Grumpy's Offers Dogs with a Side of Donuts

Who hasn’t wanted hot dogs with a side donuts?

Now customers can find both at a new hot dog and donut shop that opened in Heidelberg last week.

Keith McAllister for years has worked as a Port Authority bus driver, but wanted to try something different and open a food shop. With help from family and some friends, the 42-year-old Brentwood resident opened Grumpy’s Hot Dogs & Fries on Route 50 next to .

His unique concoctions and flavors placed on his breakfast and lunch food is bringing happy customers back for more.

“It’s a donut. How can you go wrong with any combination you put on it?” McAllister said. “It’s fun to see the kids come in and their eyes light up. What’s this?”

Among his favorites include the Macon that has maple syrup icing with bacon on top and the Chocolate Cake donut that boasts vanilla frosting with fruity pebbles sprinkled on.

“It’s all these different flavors and it’s interesting,” he said.

His days start early as he and other workers prepare the donuts before the 5 a.m. opening. As breakfast passes, they start selling more hot dogs and french fries. Customers can order a regular hot dog, the Monster dog or one with natural casing.

The original Creek Dog, named for the Chartiers Creek that flows behind the shop, has pepper rings, onions and is topped with gravy and bacon. The Zombie dog is wrapped in bacon and deep fried with pepper jack cheese, peppers, onions and a choice of sauce.

McAllister said their unique flavors and the prime spot along a major roadway have helped the shop quickly gather new customers. And of course, that doesn’t even mention the gravy fries that some compare to Kennywood’s Potato Patch.

“A lot of people have come in and are really excited about having a doughnut shop in town locally,” he said. “Then they’re excited that there are hot dogs here, too. It’s been a good response so far. Everyone seems pleased and happy. It’s been much better than I expected.”

The store is located in the former Benno’s building and is open from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.