Meet Gustavo Tonella of Doggosgus in Heart

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gustavo Tonella.

Gustavo, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In college, Gus and his friends took every advantage of living close to the border and took countless trips to Mexico. Sometimes it was a day trip, sometimes it was an extended weekend, sometimes it was Spring Break.

Every trip was to a different spot, and with different friends, but the one thing that always remained was making sure they got Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs. “It became part of the trip for us,” says Gus, “we would ask the locals where was the best place, and we’d go there. Then we’d ask someone else, and we’d go there. We would try every different topping combination, each making our own masterpiece.” Years of finding the best spots all over Mexico led to a deep longing to enjoy these masterpieces in San Diego.

After studying the techniques from the experts in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Tijuana and Hermosillo, Gus opened his first mobile hot dog business in San Diego in the early summer of 2010. Since then Gus has had the pleasure of serving thousands of his Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs all over San Diego! You can currently find him and his masterpieces at his restaurant called Twisted Taps in North Park, and at the Otay Ranch and Hillcrest Farmer’s Markets

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It takes a lot of hard work and persistence to start a food business. At first, I had a full-time job and only operated on weekends and after work. I would try to get into farmers markets and street fairs. Then I got my way into breweries.

Introducing the Mexican hotdog concept was not easy. San Diego is dominated by tacos but little by little people started noticing the Hotdogs can be colorful too. I had to sacrifice many weddings, birthdays and outings with friends In order to operate my business. Work long hours and it has all been worth it.

Please tell us about Doggosgus.
I specialize in Mexican gourmet hotdogs. I believe to have the best Hotdogs in San Diego and hopefully, one day know for the best dogs in California. Hotdogs are bacon wrapped and served on a sweet soft bolillo bread. Bread is a little bigger than normal to fit all the unique toppings like grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, guacamole, chipotle, beans, chorizo, fresh tomatoes. I focus on Mexican style hotdogs. From the popular Sonoran hotdog to the famous tj dog. I’m proud of being in business for 8 years and for being able to open a restaurant.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
As a kid in Mexicali, my parents would take me to a hotdog cart on the corner 2 blocks from my house. That would made my day. I loved those hotdogs and I would go there without knowing that one day I would own a hotdog business in San Diego.

Pricing:

• Classic bacon wrapped $6
• Jumbo beef- bacon wrapped $7
• Pineapple bacon sausage $8
• Catering for 50 people $499

Contact Info:

• Address: 2302 El Cajon Blvd San Diego CA 92104
• Website: Doggosgus.com
• Phone: 7604272409
• Email: doggosgus@hotmail.com
• Instagram: Doggosgus
• Facebook: Doggosgus
• Twitter: Doggosgus
• Yelp: Doggosgus

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