Gourmet Hot Dog Joint Yummies Opens In Scotch Plains

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — Yummies is bringing gourmet fast food to Scotch Plains. The new restaurant recently held a ribbon-cutting at 2581 Route 22 West last Thursday.

"We are one-of-a-kind," said general manager Jay Cortez. "If you came here you would see that we have specialty dogs. One hotdog is a full meal. They are foot-long hotdogs with tons of toppings. If you can think of a meal it is on there."

Cortez of Hopatcong has always had a passion for food. He has a special chili recipe that he has been entering into contests for years where he says he always wins first, second or third places.

"If we get third place, it's because they can't take the heat," Cortez said.

The idea for Yummies came about when Cortez was at work in Scotch Plains with his boss Arnie Bollhardt and was making food in the company kitchen.

Bollhardt tried his breakfast dog, topped with eggs and bacon, and liked it. Then Cortez made Bollhardt a honey dog and he liked it as well.

Cortez shared that his dream was to open up a food truck and serve his award-winning chili.

Bollhardt fell in love with the idea and bought Cortez a restaurant in Scotch Plains to manage.

Some of the unique hot dogs on the menu include the Happy Thanksgiving - a large all-beef hot dog, pumpkin puree, cranberry sauce, turkey bacon, crispy onions, cheese, chives and sauerkraut.

Or the Latin Style - a large all-beef hot dog, guacamole, Colombian Spanish sofrito, Maisitos, sweet plantain, fresh cheese, potato sticks, ground pork rinds and pickled onions.

Along with hotdogs, Yummies serves up Cortez's award-wnnning chili, gourmet burgers, wings and fast food.

The restaurant is open for dine-in or pick-up Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

Cortez said they are in the process of building a stage for karaoke and bands to play during the spring and summer. A playground is also being constructed for kids to play.

"This is going to be a destination," said Cortez.

For more information visit orderyummies.com or facebook.com/yummiesgourmet or call 908-977-9077.

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