BUCYRUS – Hot Diggity Dog.  A new restaurant is coming to town.

Spazz Dog, a restaurant specializing in gourmet hotdogs and hamburgers, is set to open in mid-May in the Whetstone Plaza, 1301 E. Mansfield St.  Owner David Russell calls it a classic American grill with homecooked favorites.

“I wanted to see what the brick-and-mortar thing would be like,” Russell said of his newest business venture.  “When it came up about leasing the building, it was just a really great fit for us, and we thought, why not, let’s just give this thing a try.”

Spazz Dog’s menu features everything from the Chicago dog to the signature Spazz Dog – a whopping half-pound hotdog on a 12-inch hoagie roll topped with “pretty much everything in the kitchen” – chili, cheese, onions, peppers, coleslaw, mustard, and a special sauce.

The eatery will also offer subs, salads, wraps, chicken sandwiches, and sides, including hand-cut fries and Wisconsin cheese curds, for dine-in or carry-out, he said.  During the summer, he said, Spazz Dog plans to sell soft-serve ice cream cones for a dollar.

Since leasing the 2,000-square-foot building in early March, Russell said he has added bar seating along the perimeter and spruced up the interior with fresh paint and new digital menu boards.  He also hopes to make outdoor dining an option in the near future.

Russell, who has a silent business partner, said he has traveled to all 50 states in order to incorporate his favorite recipes from restaurants nationwide into the menu for Spazz Dog.  He also runs concession stands, while his partner has a background in catering.

Russell said local food vendors are being used as much as possible for Spazz Dog, and that the business plans to become involved in Bucyrus – and support community events.  “We’re all in,” he said.  “We’re just really proud to become a part of this community.”

And down the road?  Russell already has his eyes on expansion.  “This is basically our first concept store,” the Ontario resident said.  “We’re really looking for this to branch out into other locations too.”

Restaurant hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Catering is also available, with more information on their website at spazzdog.com