Offered by: Mark and Kim Lucas
In The Doghouse In The Doghouse, a local family owned and operated hot dog restaurant, started by Brighton locals Kim and Mark Lucas, has operated as a food truck throughout Brighton and the greater Metro Denver area for the past two years. The restaurant move has been a long time family dream.
“A store has always been the goal,” Kim Lucas said, “We first wanted to start slow and build up a base of support and a following of loyal fans.”
The name of the restaurant is in honor of Kim’s late brother who lost his life in a motorcycle accident, using the expression that he was often known by, being “in the doghouse.”
The Lucases are passionate about their signature product, Casper hot dogs, whose been serving families in the bay area for 85 years, which they have shipped in directly from California. Casper hot dogs are footlong dogs made with no preservatives. They have a natural casing and are steamed for that famous “snap” of a great hot dog.
Now, the Lucases are hoping the move into a restaurant space is a precursor to expanding the popularity of the Casper dog to Brighton residents and beyond.
In addition to a selection of various regular dogs, the restaurant will feature, Polish, Italian sausage, brats, chili cheese, Chicago dogs and be the official home of the Colorado dog. The restaurant will also serve floats, ice cream, milkshakes and a secret menu, with items such as the Christmas Dog (half-and-half green and red chili) and the Jake Dog (a chili cheese dog topped with a Frito Pie), named for one of Kim’s two sons. The couple, who both have children from previous marriages, have eight children between the two and their first grandson. On any day you can find one or more of their children working alongside them.
The restaurant’s interior features wooden tables and chairs, black-and-white pictures of old hot dog stands from the 30s and 40s, and “country chic” accessories. It’s a look some customers at the opening described as “homey”. The Lucases are hoping to make Brighton that – and more – for years to come.
