Dave's Dogs

Our grill guys rule.

When Dave first opened back in 2014 (and for a while after), he worked alone in the trailer with occasional help from Karen (who still works most Saturdays).

But as Dave got busier, he decided to hire a "grillmaster." In 12 years, he's been lucky enough to really only have three. (He did a couple of "test" days with other people, but only three passed the test.)

Nico Sartori worked as Dave's first grillmaster for about two years until he headed off to Penn State to continue his education.

Josh Benedicto was grillmaster for over six years until he moved on to a full-time job.

Both Nico and Josh still show up occasionally (and we are always thrilled to see them).

Andrew McGrail is our current grillmaster (and occasional prize drawing helper); he works with Dave mainly on Sundays and for weekday events. Be sure to say hi next time you see him!

It's 12 years to the day since Dave had his grand opening. He set up at the Exxon at the intersection of Minnieville and Smoketown and and he made about $40 that day. It was that much only in part because friends and family came by to support Dave in his new venture. It felt a little disheartening. But, what we didn't have enough faith on that day is how much this community would embrace Dave's Dogs. We learned quickly how amazing you are.

You kept showing up when we lost spots to set up as restaurants complained that we were taking business away (it wasn't Lowes' doing), or our "landlords" went out of business (like when the cleaners in Lake Ridge became a Starbucks). And, when COVID shut us down and Dave decided to try delivering family BBQ meals to make it through until we could open again--you made sure we sold out. There was so much that could have taken us out over the years--and you made sure that didn't happen. Even when things looked bleak, you always kept our (serving) door open and our spirits high.

Whenever we have tried to help the community in different ways--whether that's collecting toys for Toys for Tots, or selling cookies to support breast cancer research, or having specials on Dad Dogs to donate to our late father's favorite charities, or collecting supplies for the homeless in our area--you came out. You have always helped us when we have tried to do good things.

And, geez Louise (showing our age here), you made that "Not Tips" jar shelter initiative more than a concept. You made it a dream come true. In the 11 years since we started our partnership with the PWC animal shelter, you have helped almost 750 shelter animals find new homes by donating nearly $80,000 for adoption fees, spay/neuter, and other needed medical expenses (plus some special donations to other groups helping us help those animals).

These are only a few of a million reasons to thank you. We always say we have the BEST CUSTOMERS IN THE WORLD, but that's not quite right. You have become our friends and our "chosen family." We love each and every one of you.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for letting Dave's Dogs stay in business and in your lives for 12 years. You are simply awesome.

Sharing and asking again. We've been lucky enough to find one of the staff at the assisted living place where mom lives who can walk Lola in the mornings Monday-Friday, but we still don't have anyone who can walk her in the evenings during the week OR on weekends (when we need a morning and evening walk). It's okay if those are different people--someone who could do M-F evenings (8-9 p.m.) and someone who can do it on the weekends.

We've had a couple of possibilities NOT work out, unfortunately, and time is getting VERY short.

Note that we're not in a position to pay what things like Rover or other professional services cost, so are hoping to get lucky enough to find someone in the area with flexibility who might be willing to do it for $10 a walk (trust me--that's at most about five minutes because Lola doesn't like to be away from mom and isn't a dawdler when doing her business).

Please message us if you might be able to help!

If anyone knows a very reasonably priced, trustworthy, and reliable dog walker in Stafford/Fredericksburg, we're in desperate need of one. Our mom is in an assisted living place near the Lowes on Route 17 (Warrenton Road--mailing address is Fredericksburg, but it's actually in Stafford County). The amazing dog walker she's had since last September for her little super sweet dog Lola is not going to be able to continue after May 29.

Mom, at 90, is too mobility challenged to handle it on her own. The assisted living place she is in is good but very expensive, so our budget for dog walking isn't big but we're doing everything we can to keep Lola with mom. Mom got Lola right before COVID hit, and Lola has been her constant companion ever since. We think having her keeps mom's spirits up as well.

We have to find someone new by May 29.

We're looking for two quick walks a day (one in the morning; one in the evening--as close to 12 hours apart as possible). Lola is a quick pee-er/pooper and then is eager to get back to her favorite person in the world (Mom). It's not really a walk--Lola is usually done with her business in less than two minutes.

Please send us a message if you know anyone!

Dave was hired to provide food to customers and employees for a local dealer's Memorial Day sales event today, so we are not open for regular business. Tomorrow (Sunday), we'll be open 11am-4pm at Tractor Supply (14700 Silverdale) Hope to see you tomorrow!

Happy Saturday! Dave's open 11am-4pm at 13478 Minnieville. Dave has a huge menu of deliciousness (and everything's made just for you when you order it). Today's special: It's Sausage Saturday! Order an Italian sausage or half smoke with your choice of a dozen toppings and get a free drink!

If anyone knows a very reasonably priced, trustworthy, and reliable dog walker in Stafford/Fredericksburg, we're in desperate need of one. Our mom is in an assisted living place near the Lowes on Route 17 (Warrenton Road--mailing address is Fredericksburg, but it's actually in Stafford County). The amazing dog walker she's had since last September for her little super sweet dog Lola is not going to be able to continue after May 29.

Mom, at 90, is too mobility challenged to handle it on her own. The assisted living place she is in is good but very expensive, so our budget for dog walking isn't big but we're doing everything we can to keep Lola with mom. Mom got Lola right before COVID hit, and Lola has been her constant companion ever since. We think having her keeps mom's spirits up as well.

We have to find someone new by May 29.

We're looking for two quick walks a day (one in the morning; one in the evening--as close to 12 hours apart as possible). Lola is a quick pee-er/pooper and then is eager to get back to her favorite person in the world (Mom). It's not really a walk--Lola is usually done with her business in less than two minutes.

Please send us a message if you know anyone!