Maddogs Grill makes an art of hot dogs

Published 4:22 pm Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Ever since Maddogs Grill opened its doors in November 2016, it has been on a mission to provide the people of Clanton with a hot dogs and hamburgers to satisfy the taste buds of just about anybody.

Bo and Cynthia Maddox are the owners of the establishment, which is truly a family-run business with their sons helping out in the kitchen any chance that they get.

According to Cynthia Maddox, the name “Maddogs” has a special meaning, as it was the nickname of her late father-in-law who was the manager at Food World in Prattville for many years.

“Everybody knew him by that name,” Maddox said.

Hot dogs are Maddox’s specialty and something she is very familiar with after her parents owned and operated Deb’s Hot Dog stand in Bessemer for the past 25 years before retiring.

Maddogs Grill is the third restaurant that Maddox has owned and was something that had been on her mind for quite some time. All three were in Chilton County.

A large menu board hangs on the wall and welcomes customers as they enter.

“We’ve extended it out from just making regular hot dogs,” Maddox said. “The things that we sell here are what I’ve picked up along the way and are some of my favorites.”

Some of the specialty selections that are offered include chili cheese, slaw and Maddog sauce.

According to Maddox, all three are 25-year recipes that were handed down by her parents.

“I’m just one of those who cooks by feel,” Maddox said. “It’s just a passion of mine.”

The most popular item is the “Maddog” which is a loaded hot dog with just about everything you can think of. The “Baddog” contains deep-fried bacon with sautéed onions and cheese.

“That one [Baddog] lives up to its name,” Maddox said. “We sell a lot of those.”

The goal in the near future is the addition of ice cream, which Maddox hopes will add yet another option for customers to choose from.

The restaurant is located at 202 7th St. S. in Clanton in the Associated Foods Shopping Center.

“I’ve had my eye on this spot for probably the last 10 years,” Maddox said. “I really like the spot because it is downtown and I wanted to keep those lunch crowd hours.”

The hours are 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. It is closed on Sunday.

“Every day it seems like we get busier and have added customers,” Maddox said.

Patio furniture was recently added to the sidewalk in front of the restaurant to give customers an outlet during the spring and summer months.

“Everything here is cooked to order, so nothing is sitting around under a hot light,” Maddox said. “If you order it we will grill it. We just try to make better quality food