An East Carolina University favorite, Sup Dogs, plans to share its secret sauce and hot dogs with Franklin Street next year.
In early 2014, the Greenville-based business plans to open a Chapel Hill location — the restaurant will take the space formerly occupied by Pepper’s Pizza. It offers a menu of 23 exotic Sup Dogs, 15 specialty Sup Burgers and a full bar stocked with draft and bottled beer, liquor and Sup Dogs’ signature drinks.
“I think we have a formula for success, and we are hoping to bring some of that magic to UNC,” owner Bret Oliverio said. “I think we offer a high-energy dining experience that is unlike any other in Chapel Hill.”
Sup Dogs is currently only located on ECU’s campus, and it is popular with the Pirates, Oliverio said.
The restaurant’s leaders are looking forward to sharing its popularity with Chapel Hill.
“We have always been a hit with the college students, but we take pride in serving innovative food and drinks to families and young professionals,” Oliverio said. “We are a full-service restaurant and bar open for lunch, dinner and late night.”
By opening a Franklin Street location, Bret Oliverio said he and his family are trying to honor his brother, Derek Oliverio, who started Sup Dogs in 2008. After Derek Oliverio’s death in a house fire two years ago, Bret Oliverio said he and his family are dedicated to making his brother’s dream of growing the Sup Dogs business come true.
ECU sophomore Haleigh Aguilar said she advises UNC students to try the Sup Dog sauce — a secret recipe that is a great accent on all of the restaurant’s entrees. She said Sup Dog sauce is the most exciting thing from the restaurant.
“It’s a mystery of what’s in it — but we just dip our fries in it and put it on the hot dog, and it’s amazing,” she said.
