Gus&8217;s Hot Dog is not a strange name in the Birmingham area. For year&8217;s people have visited the restaurant in downtown Birmingham. Sam Sciara, a former employee of Gus&8217;, said he brought a version of the restaurant to Helena just six years ago but plans now to turn it over to his son.

&8220;We&8217;re not going anywhere,&8221; Sciara said. &8220;But I&8217;m ready to get out of the restaurant business and retire in a few years.&8221;

Sciara&8217;s son, Frank, said he knows the industry has its ups and downs but he hopes to increase business at this piece of Americana.

ATMOSPHERE

The atmosphere lends itself to the busy aspect of most people&8217;s lives. The d/cor doesn&8217;t mess around or try to be anything its not. Gus&8217; Hot Dog is a place to get a dog or a burger and either chat on your lunch break or get on your way, amongst a laundry list of things to do. The store offers a drive-thru for those in a real hurry.

MENU

While the d/cor is no nonsense, the menu may surprise and tempt you. Beyond the most popular, hot dog all-the-way, there is also the cheesy chicken sandwich made like a philly steak sandwich but with chicken instead of the typical beef. And for those who aren&8217;t in a chilly dog mood there is a chicken salad sandwich. There is also a breakfast menu for early birds.

SERVICE

The service is fast and friendly. Sam and Frank try to make sure everyone gets their food in a timely manner. The family owned and operated atmosphere makes for a good working team.

FIND IT

4685 Highway 17

Helena, Ala.

(205) 620-5060

Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m