Bravo's TOP CHEF Winner Richard Blais to Open Gourmet Hot Dog Restaurant

Bravo TV reports that TOP CHEF All-Star winner Richard Blais, who already owns a handful of upscale restaurants in the Atlanta area as well as three high-end hamburger joints, will be opening a new hot dog restaurant to be called 'HD1'.

Speaking with Nation's Restuarant News about his new venture, Blais explained, "I didn't want HD1 to be a Flip Burger Boutique but with hot dogs, so it has more of an adult aesthetic, with dark wood and matte finishes. The menu's emphasis is on just good eating — sitting down, going at it, eating at communal tables." 

Blais believes his latest endeavor will prove to be a profitable investment. "There's opportunity to make more profit off of hot dogs, just because of what goes into them." explains the chef. "On the other hand, there's not as much price flexibility. We've found that, even at $4, people are like, 'Wow, that's an expensive hot dog.' People understand better burgers because they've even seen them in fine-dining restaurants, but most people's understanding of the hot dog is from the supermarket or the backyard barbecue."

In addition to 'gourmet' hot dogs, the menu will feature alternative food choices as well. Adds Blais,  "We also make a poutine with pork belly, waffle fries and gravy, and a confit chicken wing of the day."