Sausage-lover sought to take over hot dog deli

Thursday 30 July 2020

The foodie couple behind the island’s 'wurst' takeout is looking for someone "who really likes sausages" to take over their hot dog business, which they have to leave due to ill health.

Lynelle and Mark Sartin opened Deli-Dogs in December in the unit previously occupied by Casa Paco, close to the Central Market's Beresford Street entrance.

Self-confessed foodies and keen cooks, they had previously been catering for local clubs and organisations for several years.

But the idea for Deli-Dogs was inspired by trips to Austria and Germany.

Pictured: Deli-Dogs is based in the Central Market close to the Beresford Street entrance.

The menu features German hot dogs with foot-long Bratwursts, chilli hotdogs, cheese frankfurters – all gluten-free - as well as vegan sausages, with traditional accompaniments such as sauerkraut, pickles, regional mustards and caramelised onions.

Its opening was met with huge interest. In the days after Express reported its launch, the premises was met with queues stretching the length of the side of the market.

Despite this success, the couple has now had to take the difficult decision of saying goodbye to their “baby” due to ill health.

“We were just two home cooks who happened upon an idea that worked,” Lynelle said. “It’s sad times that we have to close. We will be sad to say goodbye, but family comes first.”

Rather than scrap the business they have built altogether, Lynelle and Mark are hoping to find someone who will be able to take the lead when they leave.

As Lynelle explained, it will have to be someone who “really likes sausages” and wants something different. 

“Deli-Dogs has an amazing following,” she said. “We have never had anybody complaint, everyone raves about it.

“It will have to be someone who is dedicated to good food, good service and good hygiene.

“You would need somebody who is outgoing - a people person, as we both are. We like to talk to customers; we know what they are ordering.”

Pictured: The new owner will have to "really like sausages", Lynelle said.

Lynelle warned that the new owners will also need to be able to work in tight conditions, as the kitchen in the unit is on the smaller side.

However, it also comes with the added bonus of being based in the “lovely environment” of the Central Market.

“Everyone is friendly, everyone is helpful to each other, it’s like a family,” Lynelle said. “It’s also safe and secure.”

Nonetheless, she did have some ideas about how it could be improved upon, adding: “I think there needs to be pop-up stalls, more live music... It’s becoming a bit dated. There needs to be more life and it needs livening up to be made more attractive. We need more of that Covent Garden kind of feel.”

Pictured: The menu was inspired by Mark’s time in Austria and Germany.

The news of Lynelle and Mark’s departure from the market was met with sadness by sausage aficionados, who said that the couple will be “sadly missed”.

Many shared the hope that the unit will be taken over so that Deli-Dogs can continue.

With some having already shown interest, Lynelle and Mark are hopeful a new owner will be found. 

“Deli-Dogs has got legs,” Lynelle joked. “It can go anywhere.”