LINCOLN PARK — Despite its name, Campus Dogs won't only be serving encased meats.
"The name may be something of a misnomer," admitted Colin Foy, co-owner of the restaurant, which is set to open inside the former Fat Sandwich Company, 2273 N. Lincoln Ave., on Oct. 28.
As it turns out, the restaurant's full name is Campus Dogs & Deli, which is more of an accurate description.
"We will focus on sandwiches and curing our own meats," said Foy, who is running the restaurant with his brother, George, and his father, Bryan.
There will be Chicago-style hot dogs and artisanal sausages on the menu, but "high-end sandwiches" will be the star, Foy said.
While the menu has yet to be finalized, Foy was able to share a few sandwiches sure to make the final cut: Honey-glazed ham on a pretzel roll with arugula, brie, house-made honey mustard; California turkey on sourdough bread with fresh avocado, thick-cut pepper bacon, kale and gouda; and corned beef made and cut in house on European rye bread with Swiss and white wine mustard.
Right now, crews are focused on transforming the storefront, which Foy said was neglected due to the previous owner, which he described as "100 percent absent." More specifically, crews are repositioning the kitchen and installing window seats so the restaurant is more welcoming to folks walking down Lincoln Avenue, Foy said.
Foy said he and his brother had been toying with the idea of opening a restaurant for years. But the specific concept came from his brother's old college project.
"The basic premise was to create what you thought would not only be a sustainable but positive business," Foy said.
The project became a reality when the pair found a property close to the Children's Memorial Hospital site, which is getting completely redeveloped into a massive mixed-use development.
That — plus other nearby projects like the redevelopment of the Lincoln Centre condominium building — made the location enticing, Foy said.
"We wanted the space knowing that Lincoln Avenue is going to be on such an upward swing with the renovation of Children's," he said.
Unlike Fat Sandwich Company, Campus Dogs & Deli will cater to a lunch crowd — not just a late-night crowd.
"This should be something you can pick up for lunch and not feel sick afterwards," he said.
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