A specialty hot dog eatery opened Friday, and customers waited in lines that were long enough at times to go out the door to try menu items that included organic uncured turkey dogs and vegan dogs to traditional all-beef and polish sausage dogs.
Freeman's Natural Hotdogs, 106 California Ave., is in the space that formerly housed Claynichols. Customers can pick from 20 different toppings and four types of organic, pesticide-free buns from House of Bread.
"I've never had a hot dog like that before," said Hilary McElroy of Sparks, who had a turkey dog topped with chipolte-lime aoli, cheese, bacon bits and guacamole. "It was different and good. Usually, I drown my hot dogs with ketchup and mustard and this time I didn't need to."
McElroy's husband, Drake McElroy, had a double beef dog with cheese, tomatoes, onions, relish, mustard and pepperoncini.
"It was tasty," Drake McElroy said. "I don't exactly know why. Maybe there's a secret ingredient."
In addition to hot dogs, Freeman's also serves salads, chili, side items and dessert.
It even has an area with toys for children.
"I liked the atmosphere and the fact it's kid-friendly and there's a play area for children," said Reno resident Andrea Hunter, who has a 3-month-old daughter.
Noel Judal, 32, who co-owns the business with husband Jason Freeman, 38, used to own the nearby Satellite nightclub but sold it after their baby was born in 2005.
"I just loved California Avenue, and it was the place I wanted to be," Judal said.
Their interest in healthier food is also personal. In addition to Judal being a survivor of Hodgkin's lymphoma; Freeman has diabetes. They also want the best health for their son.
"I have a 3-year-old, and it's hard to find anywhere I feel comfortable going out and to have our family enjoy a healthy meal that's quick," Judal said.
