Back in 1984, when Glenn and Vivian Robins rolled out the first Barkers Red Hots vending cart in Woodruff Park, food trucks and chef-driven hamburger joints weren’t so much as a glimmer on the Atlanta dining scene.
Since 2007, the couple have been serving their charcoal-grilled-to-order hot dogs to the vending cart faithful at the fast casual Barkers Red Hots restaurant in Marietta. And in June, they opened a second location in Roswell.
The look: The spacious corner storefront is in the Roswell Crossing Shopping Center at the intersection of Crossville Road and King Road. Inside, the Barkers retro boardwalk theme is evident in the bright colors, a fun house mirror and the sights and sounds of a day at the beach.
The scene: Part of the entertainment at Barkers is queuing up at the order counter, where you can watch as your dog is poked and rolled around on the grill, then choose from a variety of condiments and extras. One recent afternoon, the line included several families with gleeful kids, who might as well have been racing around an amusement park.
The menu: Barkers Roswell offers several new menu items, including beef, turkey and veggie burgers ($3.85-$5.99), hand-spun shakes ($3.50-$5.25), fresh fruit smoothies ($3.65-$5.35) and sweet potato fries with maple glaze ($3.59). But signature items still include the "original" Red Hot ($3.19), a Sahlen brand pork and beef dog with hot sauce, chopped onions and a dill pickle spear, the classic Buffalo-style beef on weck sandwich ($7.49), and sweet onion rings ($3.25).
The drinks: Regulars like to wash it all down with a cold Crystal Beach Loganberry drink ($2.45). But there's also fresh-squeezed lemonade, iced tea and soft drinks. And look for beer and wine soon.
The extras: Barkers offers catering with custom menus. Or pick up everything from lump charcoal, hot dogs and sausages to sides and condiments at the on-site Grab 'n Grill shop.
Dining out
Barkers Red Hots in Roswell
11 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays.
Hot dogs, $1.79-$4.19; burgers, sandwiches and sausages, $3.85-$7.49; salads, $5.49-$11.99; sides, $1-$2.79.
725 W. Crossville Road, Roswell, 770-643-1833, barkersredhots.com
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