The gourmet hot dog food truck-turned-restaurant in the Heights announced it was closing this week and customers responded with sellout crowds.
HOUSTON — A beloved restaurant in the Heights is shutting down for food this weekend.
Good Dog Houston posted on Facebook that it is closing after 15 years, having operated a food truck and later its brick-and-mortar restaurant on Studemont Street.
Owner Daniel Caballero said it was a “really hard decision” to make, but is appreciative of how his business grew and became embraced by Houston and the Heights community.
Caballero said it is bittersweet as he’s working on the final weekend, talking to many customers who stopped by.
“Just completely overwhelmed with emotion with how much Houston has supported us. They’ve come out in droves. It’s just…really meaningful,” Caballero said.
Customers lined up out the door on Saturday afternoon. One family says they came from Humble for their specialty hot dogs.
“[My sister] sent me the social media post and we said ‘Okay we’ll make it happen,’” Kristal Jimenez told KHOU 11 News.
Caballero said the restaurant started as a food truck in 2010, setting up at local spots in the Heights and catering weddings out in Porter. He remembers initially doubting his partner when she wanted to start the business.
“She was like we’re going to make our own mustard, ketchup in house. I’m like, ‘dude no one does that.’ You know, and slowly she kind of convinced me, and once we dove in Houston really embraced us,” Caballero said.
The owner said the decision to close down comes from personal issues and their new landlord increasing their rent.
“The landlord found somebody who’s willing to pay and we’re kind of, we’re out you know? So it’s just kind of the nature of the business,” Caballero said.
The news is disappointing to young fans like Rory Callaghan, who enjoys the tofu dog with ketchup.
“I don’t know why the landlord would have some other person to rent it…it’s just like, the best hot dog restaurant I know,” Callaghan said.
There is some gratitude inside Good Dog, for more than just the food.
“I would say gracias, thank you, that it means a lot for small business owners, entrepreneurs to put themselves out there,” Jimenez said.
Good Dog sold out early on Friday and Saturday. Caballero is grateful to everyone who has shown their support.
“It’s just been overwhelmingly awesome, you know? We love it, love the support from everybody, you know it’s just been a magical ride for us,” Caballero said.
Caballero hasn’t thought about what’s next yet, but plans to enjoy the last day with his crew on Sunday. Doors will open at 11 a.m.