Daniel Williams/Collegian
Saucy Dog’s hopes to fill the “need for something different,” with barbecue, said general manager Kelly Guinn.
Saucy Dog’s restaurant, located on Chicago Street in Jonesville, across from the Chicago Water Grill, offered a haven for good company, great atmosphere and incredible barbeque to college students at discounted prices on March 29 as part of a pre-opening promotion.
The décor of the restaurant resembles a dog house, playing on the theme of “saucy dogs.” Perched on the walls are large-screened televisions that play music videos and sports games, catering to the college student’s attitude. On top of the decorations, Saucy Dog’s is slated to serve alcohol sometime in mid-May, which some students said will be an additional draw.
Saucy Dog’s offers everything in the way of Memphis barbeque, which means that its main focus is pork and ribs, though they do serve barbeque beef brisket sandwiches.
Kelly Guynn, general manager of Saucy Dog’s, said she is convinced that the food is going to sell the restaurant.
“We really felt that there was a need for something different in this community,” Guynn said. “Barbeque is fun, and we wanted to make a fun place. I think it is going to be phenomenal. The food is going to be outstanding, and it’s going to sell.”
Last Wednesday, the food did just that. After opening its doors to the college for a trial run, slated to serve 30 to 50 people, Saucy Dog’s had to turn people away because they were running out of food. Instead of the 30 or so people they were hoping for, a whopping 150 college students showed up to sample the food.
Senior Nathan Trimbach was one of the students who showed up to sample Saucy Dog’s’ menu.
“I thought that Saucy Dog’s was fabulous,” he said. “It fills the spot of the much needed BBQ. Two aspects that stuck out to me most were the food and the look. The food was really good; reasonably priced. The menu seemed to be just the right size. To go with that, the set up works perfectly. Having wooden tables, especially the paper towels as napkins in the middle of the table was way cool. The food and the atmosphere worked together to create a potentially amazing restaurant.”
Senior Tyler Blanski said that while the food was not the restaurant’s strong point, its location in Jonesville offers Hillsdale students a haven away from the college.
“I think it is a great excuse to get out of Hillsdale,” Blanski said. “Jonesville has a lot to offer, and this restaurant will help students get over there more often.”
Besides offering great food, Guynn said Saucy Dog’s will eventually offer karaoke, Elvis impersonators, house private banquets and host an open-mic night.
Saucy Dog’s will be open during the week from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and during the weekend from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.