We live in an era of ever-sprawling franchise and chain eateries. They continue to grow and expand. Regional favorites have become national contenders. But as they continue to crowd out the local byways and fill in the empty stalls in strip malls, they start to look less and less unique. Growing up, if you wanted a sandwich in Bellevue, you had Subway or Blimpie. Now, you can close your eyes on a certain stretch of Cornhusker Road and point and you’d have selected one of a dozen franchisees. But even Jimmy John’s is toasting their sandwiches nowadays, so it all begins to bleed into the same tone of mass produced beige bread. Even the chicken sandwich wars of the last few years have highlighted the echo chamber in which corporate fast casual finds itself.

So, like many of you, I am eager to find and support those old-school mom-and-pop shops of yore. Something strong, singular, and just plain good. That’s where I recommend Monster Dogs. Though not a paid representative, I hype this food trailer as much as I can. Their pitch is simple: Monster Dogs – So Good, It’s Scary. And my endorsement is even simpler: Monster Dogs are awesome.

I first discovered these folks on what turned out to be their maiden voyage at the Bellevue Farmer’s Market a couple summers ago. I’ve always been a fan of a Chicago Dog, but I’ve never seen that special combination of ingredients outside the Windy City. So that’s what I ordered on that fateful Saturday morning so long ago. First off, the hot dogs themselves are…monstrous? They have to be a quarter pound anyway. Not to mention it was absolutely piled with the classic Chicago Dog toppings: mustard, bright green relish, diced onions, wedged tomato slices, a pickle spear, a sprinkling of celery salt, and a few sport peppers – these tiny little pickled peppers with just the right amount of kick. The ingredients were ample and fresh. I was hooked.

Since that first day at the Farmer’s Market, the owners – Scott and Lexi – have taken their show on the road – as you do with a mobile food operation. While they can often be found in the parking lot of the Bellevue O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, they are in high demand for private events and at special venues like Late Night at the Zoo. I highly recommend following their Facebook page, ‘Monster Dogs, LLC,’ to stay current on their weekly schedule.

Best of all, their menu has expanded as much as their presence. Their offerings include their incredible, homemade chili and mac-n-cheese. Either (or both!) can be found in a variety of combinations. I’m not even that big of a chili dog fan, but you just can’t deny how much time and attention go into this savory and robust garnish. And I’ve had the mac-n-cheese on more Monster Dogs than I can count without an Excel spreadsheet. It’s so thick and gooey. Combined with bacon and buffalo sauce on a giant all beef frank – good night!

Now, in a Bellevue that is suffering in a post B&B Classic Dog reality, Monster Dogs provides the gourmet hot dogs we’ve been yearning for. With crowd pleasers like Frito Pie Dogs, Buffalo Mac Dogs, and Jalapeño Popper Dogs, it’s no wonder they sell out regularly. That doesn’t even include their recurring pulled pork menu, which is equally delicious. Pulled pork and coleslaw on a giant hot dog is my culinary nirvana. And to be clear, I’m uncharacteristically picky when it comes to BBQ, but I’d put this shredded pork up against any major chain. And my wife is characteristically picky about most things. Not picky – she just refuses to settle. She did marry me after all, but she also has an equal zeal for these decadent dogs and requests them on a regular basis.

So, do what I do. Give ‘Monster Dogs, LLC’ a follow on Facebook so you always know where to find them. Then go and see Scott and Lexi. You’ll be glad you did.

Matt Hebert is an engineer and self-published author. His dopamine-fueled creative pursuits have spanned from chicken keeping, sand sculpture, acting, and public speaking, but writing is nearest and dearest to his heart. He lives in Bellevue with his wife and two daughters. You can find him on Instagram at @jerkofalltradeshebert or email him at matt.hebert.books@gmail.com

Opinions expressed by columnists in The Daily Record are not necessarily those of its management or staff, and do not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Any errors or omissions should be called to our attention so that they may be corrected. Contact us at news@omahadailyrecord.com.