Two Dayton ‘Bros’ open hot dog restaurant in former ConeyLand space

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

Two longtime Daytonian friends are bringing hot dogs back to the former space of the ConeyLand stand in Riverside.

“The Bun Bros LLC ConeyLand” or just “The Bun Bros” will hold its grand opening today, May 28, starting at 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. at 2509 Valley Pike in Riverside. It is a full-service ice cream shop with a lengthy grill menu, including some not-so-average hot dog stand items.

During grand opening day, all food and ice cream treats will be 10% off. “A ton” of free soft serve treats also will be given out.

The Bun Bros’ owners are not affiliated with any of ConeyLand’s previous ownerships, but because they wanted to continue the more than 15-year tradition of that space, they decided to keep ConeyLand in the official name. ConeyLand permanently closed at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The restaurant is a partnership between friends of 25 years, Mike Davis, originally from Beavercreek, and Von Crager, originally from Enon. Davis worked in the sales industry for decades, but served in the Army in the early 1990s and was stationed in South Korea for 2½ years.

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

Davis’ time in the service made him fall in love with Korean food, and because of that affinity, customers will find a rarity for hot dog stand menus, the “Kimchi Dog.” For people new to the traditional Korean side dish, Kimchi could be described as a spicy cousin of sauerkraut.

“We’re both foodies and very serious about providing delicious comfort food and sweet treats,” Davis said. “Last month, I want to say we had probably between 40 and 50 people approach the building to ask if we’re going to open soon and telling us they’re excited, so that’s gotten us really pumped.”

Other items Davis said he hopes customers will find exciting and unique are their two house-made chili dog sauces, a bacon-wrapped dog that’s deep fried then smothered in cheddar and jalapenos, a Greek burger on a brioche bun with tzatziki and feta cheese, an espresso double-shot shake, and a “Red Bull Float.”

Davis and Crager have wanted to own their own business for years, and multiple circumstances during the pandemic made it the right time for them to make the jump.

The Buns Bros will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday;11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday; noon to 9 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. The restaurant will be closed on Mondays. To stay up to date with them, follow their Facebook page at facebook.com/BunBrosConeyLand/.

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