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Read the press release here.

Hot Doug's Replacement, Frank Meats Patty, Opening Friday

By Josh McGhee | January 22, 2015 2:07pm
 Frank Meats Patty will offer a free meal to its first 20 customers and for its grand opening.
Frank Meats Patty Opening
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AVONDALE — After the highly publicized closing of Hot Doug's, the restaurant moving into the local favorite's former location — Frank Meats Patty — is set to open Friday.

"We're looking forward to it, finally. It's been months in the making," Frank Meats Patty Owner Bob Corbett said as he organized food orders Thursday afternoon while workers put the finishing touches on the building at 3324 N. California Ave.

The new eatery will pay homage to its predecessor by offering Hot Doug's favorite duck fat fries during its grand opening. The first 20 customers in line will get a free sandwich or burger, fries and a drink, according to the Frank Meats Patty Facebook page.

Though the end of Hot Doug's brought lines so long you could smoke a brisket or plan and execute a wedding, Corbett said the new restaurant will return to the principle that propelled Hot Doug's to its legendary stature — being the neighborhood hot dog joint.

"We won't ever have those long lines. I don't ever see that happening," said Corbett, who also runs Fatso's Last Stand in Ukrainian Village. "We don't do what Doug does, but we definitely have a following."

"It's not gourmet like they did it, but there's definitely a niche for us."

Hot Doug's became more of a tourist spot than a neighborhood joint in its final days, though owner Doug Sohn went above and beyond to make sure neighborhood fans could enjoy a dog if they wanted one, Corbett said.

As for Hot Doug's namesake, Corbett said Sohn has been supportive of the new project in his old spot.

"He's been nothing but helpful to us, hoping we succeed," he said.

Corbett hopes his customers will include a mix of community members, fans of his other restaurant and even employees of neighboring businesses, he said.

"We've had a lot of people [from the neighborhood] come to Fatso's who said they couldn't wait [for Frank Meats Patty]. They wanted to try the food and see what it was," Corbett said.

"That's what I'm hoping to do: really make it a community place with a neighborhood feel," Corbett said.

Its website boasts that "the standard burger and char dog fare simply pales in comparison to the shrimp po’ boys, cheese-filled patties, and numerous secret menu items" they plan to offer at the restaurant.

Its full menu is available here.

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