Mad Dogs Hot Dogs | Our Story

A little stand with big ambitions

Maria and Mitch Smielowitz opened Mad Dogs Hot Dogs on Tamiami Trail in March 2010 with a simple idea: make the humble hot dog genuinely extraordinary. Fifteen years later, they're still at it — and Florida has noticed.

How it started

Maria and Mitch opened a neighborhood spot where everyone's treated like family. From day one on Tamiami Trail, the mission was simple: exceptional food, outstanding service, top-notch quality.

The menu that grew a passport

A love of gourmet dogs grew into a globe-trotting menu — dozens of varieties inspired by New York, Chicago, Canada, Europe, and beyond. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options always available.

Florida takes notice

Voted top 10 in Florida for both hot dogs and chili — earned through fifteen years of doing things right every single day. Sarasota Magazine named us among the area's best.

The patio, the dogs, the community

Right next to Woodmere Dog Park, the patio is pet-friendly by design. Pull through the drive-up, settle into covered outdoor seating, and stay a while.