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Photos for NSBNews.net / Steve Clancy stands tall in front of his new Clancy's Mid-Town Dogs, 440 N. Dixie Freeway (US 1), a classic example of how CRA taxpayer monies used for "bricks and mortar" can markedly improve a community's appearance and vitality.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- What used to be a used car lot on US 1 has been transformed to a brand new eatery: Welcome to Clancy's Mid-Town Dogs.
With $19,500 in matching CRA renovation grants, business owner Steve Clancy has renovated the 500-square-foot building into a walk-up restaurant with landscaped, outdoor seating.
It's also an example of the "bricks and mortar" approach to dealing with blight, which the state Florida statutes intended CRA grants for as opposed to the after hours alcohol-themed street festivals that cater to bars.
"This is an example of how Community Redevelopment grants can help an owner turn a tired and underused property into an attractive and vibrant business," said Tony Otte, director of the CRA.
"This is an example of how Community Redevelopment grants can help an owner turn a tired and underused property into an attractive and vibrant business," said Tony Otte, director of the CRA.
The transformation on that stretch of U.S. 1 is an eye opener with an abandoned used car lot turned into a themed restaurant.
Here are before and after photos of the abandoned lot on US 1 transformed into a new restaurant.
"We gutted the entire building," Clancy said. "We installed a handicapped-accessible bathroom, a full stainless-steel commercial kitchen, and patio seating for 50 people."
Clancy feels he has a great location for his "casual and comfortable" restaurant. With 30 years of restaurant and general contracting experience in New Smyrna Beach, he said he knows what he's looking for.
"This is a highly visible, highway corner lot with a free-standing building that's easy to access," Clancy said.
After only two weeks in business, Clancy's Mid-Town Dogs already has built a strong customer base, the proud owner said. He partly attributes that to the menu, which is the result of nearly two years of research.
"We're the only restaurant in New Smyrna Beach serving Edy's soft-serve ice cream and Vienna Beef brand hot dogs -- Chicago style," Steve Clancy said.
Fast Facts:
A Chicago-style hot dog is made with a Vienna Beef hot dog in a natural casing served on a poppy seed bun with tomato, onion, a pickle spear, neon relish, and sport (hot) peppers. It's then topped with celery salt, Clancy explained.
The restaurant also serves French fries, onion rings, angus fresh-never-frozen burgers, and daily fish and chicken specials. Clancy has hired nine employees.
Clancy's MidTown Dogs is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.