Brewz |n| Dawgz: Changing the World one Link at a Time

Forget everything you know about hot dogs and sausages.

Mind clear? Now read this.

Roger Lim and his wife, Samantha DiTusa, moved to St. Augustine with the thought of one day opening a beer bar in some form or another. After spending some time in the nation’s oldest city, they realized there was a lack of places for Generation Xers to hang out with friends, enjoy a myriad of beverages and eat good food that wasn’t the standard processed fare.

Roger developed the concept of offering a menu featuring a staple of American cuisine: the hot dog. Samantha then added a huge spin to the menu featuring this national favorite by taking an all-organic, locally-sourced, no-additives, no-processing, no-JUNK approach. And so, Brewz |n| Dawgz was born.

They knew it was risky to introduce something so misunderstood by the general public, but they gambled to bring their vision to like-minded individuals who were looking for better options than all the processed foods found in many eateries. Their challenge was not only launching the new concept but educating the general public about the importance of making better choices in their diets.

Over the last five years (happy birthday in July!), Brewz |n| Dawgz has been changing the reputation of the “dawg” one link at a time. Their creative menu is not only “no-guilt”, it’s down-right healthy and gourmet. They have provided a healthier choice for American comfort food that most people would never think of as having “better” options. While you can always Build Your Own Dawg, you should really try some of their specialty items like the Cuban Dawg, Mac Daddy Dawg, Reuben Dawg, Spicy Sunday Fil-ay and so many more.

But Brewz |n| Dawgz represents much more than a really cool hang-out to enjoy good food, good times and a few bevvies. A whole other component of their vision was to create a bar and restaurant that was environmentally conscious and gave back to the community. For them it was imperative to operate in this manner even if this incurred additional expenses.

As part of their green approach, Brewz |n| Dawgz keeps their environmental impact to a minimum by using recyclable to-go products and supplies. They also pay extra so that they can have a full recycling program.

The Veteran-owned business takes pride in giving back to the community with a 15 percent food discount for police, fire and military personnel in uniform. Their “Dawgz for Dogs” charity benefit local pet rescues. They also support locals in need of fundraising, such as individuals fighting cancer and those facing tragic life events. In addition, Brewz |n| Dawgz helps raise money for Joy Moja, an organization that raises funds for education in Tanzania.

But Roger and Samantha say they couldn’t have brought this vision to life without their incredible staff. Those who work at B|n|D are truly family and care about the image and success of the establishment as much as Roger and Samantha do.

Brewz |n| Dawgz’ enthusiastic regulars – some of whom have been coming since day one – have contributed to the success as well. It’s easy to see why the regulars get hooked. More than 20 different specialty dawgz (plus saladz and sidez) comprise the menu, accompanied by a selection of 24 Florida craft beers on draft, craft sodas, local Kombucha, organic juices and 99 bottled beers. Plus, hanging out at Brewz |n| Dawgz is just plain fun. Trivia, bingo, themed events… there’s always something happening.

So, next time you’re wondering where to grab a bite, stop by Brewz |n| Dawgz (located in the shopping center behind Barnes and Noble) and become part of the movement that’s changing the world one link at a time.