DEARBORN— Hot dogs have always been around at barbeques, parties and sporting events in the area, but not like this.

The Dog House Halal, a new hot dog stand which opened a week before Ramadan, has the city buzzing. 

Owner Salah Sarhan has watched his idea grow into reality. 

“I started a hot dog stand because I feel that it is different; it’s not just a typical restaurant that serves sandwiches,” said Sarhan, who is also an employee at Chase bank. He combined his love for hot dogs and customer service to open the Dog House Halal.

“I have always had a passion for serving good quality food to customers,” he said. “The hot dog stand gave me an opportunity to service my customers directly.”

The process of establishing his business wasn’t as easy as it might seem, because Sarhan had to acquire a permit, which took two years, before he could open the stand. 

Next, he had to decide where to establish his hot dog stand. It’s currently located on the corner of Warren Ave. and Theisen Street. 

“I chose this location because it is spacious; it allows easy access for customer parking,” he said. “I also believe that Warren is the heart of Dearborn and the main street for halal and Arabic food.”

Like several other businesses, including restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops and lounges, the Dog House Halal is open late during Ramadan.

Sarhan wanted to create a new atmosphere for customers, unlike any other in the city. 

“I also appreciate seeing their comfort with standing in the parking lot enjoying their hot dog,” he said. “They realize that it’s really different compared to dining in a restaurant.”

People have been coming out in large numbers during the late hours of the night for suhoor, just for a taste of the hot dogs. The stand is open from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. during Ramadan.

This menu offers more than your typical ketchup and mustard-topped hot dogs. There is a large variety, from the Chili Dog, the Doritos™ Dog and the Original Dog, served daily. The Bacon Wrapped hot dog and Burger Dog are some of the weekly specials. 

Customers are also welcomed to customize their hot dogs to their liking. 

“My favorite moment of owning a hot dog stand is the customer’s first impression after taking their first bite,” Sarhan said. 

Sarhan’s inspiration to open the cart stems from his younger days. “Hot dogs have always been a favorite of mine since childhood,” he said. “They’re delicious, easy to make and give an opportunity for variety.”

Sarhan admits he didn’t see his success coming, but said it was something he’d hoped for. 

“This is such a blessing from God,” he said. “I did my part and I left the rest to Allah.”

Unlike other businesses that will return to regular business hours after Ramadan, the Dog House Halal will stay open late. The stand will be open Monday through Thursday from 12 p.m.-12 a.m., Friday and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Sundays from 6 p.m.-12 a.m.

For more information, you can follow the Dog House Halal stand on Instagram at @thedoghousehalal.