When one (restaurant) door closes, another opens

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Steve Reno and Vina Vollmer, the owners of Rock City Dogs in Bay Shore, connected food, drinks, and music at the craft hot dog restaurant since they opened their doors in 2021.

The restaurant served traditional American grub with a twist: nearly every menu item was inspired or named after classic rock-and-roll icons, songs, albums and more.

Stepping into the restaurant felt like stepping behind a curtain; the dark, industrial environment with vibrant Hollywood-style lights invited you backstage. The only time rock-and-roll tracks were not playing throughout the restaurant was when musical performances graced the Rock City Dogs’ stage.

While the rock-and-roll joint rocked 3 E. Main Street for three years, the hot dog joint is now rolling out.

Owners Steve Reno and Vina Vollmer took to the Rock City Dogs Instagram account to thank their loyal patrons and hardworking staff and announce the closing of Rock City Dogs on Monday, Aug. 5.

“It is with a happy heart to announce we have slung our last hot dog at Rock City Dogs. It has been an incredible five-year journey, but it is time to move onto a new chapter in our lives,” the announcement read.

In a rapid turnaround, a new restaurant with an exciting, unique concept is expected to open its doors to the public at 3 E. Main Street at the end of the month.

Roadtrip, an innovative new restaurant, is a tour around the country in one convenient location. The permanent main menu features a variety of signature dishes from regions all over the United States. Among the delicious main menu dishes are jackfruit tacos inspired by Hawaii’s culinary scene, traditional jambalaya straight out of Louisiana, herb-infused lollipop lamb chops celebrating Wyoming, and Gulf Coast romesco mahi.

Additionally, every week, a new special menu inspired by the cuisine of a different state will be offered to patrons.

The fun concept is being brought to Bay Shore by Roadtrip owners Philip Krumpter, Ed Shine, Jessie Roenbeck and Melissa Zelli.

“When we were growing up, my family would always visit different states. The menus seemed so different around the United States. Around here, you see a lot of the same things,” said Krumpter, while explaining the inspiration behind the restaurant. “If you go to New Orleans, you are going to see crawfish, and if you go to Alaska, you are going to see Dungeness crab, and you do not see those things around here much. So, wouldn’t it be fun to go to a restaurant and try cuisine that is authentic from whatever state we highlight that week?”

The owners will be renting the space formerly occupied by Rock City Dogs, having just signed a 15-year lease. While a previous Roadtrip location had been opened in Port Jefferson Station about a decade ago and has since closed, this new Bay Shore location will feature a more elevated menu and experience.

Just like Rock City Dogs, Roadtrip will be taking their theme seriously.

“We only serve American liquor, beer, or wine,” noted Krumpter. “So, if someone wanted a corona, we would point them toward a landshark. And if someone wanted a tequila, we would guide them towards a mezcal.”

The first state to be highlighted will be Oregon, with a special menu inspired by Oregon’s variety of mushrooms, cheese, wine, and more.

Roadtrip will be hosting a friends-and-family night on Aug. 29; an influencer night on Aug. 30; and the grand opening to the public is scheduled for Aug. 31.

Roadtrip is currently hiring for all positions. To apply, visit www.roadtriprestaurant.com.

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Last three photos courtesy of Philip Krumpter