{image1}The fast food market tends to be dominated by the ever-present onslaught of burgers. Fortunately, there are those with a different vision, like Jeff Weyker who recently opened Mad Dogs in Brookfield.
Mad Dogs, 19035 W. Capitol Drive, is a new joint with enormous potential. Potential meaning that you can get a 100 percent certified Black Angus Beef hot dog with the works, or a cheeseburger -- yes, even HE does burgers -- with all the fixings for under $5. Not to mention that everything from the grill comes with fries.
"We'll do anything for somebody if we have it here," says Weyker. "Whatever the customer wants, if it's within our means we'll get it done. We figure if it keeps people coming back, then why not. People like to have things their way."
The interior is similar to a neighborhood diner. It's spacious and has several tables as well as a bar. At both ends of the main room there are televisions so you won't miss the game if you end up sitting at a table in a corner.
"I like to be able to see from one side of the room to the other," says Weyker. "I like the waves and the curves, they sort of make you feel comfortable. I think we succeeded in the design, it's comfy and it always looks clean."
Mad Dogs has only been open since February but Weyker moves fast. He has already offered patrons high-speed Internet access and is scheduling local bands to add a little flavor. Mad Dogs is also in the final stages of receiving its liquor license.
{image2}Do not let the name Mad Dogs fool you. It has nothing to do with hot dogs. Weyker's dog Madison is fondly referred to as Mad Dog. Covering the walls are framed photographs of many of Weyker's nieces' and nephews' dogs, too.
Beyond the hot dogs, burgers and brats, Mad Dogs' options also include hot ham 'n cheese, chicken tenders, fried bologna (hot bologna with fried onions, an old Polish favorite), club sandwiches, hot wings, mozzarella sticks and even gyros. There is a daily special as well as Friday fish fries.
"When figuring the daily special we sit down before the day starts," Weyker says. "We try to be creative with it, we try to give the customers something they'll really want."
Before Weyker dove headfirst into the restaurant industry he was a franchise corporate operations advisor.
"I flew around the country telling people how to open up new businesses," says Weyker. "I guess it was time to see if I knew what I was talking about. I like the service industry, if you take care of people, they'll keep coming back."
Mad Dogs is a unique, family owned and operated restaurant and, Weyker says, he's been welcomed in Brookfield.
"Everyone in Brookfield has been very helpful," says Weyker. "People like the Chamber of Commerce are doing everything they can to promote new business and to add to its potential success."
Weyker already has expansion plans on the drawing board.
"Five in five years, just like Noodles & Company," said Weyker. "I want to be here for about a quarter then maybe set up a shop downtown, in the Third Ward, Mequon or maybe Madison."
Mad Dogs is eat-in or carryout. Phone and fax orders are accepted. The phone number is (262) 754-2696 and the fax number is (262) 754-2699. The Mad Dogs Web site is eatmaddogs.com.
