It was a short-lived retirement for Rudy and Denise Perrin.
“We moved to the Island last August. So, we had our first winter here recently. I was so bored. I said to Denise we needed to do something,” said Rudy.
So, the pair decided to re-open their old business, Tastee Dawgs, but this time in Borden-Carleton.
The Perrins operated the business in Calgary, Alta., for six-plus years. But eventually they closed the doors and moved to Ontario around 2004 when they began selling home and auto insurance.
In order to revive the business, the Cape Traverse residents wanted a location where they could give back to the community, interact with locals and meet Islanders and tourists alike.
In February, they purchased the former location of the Hand Pie Company and Century 21 in Gateway Village and began renovating the space.
Their first day of operation was May 23.
Denise added, “It’s taken us a bit longer to get everything set up because we want everything to be local: workers, producers and suppliers.
“We’ve got students hired and first-time workers and they’re all great. I’m so excited to get going and get them trained.”
Both are excited to bring a new takeout-only restaurant to the area.
“There’s not a lot of food joints around here. But there are a lot of locals, plant workers, and tourists that come through the area. We’re really looking forward to satisfying their appetites,” said Rudy.
Before moving to the Island, the Perrins had vacationed here. After opening their business, they are seeing a difference between running a business in P.E.I. compared with other provinces.
Denise added, “When we first moved here and our neighbours learned of our plans, they were so supportive. When we came to the location and began working on it, we had neighbours and community members come out and help us. That never would have happened if we were in Alberta or Ontario. But P.E.I. is a different breed. People are really supportive and take pride in helping others.”
On the Menu:
– Jumbo hot dogs
– Chili cheese dogs
– Corn dogs
– Sausages
– Burgers
– Famous Big Rudy, a pork cutlet sandwich
– Chicken tenders
– Chili cheese fries
– Fries
– Poutine
– Chili cheese poutine
– Big Rudy poutine, poutine with pulled pork on top.
