Bigg Daddy's Dogs has new storefront in Cedar Rapids

With five years under his belt this summer operating his Bigg Daddy's Dogs food cart, at the corner of Third Avenue and Second Street SE in downtown Cedar Rapids, Chad Ginther now can boast a restaurant with a roof, too.

Bigg Daddy's Dogs and More opened at 629 12th Ave. SE in Cedar Rapids on May 1.

"I've actually always wanted a restaurant, but I started out with a hot dog cart," Ginther said. "It's a nice little place, no real seating of any kind, so it's carry-out and delivery only, but it's the next step up."

The restaurant sells three varieties of hot dogs - Nathan's Famous, which is a New York-style hot dog; a Chicago Vienna footlong; and a Chicago Vienna half-pound 10-inch dog. Using the three basic varieties, Ginther builds a classic chili cheese dog, a Chicago dog and the Southerner, which is beef brisket, barbeque sauce and onion over a hot dog.

"Lately one of our biggest sellers is ... Philly cheese steaks in town, which is green peppers, onions and cheese sauce over steak usually," Ginther said.

Ginther smokes his own beef brisket for four and a half hours, then bakes it for an additional four hours before slicing it. He also makes his own coleslaw, chili and baked beans.

His new space, some 700 square feet, is across the street from Sweetiepie's Chicken and Fish. Ginther employs three full-time staffers as well as some part-timers.

The restaurant is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday; until 10 p.m. on Friday; and, beginning with breakfast, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays.

"I serve how I think everybody would like it," Ginther said. "We also use fresh ground beef. We don't use a frozen patty and (I) add my own seasoning."