The restaurant across from the courthouse, which most recently held Randall’s Rt. 66 Cafe, is getting another tenant as soon as Saturday, December 14th. This time, it’ll be a hot dog and chili joint, owned and operated by Tyler and Angie Goins, who have been trying to secure a business for the space since August, when Randall’s closed.
The name of the store, combined with the fact it’s a hot dog restaurant, is inviting all sorts of tongue-in-cheek commentary, but the Tyler Goins says the name isn’t as crude as it comes across. “We’re basing it on Dick’s 5 & 10 in Branson,” he told Sapulpa Times on Wednesday morning.
Dick’s 5 & 10 began more than half a century ago and has been a cornerstone of Downtown Branson and shopping in Southwest Missouri ever since. The store harkens back to the days where “5 & 10 stores”—that is, stores where everything was 5 or 10 cents each—were a lot more common. Tyler says that though the store in Branson doesn’t do hot dogs, they’re looking to mimic the qualities that make it a downtown shopping destination. They say the store will feature unique and nostalgic gifts for both locals and those traveling the Mother Road.
Though the official grand opening isn’t until January, the Goins are opening up their restaurant on Saturday for the crowd that will be gathering at Jingle Bells during the early afternoon. Angie says their menu will include Homemade Chili, Beef Hot Dogs, and Frito-Chili-Pies. Chips, canned sodas, coffee, and hot chocolate will also be available.
The space at 219 E. Dewey Ave has come under scrutiny after the Goins were trying to obtain a Special Use Permit in order to put a medical marijuana processing facility in the space. The request was met with criticism from members of the City Council, as well as other downtown retailers, many of whom said it should be used for retail. The move to put a hot dog restaurant in the space could be seen as an attempt to win the hearts and minds of their downtown neighbors, who might come around on the idea of a downtown processing facility. The Goins say they’ve already secured another location for that operation, and that this one is just a chance to add “something different” to downtown.
Dick’s on 66 will open Saturday at 10:30 am on Saturday and remain open until 8:00 pm if possible. They plan to close for the holidays and re-open in mid-January.
