Steve's Snappin' Dogs

Of all the transformations on East Colfax in the last 5-10 years, one of "The Most Drastic Improvements In The Neighborhood" Awards would have to go to Steve Ballas, owner of Steve's Snappin' Dogs. Here is how the site looked for years until Steve had a vision of a mighty Hot Dog stand:

The restaurant today:

As an independent business owner and the son-in-law of Blinky the Clown, Steve took a real chance locating on this section of Colfax Avenue at that time, an area which had been negatively impacted by the closure of the car dealership nearby (which has sat vacant since). He truly was a brave pioneer that acted as an incentive to other business owners in the area to also make their own improvements. ColfaxAvenue.com believes that supporting small, local business owners is truly the key to a vibrant Colfax!

From stevessnappindogs.com:

Steve gets frank about a lifetime of memories as a hotdog lover, relishing his favorite hotdog stands for the past 50 years.

As a child growing up in post-World War II Connecticut, Steve Ballas had an opportunity to visit countless hotdog stands in his quest for the perfect dog. It was a pastime of Steve and his father to travel throughout Connecticut in search for that all-American hotdog, which quickly became a tradition in their family.

It was this passion and love for the all-mighty frank that ultimately drove Steve to start his very own hotdog stand using a lifetime of knowledge. Steve learned what meats tasted best and how to properly cook them. He learned about buns and the bread they were made of and he learned how to create a memorable experience for all his customers.

It all started when Steve bought a 20’ truck in Fairfield, Conn., and drove out here. Steve and Linda worked the Cherry Creek, Evergreen and Stapleton Farmers Markets as well as special events for the first 2 1/2 years. They only worked 6 months and mostly on weekends. People were calling asking where we they were because they were craving a dog! They were bummed that they had to wait for the weekend. That’s what made everyone realize we all needed Steve's Snappin' Dogs.

Today, Steve's Snappin' Dogs is the premier place to get a hotdog in Denver, bringing a lifetime of tradition, great value and fulfilled atmosphere for all!

Q & A WITH STEVE BALLAS with ColfaxAvenue.com in 2007:
TELL OUR READERS A FEW REASONS THEY SHOULD EAT AT STEVE’S SNAPPIN DOGS:

First and Foremost “Everybody Loves a Great Dog” and at Steve’s, that is what you get: Thumann’s Premium Dog that is all beef and pork in a natural casing that has No Fillers, No MSG, Lower in Sodium and a Smokey Flavor that “Snaps when you bite it”. It’s a place where everyone is welcome! You crave to share with kids, family and friends. We serve a premium product, superior guest service and the fun of re- living childhood memories then and now!

Were not just dogs, as in the above we have great burgers, vegetarian and Kidz Menu’s, Fresh Squeezed Lemon and Limeade, Kosher Style all beef dogs, Old Fashioned Chili Cheese Fries and Blue Bunny Ice Cream for Great Cones, Shakes, Malts and Floats. At Steve’s there is SOMETHING for EVERYONE, even you’re Dog with Doggie Dining, on the covered patio. Our staff is the best and will make you feel like you are Kings and Queens for the day. We have been told by many guests that we have the cleanest restrooms in the city, which makes you feel that this is the place to eat. Clean restrooms mean Clean Kitchens.  

HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR DOG DRESSED?

My favorite East Coast Style Dog is what I call the Jersey Dog. Our great Coney Style Bun that is toasted over the dog on a flat top grill. We add Spicy Mustard, Bacon, Green Relish, and Red Onions and top it with Caraway Sauerkraut. This is the dog that I grew up eating in my hometown of Monroe, Connecticut. I must confess that now I eat my Dog “Naked”. What I have been eating lately is just a dog with spicy mustard! The fantastic combination of the Thumann’s Beef and Pork Dog with that Slight Tang of Spicy Horseradish Mustard is Truly MMMGOOD! I came up with the name because I think that everyone abuses N.Y. Style across the country. The theme is all about my rendition of regional Dogs, since the Dogs are from Jersey it was simple and Steve’s Snappin’ Jersey Dog was born.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT COLFAX AND DOING BUSINESS HERE?

This is such a diversified neighborhood with great people who live and work here. Everyone is friendly and supportive of the neighborhood. Colfax is becoming a destination with great restaurants like Tommy’s Thai, Bastiens, Goodfriends, Mezcal, Café Star, Atomic Cowboy, Enzos End Pizzeria, PS Lounge, Senger’s on the Fax, the Tattered Cover Book Store and on and on and on. What a GREAT PLACE AND TIME TO BE HERE!

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR AN ENTREPRENEUR STARTING A BUSINESS ON COLFAX?

Colfax is in an enterprise zone and there is a money and tax breaks available from the City of Denver, State of Colorado and the Federal Government. There are also programs available for workforce development and guidance from the Mayor’s newly formed Business Assistance Center in the City and County Building. You must be passionate about what you do and realize there are many stumbling blocks. Be persistent and don’t take No for an answer. I can’t tell you how many were turned into a yes. 

DO YOU KNOW ANY COOL TRIVIA ABOUT YOUR LOCATION?

About all I have is that a customer that lives on Monroe Street came in for a dog. He told me when this was a gas station he bought a lotto ticket and won $10,000 instantly.

On our 1st Anniversary, we gave away Hostess Twinkies and Cupcakes to everyone the entire week! I handed a Twinkie to a young man that is a student at Johnson and Wales. He told me that his Grandfather D R Rice, worked for Hostess in the early 1940’s and invented the twinkie as well as the swirl on the cupcake. He signed our Wall of Fame as well as many other famous Folks from Denver and Across the Country. Come check it out.