Hot dog chain Devil Dawgs is trading in DePaul University’s scarlet and blue for Northwestern University’s purple and white as it looks to open shop in Evanston.
Devil Dawg’s owner Jeff Carlin said Northwestern’s student population served as a key factor in choosing the chain’s first location outside Chicago, which is slated to open this October.
“We’ve never been by such a robust institution like Northwestern,” Carlin said. “Plus we’re near a downtown area so a combination of those factors was a positive.”
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Carlin said students have remained the restaurant’s target demographic since opening its now-closed DePaul location in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood roughly 13 years ago. The owner says the move comes as he grows weary of Chicago’s crime and wants to explore other options.
“We used to be open until three in the morning but a combination of COVID-19 and the increase in crime has forced us to close at 10 or 11 p.m.,” Carlin told Pioneer Press. “I’m a suburban guy so I’ve always wanted to look for a suburban location.”
Chicago has seen 11,314 instances of theft so far in 2023 when 2022 saw 10,007 reported incidents, according to Chicago Police Department statistics. Robbery is reported at 5,220 incidents in 2023 with 2022 having 4,482 reported instances. The only crime category not exceeding the number of 2022 instances is murder with 343 reported murders in 2023 versus 369 reported murders in 2022.
The new Evanston location will be at 921 Church Street, according to Illinois Secretary of State records. This location will have a side party room, 65 indoor dining seats and 35 outdoor dining seats, Carlin said. He said the location will hire roughly 10 to 15 staff members to cover two shifts a day during both weekdays and weekends.
Carlin said the new location will have the same menu as its Chicago locations and hinted that a new menu item will join its roster paying tribute to Northwestern. Devil Dawgs previously did that with the “Blue Demons Dawg” to honor its DePaul upbringing.
Devil Dawgs serves 14 different hot dogs ranging from its “Taco Dog” to “Dah Big Chicago Dog,” according to its menu. The hot dog chain also serves burgers and chicken.
Carlin said he enjoys “The Elvis Slider,” which pays tribute to Elvis Presley, with cheese, peanut butter, bacon and “inferno sauce.” He also recommends the chicken sandwich, which he thinks is unique considering Devil Dawgs is a hot dog establishment.
Burger options range in price from $4.25 to $9, chicken options range from $8.95 to $18.95 and hot dogs range from $4.90 to $8.50, according to Devil Dawg’s online menu. Restaurant goers can slurp up a shake for $7.90 with flavors like chocolate marshmallow, espresso and peanut butter banana.
Vegetarians can enjoy a “Vegan Dog” for $6 or a “Very Veggie Burger” for $7.75. Fries also come in a bag for $3.95 or a bucket for $6.50.
Devil Dawgs currently has locations in Chicago’s Gold Coast, Lakeview, South Loop and Wicker Park neighborhoods. Carlin said he was deciding between Evanston and Northbrook for the chain’s first location outside Chicago.
When Devil Dawgs closed its Lincoln Park location on Dec. 14, 2020, due to its lease and COVID-19, a company spokesperson told the baiduhai in an email. The email also said the chain was looking to open a new Lincoln Park location but it never came to fruition.
Corey Schmidt is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.