STORY AND PHOTOS BY LOREN SPANGLER
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A phrase that boasts, “All Dogs are Paper Trained” is listed on every menu at Weiner Haven, but this is not an item you can order. It is an added service they provide and when you ask, the answer will please you. The rest of the menu is guaranteed to please as well.

After almost a year of extensive remodeling and repair from last summer’s destructive storms, Wiener Haven owners, Eric, Mike & Jana Easterling, opened their doors for business on August 12, 2005. “This is our first restaurant operation,” Janna says with an enthusiastic smile. “I had no idea how much work was required in operating a business like this. With extensive food preparation before we open in the morning, and cleaning up at night after we close...it makes for a very long day. Even so, it has been exciting, challenging, and a lot of fun.” When asked whose idea this was, she replied. “It was Mike’s idea. He always wanted to own a hot dog and ice cream restaurant, and when this space became available we decided to take a chance,” she said with pride. “We are looking forward for him to schedule our ribbon-cutting ceremony that will dedicate our official opening. As downtown Winter Haven’s only hot dog and ice cream establishment, we plan on making it a special event.”

As you enter, the décor is friendly and charming. With old-world brick, a splash of happy colors, and the aroma of cooking hot dogs, your appetite soars. But the mood that exists inside Weiner Haven is not by accident. Before becoming manager, cook, and owner, Eric worked in the restaurant business in Tampa for ten years. It is obvious his management training and years of experience have prepared him well. He also is credited with their creative name and personally designed the restaurant’s logo.

After your order is served, you can dine at one of the circular tables, use the stand-up bar that faces the street, or take your order with you in a lockable, sturdy container. If you enjoy a variety of 100% all beef, hot-dogs Weiner Haven aims to please. From $1.50 to $2.75, you have a choice of an Oscar Mayer Kraut, Chili, or Cheese Dog, Dull Dog (plain), Puppy Dog, (small appetites), Sea Dog, (hot tuna), Dog Gone, (no weiner) or a Banana Dog (with peanut butter).

If you are a connoisseur, a Chicago Dog ($3.25) features a Vienna weiner with neon-green relish, tomato, pickle and sport pepper with celery salt, on a poppy seed bun. These hot dogs may also be ordered with chili, cheese, kraut, and slaw. If you are really hungry, Eric will serve any of these creations with a Vienna quarter-pounder hot dog ($3.75). In their tradition of making sure their customers “have it their way,” Weiner Haven will substitute their all-beef dogs for a veggie or turkey dog at your request. Hot Chili by the cup ($1.00) or bowl ($l.50) are also served. You may also order Nachos with chili & cheese, ($2.50) or the “Nachos Weiner Haven,” with chili, cheese, tomatoes, slasa and jalapenos ($3.00). Be sure and ask about the Double Dog Special (two Oscar Mayer Dogs with chili, cheese, kraut, or slaw with a medium drink for $6.50).

A variety of twelve, Working Cow Ice Cream containers beckon to you from the glass counter near the door. Their specialties are Shakes-Malts-Splits and Sundays. These hand-dipped delights can also be ordered by the scoop ($2.00-$5.00) or Waffle cones ($.50). They come with Chocolate Dip, Nuts, and Sprinkles. Weiner Haven is the ultimate location for “Hot Dogs & Cool Cones.” That says it all.

Their hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 11 AM to 7 PM. For take-out orders, they can be reached at 863-297-DOGS. They are located at 326 West Central Avenue, Winter Haven, Florida...downtown and near the park.

Eric Easterling ready to serve you (left) Weiner Haven located in downtown Winter Haven (right)