New restaurant asks: Can you handle The Devastator?

A new restaurant serving American Bar-B-Q cuisine is set to create 50 jobs in Nottingham… and has a special challenge for burger lovers.

Moving into Ark Clothing’s former premises on Victoria Street, Red Dog Saloon is already well known in London for its signature dishes including fat ribs, burgers, wings and the famous ‘Devastator’– 18oz of chuck minced steak served with 200g of pulled pork, Applewood smoked bacon rashers and cheese – the family-run eatery is now keen to build a loyal following in the city.

Owner, Tom Brooke and general manager Francesca Piva at Red Dog Saloon are looking forward to opening the new restaurant in Nottingham.

“This is a very exciting time for us as we open our first Red Dog Saloon outside of London,” Brooke said.

“Nottingham was the ideal choice for us, the city has a thriving food and drink scene and, as a family-run business which is passionate about the food we serve, we feel that we offer something different.

“We’re creating an unpretentious dining experience and are keen to employ people who share the same values and beliefs as us.”

Piva, who has worked in the hospitality sector for 15 years, said she wants to work with people who are as passionate about food as she is.

“We’ll be holding a number of recruitment days in the centre of Nottingham next week,” she said. “Successful candidates will receive in-depth training and learn all about our authentic cooking methods and how to give customers a personal and enjoyable dining experience.”

Highlights on the menu will include ‘Wings and Tings’, barbequed combos and The Devastator Challenge, which will see customers secure their rightful place on the wall of fame if they manage to finish the gigantic meal.

Brooke added: “Having travelled across the USA, I realised that the UK didn’t have a restaurant where diners could taste and appreciate true, authentic American cuisine. I wanted a place that took inspiration from the culture and served great food and drink.

“We use the very best meat from sustainable sources and a special smoking method which takes 18 hours and preserves the flavour of the meat. The chefs at Red Dog Saloon steam our 100% ground minced chuck burgers with the buns to keep the food moist and full of flavour.

“We use specialist smokers and hickory wood chips, imported from the States to create the truly authentic flavour our customers keep coming back for.”

The new restaurant in Nottingham will be open seven days a week and the launch is part of ongoing plans to expand Red Dog Saloon across the UK. The team will be opening restaurants in Liverpool, Southampton later this year.