LOCAL At JJ's Dog House in Lansing it's all about 'legit' Chicago-style hot dogs

When Stephen Joseph decided to open JJ's Dog House on East Michigan Avenue he wanted a simple business operation.

And Chicago-style hot dogs fit that requirement perfectly, Joseph said.

The combination of a Vienna beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with sport peppers, relish, a pickle spear and mustard is "easy," he said, and inspired by hot dog stands you'll find in Chicago.

"It's got every taste you're looking for," Joseph said. "It's just got everything on it."

The Chicago-style hotdog is the star of the menu at JJ's Dog House, the 600-square-foot restaurant Joseph opened at 625 E. Michigan Ave., about a block east of Jackson Field and so popular that people often stop in just to ask if staff are authentic with how they make them.