The area’s newest eatery harkens back to the good old days, when a summertime treat included a tasty hotdog, and a frosty root beer topped off with an ice cream treat.
R.E.D.S. Hots, located on Route 14 near Lakemont in the building that previously housed Wixson’s Honey Stand, is owned by Ray and Sandy Spencer and their sons, Everett and Daniel. Hence, the name, for Ray, Everett, Daniel and Sandy.
The restaurant opened June 28 under a sign appropriately proclaiming it “A Finger Lakes Wienery.”
What better location for a fun hotdog stand than on one of the busiest wine trails in the Finger Lakes Region? Just like at other stops along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, customers here can try the unique reds and whites offered by the Spencers.
Ray says the menu includes the classic hotdog, and a variety of other versions, like all beef, turkey, a red “snappy” and even a vegetarian hotdog. For those who prefer the other popular all-American sandwich, there are fresh ground, hand-pressed hamburgers. Add a little cole slaw, macaroni salad, baked beans or fresh cut French fries, and you’re in for a classic meal.
For those who enjoy such delicacies as the regional “garbage plates,” Ray says the family has concocted the wienery’s specialty plate which they call “Dog Food.” A dollop of baked beans with chopped hotdogs is topped with a meat sauce and served in a dog bowl.
The building’s interior has been updated to accomdate 34 diners, but there are hints of the Wixson influence on the menu still.
One of the ingredients in Ray’s baked bean recipe is Wixson honey, and there will always be softserve and scooped ice cream. But those who remember the “Choos A Treat” ice cream machine that delighted anyone ordering a custom made ice cream treat during the Wixson days, will be pleased that the machine is still in use at REDS.
Oh, and that frosty mug of root beer comes from Wagner brewery across Seneca Lake.
Ray and some of the other Spencers will be found most days at the restaurant, along with Shirley Sockwell, who will do prep work in the kitchen and five teens from the Dundee area will help take care of business.
Patrons will also find some local merchandise such as Wixson’s honey, local mustards, relishes and baked goods, along with R.E.D.S. Hots apparel.
R.E.D.S. Hots will be open daily through October from 11 a.m. until about 8 p.m., says Ray, explaining there will be some flexibility in hours as they get used to the traffic flow. Next spring, the doors will open in May.
