Two brothers and one dream: to run a killer food market.
Curious Dog, formally the Jackson Avenue Market, has been perched in the heart of the Old City, serving newbies and regulars for several years now.
The store’s founding fathers are two brothers, Todd and Matt Weidenhamer, who opened the Jackson Avenue Market in 2011 with a purpose to make a hub that provides good food and good beer.
However, a transformation happened in 2014. The Jackson Avenue Market changed its name to Curious Dog: Hot Dog and Sandwich Shop. Todd Weidenhamer explained that the change of name was a result of getting fed up with people coming in asking for eggs and bread.
“We want to be known as the best sandwiches in town,” Todd said.
The brothers explained that this desire is finally starting to happen. Not only are they getting new clientele but gaining an abundance of regulars as well.
“A lot of people come in, and they just start at the top of the menu and go down,” Matt Weidenhamer said.
The menu offers an extensive selection for customers to work through. There are multiple choices for sandwiches and hotdogs, including the “Curious dog” which has potato salad on it. The Amish ingredients add to the curiosity of the shop. Hormone-free, free-range, grass-fed and healthy food is what the Curious Dog strives to offer.
To wash down a dog, customers can grab a beer in a bottle, can or on draft. The bar offers several different beers on draft, including a special Curious Dog brew made by a local home brewer only available at the market.
Wanting to keep customers around to hang out, the Curious Dog also has a dozen old-school arcade games. For 25 cents customers can play the original Pac-Man while eating a hot dog and drinking a $5 PBR.
According to the brothers, many couples come in for date night to play arcade games and enjoy the food and relaxed environment. Allison Benner, a freshman in special education, enjoys going to the store with her boyfriend to grab a bite to eat and socialize with the staff. She explained that her favorite dog is definitely the Hawaiian.
“Because who doesn’t like a hot dog with ham, pineapple and honey on it?” Benner said.
If you still have room for dessert, Curious Dog offers vegan cupcakes made especially by Matt Weidenhamer’s 9-year-old daughter, Madeline. She has become an essential part of the market as she learns to bake and work with the business.
Despite the excitement the brothers have generated with their up-and-coming restaurant, there are still more additions to come. With more than 50 ideas for new hot dogs and sandwiches, the Weidenhamers are looking forward to expanding their menu even further, even entertaining the idea of getting a vendor’s license and maybe starting a food truck for festivals and events around the Knoxville area.
Todd and Matt are excited for what is to come for the Curious Dog in the Old City and the crowd the food is starting to draw in.
“We want to give them the best food they can eat downtown,” Matt Weidenhamer said.
