Business & Tech

Church Avenue's New Southern Eatery Nearly Ready to Open

The owners of The Dogwood have set an opening date and is recruiting bands for live music nights.

This article was written by Amy Sara Clark.

The Dogwood, the new southern restaurant and bar on Church Avenue is set to open Aug. 1.

The menu, which owners Ashley and Matt Weavil call "Southern inspired food from the Carolinas," will include southern standards with a sprinkling of experimentation. (For example, the Weavil's catering company, offered such treats as crawfish ceviche and candied jalapeños alongside the johnny cakes and shrimp and grits).

The southern influence comes both from executive chef Chris Sterna, who grew up in Tennesee and used to own a Southern food truck in Orlando, and Matt Weavil who hails from North Carolina. 

The restaurant grew out of the couple's catering business, The Fat Beagle, which emphasizes the traditional. As they explain on their website:  

" ... While there has been an amazing trend of upscale street food recently throughout the city, we wanted to do something that was a little less fusion and a little more comfort. After weeks of digging through our grandmothers dog eared, gravy stained cookbooks, we've managed to create a menu that will bring New Yorkers the best of the Carolinas."

Although the catering business operated throughout the five boroughs, luckily for us, the Weavils live in Ditmas Park, so when it came time to choose a location, they never looked past Caton Avenue.

They're particularly excited to have found a spot on Church Avenue, which they see as a more up-and-coming part of the 'hood. "Cortelyou has become sort of blown up," Ashely said. "It's nice to be part of a blossoming area."

"Cortelyou has been our go-to spot for awhile and we're hoping Church Avenue will go that way," she added.

In addition to food, the restaurant will have live music. Those interested should email info@dogwoodnyc.com.

At first, the restaurant will be open just for dinner, but Ashley said she hopes to add in brunch soon after. Eventually, the plan is to keep the restaurant open 11 to 11 seven days a week. Take-out will be available immediately and delivery will follow. (Fiske Terrace and West Midwood, I put in a plea for our side of the hood, they're considering it ...).

The Dogwood is located at 1021 Church Ave. at Stratford Road. 929-234-5692.


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