THE HOBNOB-DESTIN NEWS

6 August, 2010             Destin’s Hippest News Source

............SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS..............

SLOW SUMMER – POSITIVE OUTLOOK

The Destin Commons on a Friday in late July would normally be crowded with local and vacationing shoppers sampling the myriad of goods and services from this Destin Landmark destination. This day, however, the evidence of our economic slump and the impact of negative press from the oil spill is visible everywhere we look. The absence of crowds, however, has not deterred the enthusiasm of the business owners here. As we stroll the courtyard and visit with sales people and owners it is immediately apparent that they expect a rebound. All display a positive attitude that is a hallmark of our Destin community.  After the unprecedented destruction of Hurricane Opal, the same stalwart mindset was apparent; rebuild with vigor!  I took a few minutes to chat with Dave Del Donie owner, chief cook and hotdog handler extraordinaire, from Dave’s Dogs. Dave is one of Destin’s celebrities and has been turning out award winning hotdogs for over eleven years. No stranger to hard times, Dave is not only holding his own, he’s expanding! Yup, that’s right he’s adding a new location at Harborwalk just in time for the Destin Seafood Festival in September and launching a new website as well.  His effervescent attitude is infectious and while enjoying one of his famous “it’s all in the bun” hot dogs, I too took on his positive outlook. We both think that we’ve turned the corner. With the oil well capped, little or no negative impact on our beautiful beaches, it’s time to get the word out that Destin is the place to be! Everywhere you look you’ll find great values. From the stable price of gas, to the discounted hotel rooms and entertainment deals, now is the time to rediscover Destin. Dave will be ready with his famous smile, countertop banter and fantastic hotdogs. So if you’re just arriving here or are a local, check out Dave’s Dogs on the courtyard at the Destin Commons for an enthusiasm boost, a smile to go and my favorite hotdog in the world!

Filed 05-08-2010 HobNob Dave – Reporter-at-large