Grayslake hot dog stand may move to Wheeling

Is Wheeling’s Milwaukee Avenue big enough for two hot dog stands?

Country Dog recently closed its Grayslake location and wants to open at 520 N. Milwaukee Ave., formerly Bill’s Auto Body. With her father and brother by her side, Country Dog President Kendall Soudan talked to Wheeling trustees about the idea on Monday and got mixed feedback in return. Some trustees told her to spruce up the place, go through the planning process and see what happens. Other trustees said the hot dog stand wasn’t appropriate for Milwaukee Avenue, also known as “Restaurant Row.”

Last year, Superdawg opened at 333 S. Milwaukee Ave. and features ordering speakers in the parking lot along with giant hot dog figures on the roof.

“No one loves a hot dog more than me,” said Trustee Ken Brady. “But this looks like you’re selling hot dogs from a trailer. It doesn’t fit the view we have for Milwaukee Avenue. This is more of a stop and go.”

But trustees Robert Heer and Dave Vogel said Soudan should talk with village planners and see what happens. Eventually, the village board will decide if Soudan can open in Wheeling.

“I like the concept,” Vogel said. “It’s a great idea.”

Country Dog opened on Route 120 Grayslake in 2007 with the kitchen in the caboose and diners eating on a deck or picnic tables.

The caboose would be moved to Wheeling on a flatbed, Soudan said.

“This is a unique idea,” she said. “A hot dog stand is a classic.”

Because of the weather, the stand was only open for about half the year in Grayslake and closed for good in late October, as the owners looked for a location with more traffic and a bigger lunch crowd.

In Wheeling, the deck would be enclosed so it would be open for about 10 months a year, Soudan said.

Country Dog would be open seven days a week and serve lunch and dinner. Alcohol would not be available and the deck would seat between 18 and 20 customers, Soudan said.

Besides hot dogs, Country Dog serves up burgers, milkshakes, salads and french fries. Prices range from about $2.50 for a hot dog to $6.40 for a beef and sausage combo sandwich.