Meet David Gettleman of Spike’s Junkyard Dogs

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Gettleman.

Thanks for sharing your story with us David. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was helping Spike’s with their franchising package and helping them look for real estate in the Boston area. After touring the Boston market one Friday afternoon, the franchisors spent 2.5 hours for what normally takes 50 minutes, to drive back to RI. They decided that they did not want to spend that much time in the car and asked if I was interested in franchising the Boston market!

I started looking for a space to open Spike’s and slowly shuttered my consulting company. After 2 years searching and a lot of negotiating, I opened Spike’s Junkyard Dogs in Allston September 27, 2002. Customers “thanked me” for saving them the drive to RI to visit Spike’s Junkyard Dogs. We just celebrated our 15th anniversary in Allston this past fall!

Has it been a smooth road?
When we first opened, we were only granted a 12:00-midnight operating license. The neighborhood committee when I met with them wanted us to close at 10:00 pm. A year after opening, we were able to get a 1:00 am license.

Several years later, another restaurant company received a 2:00 am license from Day 1. We immediately petitioned to extend our license to 2:00 am as well. Many customers knock on our door after we have closed, but the City of Boston no longer grants 3:00 am licenses.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
We sell our own proprietary all-beef hot dog, served on our own fresh baked roll. We have many pre-set dogs such as the signature Junkyard Dog (topped with Spike’s House Mustard, tomato, pickles, and scallions), the Texas Ranger (Barbeque, bacon, and cheddar), and the Reuben (Russian dressing, sauerkraut, and swiss cheese) to name a few.

You can also make any kind of combination (Sinatra Dog–have it your way!) with our 50+ toppings. In addition, we serve a veggie dog that is available with the same styles and toppings as the beef dog. We sell the most veggie dogs of all the Spike’s locations here in Allston.

My favorite question is when a customer takes a bite and then asks “Is this a veggie dog?” We also feature burgers, veggie burgers (same styles/toppings), chicken sandwiches, wings, and subs. Our steak and cheese, “The Pitbull” is a big seller.

We have won numerous awards–Best of Boston, Top 10 in the USA; been featured in print and on TV!

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
We are open late at night. For individuals that do not live within walking distance, it is difficult to get home. It would be nice if public transportation ran later.

Pricing:

• –written up as one of the best values under $10 in Boston

Contact Info:

• Address: 108 Brighton Ave. Allston, MA 02134
• Website: www.spikesjunkyarddogs.com
• Phone: 617-254-7700
• Email: spikesboston@gmail.com
• Facebook: Spike’s Junkyard Dogs-boston
• Twitter: @spikesboston

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