Shannon.
Don recalls from recent years, “Summer nights out on the patio with your favorite cigar [while] listening to some live music is a destination here in Brunswick. Now, the property has expanded to include a bite to eat as well."
Keeping the tradition alive, The Dog House is a casual, sit inside or outside environment. Also, reasonable pricing — $5-$6 per person — makes it easy for a family dinner.
At The Dog House, you can order anything from your traditional chili dog to Italian sausage with homemade chili and red sauce, which are Raimondo family recipes that have been perfected by Shannon and her mother. But let’s not forget the extras such as kraut, onions and mustard. Plus, in-house homemade slaw and Shannon’s favorite — fresh-cut fries! You can even order a bowl of homemade chili (with the fixings on the side).
“It’s really about choice and pleasing everyone’s taste buds,” explains Don. “It’s a casual, family environment with plenty of seating throughout the property."
Shannon adds: “This is our favorite part — it's where I want to be. This is where our passion lies.”
Visit The Dog House and Havana's Choice Cigars and Lounge at 170 Pearl Rd., Brunswick.