Good Dog Houston Closes Montrose Location to Focus On Heights Original
Hot dogs, chips and a brew at Good Dog Houston. Courtesy photo.
POSTED: November 16, 2020 9:41 am / BY David Leftwich / comments (1)
Sad news for Montrose hot dog enthusiasts: after five years, Good Dog Houston is closing its Montrose location at 1312 West Alabama on Sunday, November 22. However, the Heights location at 903 Studewood continues to serve favorites such as the Ol' Zapata with bacon, caramelized onions and jalapeño relish, as well a curated selection of Texas craft beers. In addition, the Heights location is soon adding brunch and extended hours.
Founded as a food truck by chef Amalia Pferd and Danny Caballero in 2011, their Texas-made franks, produced to their specifications (85% beef and 15% pork), and housemade condiments quickly became popular. In 2013, they opened their first brick-and-mortar location in a Heights bungalow. That year, the Houston Chronicle's Alison Cook named it one of the best new restaurants of 2013. Since then, Good Dog has made regular appearances on Cook's annual Top 100 Houston Restaurants list.
The COVID-19 pandemic, along with the temporary bans on indoor dining (which are now lifted), as well as ongoing capacity restrictions has made it difficult for most area restaurants. Starting in March, Good Dog adapted to the crisis by added grocery items. Sadly, it wasn't enough to keep the Montrose location viable. In a statement, Caballero said, "Unfortunately, with the amount of uncertainty these days and our current rent rates, we're not in a position financially to renew our lease."
Soup and a hot dog at Good Dog Houston. Photo Courtesy of Good Dog Houston.
Caballero also thanked everyone who has supported the Montrose location, "Words cannot express the gratitude we have for the Houston community who allowed us to keep both of our doors open and our staff employed through this pandemic. This decision comes with a heavy heart, but I want everyone to know we tried everything possible to keep our Montrose store open."
Pferd added, "Montrose has been a wonderful community for us to call home for many years, we have met so many awesome people and happy to have become part of this neighborhood. Our Heights location, which has been our mainstay since 2013, will remain open of course! Please visit us there to support our small business and our amazing staff who have supported us through this crazy time."
For those Montrose customers who want to continue supporting Good Dog during these difficult times, the restaurant is offering residents in zip codes 77006, 77098, and 77019 a 15% discount at the Heights location until the end of 2020.
Employees at the Montrose location are being offered jobs at the Heights original and on the food truck, which is available to hire for private events. Those employees who are unable to make the move will be offered assistance finding new jobs.
David Leftwich
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