March 14, 2017

Meet James Hammerl of Doggy Dogg Atl in Decatur

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to James Hammerl.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Doggy Dogg has been the making of me and I’ve been the making of Doggy Dogg. I grew up with an appreciation for the working the grill outside with my dad and after soaking up and learning as much as I could about hospitality on many, many levels, it was time to put that all together. After an inspirational trip to Germany, the land of everything würst and sausage, it was time to apply that knowledge and drive to become my boss. I wanted to take hot dogs to another level. Living in Atlanta, that has provided a living with friends and colleagues from different parts of the world, that realization happened easily.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Let’s just say things could always have been worse. The timing of making this happen in Atlanta was right. The food truck wheels were just in motion and the movement was starting to gain traction. The brothers and family that is King of Pops paved the way and I thank them every chance I get for what they did and what they still do for our food community in Atlanta, an aspect that hadn’t had much chance to blossom and was alien to most people at the time.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Doggy Dogg Atl – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We make hot dogs and dreams come true. #sunshineinnabun. Doggy Dogg has an appreciation for the farmer, the arts, the earth, our suppliers and our hires and we want to feed everyone the best hot dog (even veggie doggs) that we can. From the locally baked buns and franks to our toppings -we know where everything comes from and are proud to share that with customers that also care about these same things. These aren’t meat flavored butter sticks you get at the gas station or the grocery store. The experience that a customer has is also OUR experience as well. We respect the loyalty that a guests shows when they bring their frenz, fam or their dog by and reciprocate that in whatever way we can.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Yes yes! What’s next…a relaunch at the Dogg Haus is on the horizon. The area has been under severe construction on the roads surrounding the whole neighborhood for some time. The ingredients and menu will be upgraded and even tastier. But I’d like to leave it as that is the main focus for 2017. There are always things to think about as an opportunity but for 5 years and going on 6, there has always been a new project to jump into. What’s worked? What hasn’t? It’s all part of the experience and connections to go to the next level.

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