Hot Dog! Woodbine Eatery Opens

Hot dawg! 

Just in time for summer, Northport welcomed its newest eatery on Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony outside Kasper’s Hot Dogs.

Located on the corner of Woodbine and Scudder avenues in Northport Village, owner Marc Soojian brings an affordable food option to the waterfront with a rich family history. His great grandfather opened the first Kasper’s in Oakland, Calif., in 1929.

Soojian, 33, grew up in Dix Hills and currently lives in Kings Park with his wife, Amy, and infant son, Andrew. But he spent time behind the counter of the original Kasper’s and those memories never escaped him.

“I always wanted to do this,” Soojian said. “I kept with the tradition and the same style. I wanted to do this since I was 7.”

Despite a day job as an anesthesiologist at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, Soojian plans to be in Northport four days a week. Tom O’Connor is the manager.

The opening was a year in the making – and backed by decades of proven success. Soojian signed a 10-year lease at 40 Woodbine, banking on the allure of an All-American staple and cheap price point. An all-beef natural casing hot dog starts at $3.75. See menu options here.

“It’s a great idea,” Northporter Kim Harrelson said. “Everyone loves a hot dog, especially in the summer.”

“Delicious!” Kristen Vassallo said. “Actually my son tried a hot dog for the first time. And he enjoyed it. He couldn’t get enough.”

Vassallo, of Smithtown, sat inside with a stroller parked next to her. Dylan, 15 months, grinned after his gastronomic first. He had the look of a repeat customer.

“I love Northport Village,” Soojian said. “I felt this area doesn’t have that many options where you can get a quick bite to eat. And not many places where you can get a cheap meal with family – young kids.”

Kasper’s signature dog features yellow mustard, tomato, onion and relish. Yes, Kasper’s has whole wheat buns and organic chicken sausage too. But Soojian keeps options simple. No dogs with wonky names. Just pick your toppings. It’s a proven formula.

“Our business started during the Great Depression and survived the Great Depression,” Soojian said. “The type of food we’re serving is inexpensive.”

Comfort food has arrived in Northport.