Hot dog! Eatery opens in Ripon

Nothing says summer like a hot dog and a milkshake.

The new Dig a Dog hopes to bring that summertime fun and freshness to Ripon all year long. The restaurant serves a selection of one-of-a-kind and regional hot dog favorites, homemade milkshakes and more.

Dig a Dog openedJune 11 and will mark its grand opening with a public celebration Saturday to coincide with National Hot Dog Day. The restaurant, in the former site of Wallie's Diner, is owned by husband-and-wife team David and Stefaine Thomason.

The couple have more than 13 years of experience in restaurants. Stefaine Thomason's family formerly ran Wallie's. David Thomason said they looked at Ripon's food offerings and saw an opening for a restaurant like theirs.

"There were no hot dog places around here," he said. "I'm a big food fan myself in general. We take pride in fresh ingredients and top-of-the-line products. There's no cutting corners."

Dig a Dog has original hot dog creations, including the Sweet Fire Dog, Guac a Dog and Hot Shot. It also serves regional and specialty dogs like the Chicago, New York, nacho and pastrami dogs.

Besides hot dogs, the restaurant makes shakes, smoothies and energy drinks. The Thomasons plan to serve beer and wine once they complete the licensing process.

At the grand opening Saturday there will be live music, prize raffles, food specials and local business displays.

Dig a Dog,229 W. Main St., has indoor seating for 28 and additional seating on a patio. It is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays. For more, call (209) 249-0430.

Elsewhere around the Business Beat:

Knucklehead's Grill has new management and a new menu.

New owners Carole and Rick Thiel and their daughter Julie Thiel Styles are now running the eatery, adjacent to Modesto Harley-Davidson at 500 N. Carpenter Road.

The Thiels were the original owners of the long-standing Sandwich Shop on Kansas Avenue.

They took over Knucklehead's from Art Mitchell, who owns Modesto Harley-Davidson and opened the restaurant in 2009 in the site of the former Legends Cafe.

The new menu includes a selection of specialty burgers, sandwiches, salads and soups. The restaurant has a full bar and does banquets and catering.

"Everything is homemade, nothing is from a can," Carole Thiel said.

Knucklehead's Grill will hold a grand opening Tuesday. The owners' son, NHRA Nitro Funny Car racer Brian Thiel, will make a special appearance in one of his cars. The event, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., will include live music, free hot dogs and drink specials.

Knucklehead's is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. For more information, visit http://knuckleheadsgrill.com or call (209) 575-1545.

Job seekers are invited to a Modesto HIREvent from noon to 4 p.m. next Tuesday at Modesto Centre Plaza.

Private and public-sector employers in fields ranging from agribusiness, education and insurance to management, public safety, sales and more will be on hand. Free résumé training will be offered as well. Presentations will be given on unemployment insurance changes, job searching online and interviewing. For more, visit http://JobJournal.com or call (209) 843-5627.

Have an item for Business Beat? Contact Marijke Rowland at The Modesto Bee, P.O. Box 5256, Modesto 95352; (209) 578-2284 or mrowland@modbee.com.