Forget the fact that Hot Dog Emporium is housed in the building that was formerly home to two failed Quiznos and, for a moment, something called Crazy Cravings. Those were all past location failures. This is a new day for 4904 Fruitville Road--or should I say new dog.

The proud owners now have the market on lobster and hot dogs.

Partners of the Lazy Lobster and Lazy Lobster of Longboat have opened  Doggin’ It: A Hot Dog and Chili Emporium. It is what it says and walks the walk. Sure, there are hamburgers, a Greek salad, a fried bologna sandwich, and a tip of the napkin to Lazy Lobster’s lobster bisque and Maine lobster roll (real deal, by the way), but let’s stick to the namesake – after all, it is about the hot dog, big dog or brat.

Italian sausage and the Carolina dog.

Here’s what we tried:

North Jersey Dog -  Fried all the way with Patterson style chili, mustard and onion

The Carolina Dog - Grilled and topped with pulled pork, mustard and coleslaw

The Reuben Dog - Grilled with kraut, 1000 Island and melted Swiss

Sweet Italian sausage - Peppers and onions on a toasted bun.

They insisted that we try the tater tots, a nice throwback to childhood--and this after eating six(!) different types of fries Wednesday night for an upcoming Sarasota Magazine contest.

Now that's a fried bologna sandwich.

But dog gone it—they are damn good dogs. We’ll be back--three thumbs up! And as for business, well, they are packed with repeat customers almost daily. Sure hope this becomes a chain of hot dog places.

As we drove out of the parking lot and passing the dance studio on the outer end of the strip, I saw a sign for Zumba lessons. No doubt that class will fill up with all the new regulars.