The newest dog on the block doesn't sport a leash, rather it is dressed with mustard and relish. The classic Chicago dog is a Vienna beef hot dog with mustard, onion, bright green relish, peppers, a pickle spear, and celery salt. No ketchup. Customers can, of course, change the toppings to suit their taste.

Brothers Bob and Dan Juckniess grew up in Chicago, where the Chicago Dog is a tradition. "Chicago is known for Vienna Beef hot dogs," said Bob. "There are more hot dog stands there than anywhere in the country."

They had the idea to open hot dog stands in other cities. Dan came up with the name, Bob the location. "I moved to Indianapolis about four years ago," said Bob. "We are only four hours south of Chicago, but there are no Vienna Beef hot dog stands in town. We had three hot dog carts that we would take to our Shell stations, and to city events, like the Circle City Classic, the Renaissance Festival, and Black Expo. We even take them to private parties. The carts were such a hit we decided to try a permanent stand. A spot opened up at 86th and Michigan Road and the first Chi-Dogs opened in early August with a bang!" At the Michigan Road location they added hamburgers and the Wunder Bar - A Chicago classic that is a frozen cheesecake on a stick dipped in chocolate.

In late December Bob, who owns many local Shell Stations, opened another Chi-Dogs his 96th and Meridian Shell. "We have plans to open five to ten new Chi-Dogs in the Indianapolis metro area in 2005," said Bob. "We know that individuals transplanted from Chicago and the surrounding area, as well as native Hoosiers, will love and begin to crave our food."

The Broad Ripple restaurant, which opened on December 7th on the north side of Broad Ripple Avenue (formerly Roly Poly), is the first sit-down location. Because of the expanded menu, the name is Chi-Dogs & More. In addition to the Chi-Dogs, Italian beef, Polish sausage, Italian sausage, hamburgers, and wings, the Broad Ripple store has soup, deli sandwiches, panini sandwiches, a baked potato bar, and a salad bar.

As with true Broad Ripple eateries, the hours are expanded as well. The younger crowd can get a Chi-Dog until 4am on the weekends.

Look for Chi-Dogs & More in our Hot Spot column soon, as they have added free wireless internet service. Hot dogs, fries, cokes, and surfing the web high-speed - That is our idea of a great Saturday afternoon! We welcome Chi-Dogs & More to the Village.