StayLocal presents Shopkeeper Stories: Dat Dog: Serving Hot Dogs, the New Orleans Community, and Tons of Fun

Something just pulls you into Dat Dog. Maybe it’s the bright colors and catchy signs, or the delicious food and craft beers, or the cheery staff and welcoming atmosphere. There is no mistaking that this local business captures, in its essence, all that is great about New Orleans.

Locally owned businesses infuse New Orleans neighborhoods with their unique character, and are a big part of why we want to live, work, eat and shop here. The Shopkeeper Stories series shares the vision and personality of New Orleans business owners.

Name: Bill DiPaola
Store: Dat Dog
Since: 2011

Kristine Froeba: Easter Weekend can only mean crawfish: Springtime in New Orleans

Good Friday and Easter Sunday for some may involve church, bonnets, and chocolate bunnies, but in Louisiana it also usually includes a good old-fashioned Crawfish Boil.

Hams and pork loins will be studded, glazed, and stuffed, awaiting Uptown ovens. Bundt cakes baked, brownies cut, and eggs dyed. Someone’s great-aunt will lobby to bring the macaroni and cheese, while another tries to control the dinner menu (this is why they invented wine).