Dog Street Cafe to offer Livingston patrons something extra
LIVINGSTON — Most small businesses have it tough getting started even in the best of times. Beginning one during the coronavirus pandemic presents a whole new set of challenges.
That hasn’t stopped John and Michelle McCall. They plan to open the doors of the Dog Street Café and Outfitters on Friday in spite of setbacks and restrictions caused by COVID-19.
Offering pub food, kraft beer and wine, the couple want to make the small restaurant a place for all ages to gather and enjoy time together. Big screen televisions will be turned to favorite games or shows. At one spot near the kids’ table is a blackboard and chalk for children to let their imaginations run wild.
The couple envisions local groups holding meetings there – such as the Sumter County Rotary Club that got a preview of the restaurant last week. It is hoped the coach’s show will be broadcast from there, and Trivia nights are planned as well.
As Michelle said, the Dog Street Café is for the community, to keep kids here and to provide something to do.
Michelle is not new to running a restaurant. She used to own a steakhouse and bar and knows the ins and outs of the business.
Of course, with current restrictions on the number of people who can be seated in the restaurant, the McCalls will be offering take-out menus.
“I like supporting Alabama industries,” John said, and the state is becoming known for its micro-breweries in the state. Most of the beer on the menu will be from Alabama.
John, the dean of the College of Math and Science at UWA, is a marine biologist who frequently takes his students into the rivers and wetlands of Alabama. Closing in on retirement, he has another dream for the business. That’s where the Outfitters part of the name comes in.
Once the restaurant is established, he hopes to open the storefront next door to provide canoeing and kayaking tours and supplies to those who enjoy the water. John is a big believer in what he calls “edutainment,” learning while having fun.
The cafe’s name is a homage to a part of Livingston history. It is located on Monroe Street, which once was called Dog Street, and it is believed that one of the characters known in the area had a pointer.
It so happens that the McCalls also have a pointer, and the sign for the café features a pointer that looks very much like their pet.
The name also has led to a special feature in the café to get the community involved. One of the television screens shows a loop of photos featuring pet dogs from the McCalls’ friends and neighbors. They welcome patrons to send in more pictures to add to the gallery.
The couple is more than ready to open, but getting to this point “has been one of the most frustrating experiences” of his life, said John. Stores were out of what they needed, and many of the orders they made were delaying in shipping. Until recently inspections from the health department of ABC Board were put on hold because of the pandemic.
They have been paying rent on the store since March and figure it’s time for people to pay them instead of them having to pay others.
The Dog Street Café will be open for breakfast, lunch and “happy hour,” said Michelle. Their nine employees will serve customers on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. unless special events after hours are planned. Saturday hours will be 8 to 8.