Detroit Dawgs enjoys first season at new digs on Fort Myers Beach
Detroit Dawgs enjoyed a good first season in their new digs at their temporary trailers across from the Lani Kai Island Resort.
Trina and Scotty Legas began operating in their new spot in January, offering authentic Koegel’s hot dogs with all-natural casings shipped from Flint, Michigan and all-beef Chicago hot dogs with Vienna natural casings, among many other tasty delicacies.
Mrs. Legas said they never dreamed of opening up a hot dog trailer stand on Fort Myers Beach, but as snowbirds who long enjoyed visiting Fort Myers Beach, they took up the challenge after retiring from their concession business in Detroit.
“We started out for fun,” Mrs. Legas said. “We weren’t sure we were going to do it full-time because its a lot of work. ”
After Hurricane Ian, they began by periodically opening their hot dog business at the former vacant lots occupied by The Whale and Sandy Bottom’s. This year, they moved to their new location where they spend all day and into the night selling their hot dogs, burgers, wings, nachos, chicken wraps, floats and freshly-squeezed lemonade.
“It’s been fantastic,” Mrs. Legas said. “There has been such an incredible outpouring of welcoming support,” she said. Legas said they get a lot of customers from the large Michigan population that visits Fort Myers Beach and who spend their winters here.
They have been working on a temporary permit but are currently working on getting a permanent one, as they work on plans.
Each Friday, they donate a portion of their sales to the effort by local businesses to raise funds for a Fourth of July fireworks show. The owners of Detroit Dawgs are also planning a car show on their property for June 20.
The business will also be taking part in this summer’s What’s Up FMB “Island Charm Crawl” which will offer the public a gift bag for $30 to pick up collectible charms from local businesses as part of a promotional event to support local businesses on Fort Myers Beach.
Fort Myers Beach Observer Nathan Mayberg can be reached at NMayberg@breezenewspapers.com