Buns & Brews is looking forward to the dog days of summer.
The restaurant serves custom-made hot dogs, craft brews and other offerings, at 970 Parsons Ave., just south of East Whittier Street.
Kevin Hightower, who owns the restaurant with his brother, William, acknowledges it took longer to get open than anticipated.
Hightower said the historic building presented challenges with electrical and plumbing work, as well as ADA-compliance issues
"There was just a lot to do in here," Kevin Hightower said. "It took on a life of its own. There were some obstacles, but we got through it and we're here."
William Hightower, the restaurant's chef, is making collard greens, chili, baked beans and other toppings and sides from scratch.
He said he learned how to cook from his mother and occasionally would help out with her Columbus-based catering business, Above and Beyond, which has since closed.
"You keep working on it until tastes good, keep working until it's right," he said.
Buns & Brews uses all-beef, turkey and vegan dogs and has several signature choices, including the "Carolina," topped with pulled chicken, gold barbecue sauce and coleslaw; the "New Yorker," with sauerkraut and spicy brown mustard; and "Jamaican Me Crazy," with jerk chicken and coleslaw.
One of William Hightower's favorites is the "Southern Comfort," crowned with his slow-cooked collard greens, Vidalia onion relish, and diced tomatoes and onions
Basic dogs start at $5 and custom dogs are $6, but the price can go up as toppings are added. Sides are $3 each.
"Basically, you get a meal on a hot dog because the toppings can be sides all by themselves," Kevin Hightower said.
Buns & Brews had a brief run in the Short North, having been open between May and December 2016. But because of the lack of parking and the small space, the business was relocated, the Hightower said.
After finding the Parsons Avenue location, they spent an extended period of time rehabbing the building
The new 47-seat restaurant has a mostly red-and-yellow color scheme, textured walls, a high ceiling and a long bar with a stainless-steel top. There is a full liquor license.
Hours are 4 to 11 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. It is closed Sundays. Kevin Hightower said lunch hours are being considered.
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