Denizens Brewing Co. announced this week that they will be partnering with local food truck Catalyst Hot Dogs to bring an accessible New Jersey-style food menu to match their beer at the brewery’s Riverdale Park location.
Catalyst Hot Dogs, which hit the streets of Silver Spring in late 2020, will take over Denizens’ kitchen in Riverdale Park from Jan. 5 to expand their dream of opening a brick-and-mortar hot dog restaurant in New Jersey, while Denizens will continue to focus on expanding its beer footprint in the area.
“COVID-19 significantly disrupted the hospitality industry, which created new opportunities for partnerships and creative ways to operate,” Denizens said in a press release. “In response to the pandemic, Denizens has been simplifying their business operations to focus on beer, brewing, and distribution. Catalyst Hot Dogs responded to the pandemic by striking out on their own. As a result, they are meeting each other in the middle.”
Catalyst Hot Dogs owner Chris Van Jura was featured in a July 2021 episode of NPR’s The Indicator from Planet Money, which discussed businesses that were started as a byproduct of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Denizens Founder & Chief Brand Officer Julie Verratti said to the Source that the menu will replace the collaboration with All Set Restaurant & Bar and sister food truck Money Muscle BBQ at Denizens’ Riverdale Park location; the All Set/Money Muscle menu will remain in place at the downtown Silver Spring location. The new collaboration will include a kids menu, as well as a happy hour food menu to complement Denizens’ happy hour drink offerings, Verratti said.
“I grew up in New Jersey, and one of my first jobs was at a deli,” said Denizens’ Chief Beer Officer (and Short Hills, NJ native) Jeff Ramirez. “I’ve been a fan of the casual comfort food that can be found up and down the Garden State and how it plays a part in what it means to be from the Tri-state area. This new partnership with Catalyst Hot Dogs in Riverdale Park is nostalgic for me. Chris is elevating the ‘hot dog joint’ and also serving up some other Jersey deli and diner classics.”
“We can’t think of a better pairing than hot dogs and beer,” said Catalyst Hot Dogs Chief Hot Dog Guy (and Hasbrouck Heights, NJ native) Chris Van Jura. “We’re so excited to have a home for Catalyst that all the friends we’ve made over the last two years can visit anytime, and we can’t wait to also serve our new Riverdale Park neighbors.”
Photo Courtesy of Catalyst Hot Dogs / Menu Courtesy of Denizens Brewing Co.
