New England Hot Dog Company is putting a new touch to a traditional hot dog.

The business, whose "claim to fame" is a menu featuring over two dozen combinations of hot dogs and toppings with homemade dishes and toppings, is independently-owned and operated by Middletown resident Bridget Gemmell.

“I’ve always had dreams of owning a business, and I decided on hot dogs because of their simplicity. “It’s also a lot of fun,” said Gemmell said adding that her favorite part of owning the business is "dressing the dogs". 

Gemmell makes the chili, baked beans, coleslaw and relishes fresh daily from her own recipes.

The menu has dozens of condiments, toppings, cheeses, vegetables, sauces and dressings and offers six varieties of mustard alone, including horseradish and Ipswich Ale mustard.

The hot dogs are served on toasted clam rolls and sit close to the top of the roll, something that makes them authentically "New England", Gemmell said.

Patrons can choose from an array of ‘Local Dogs’ including the ‘Twin Lights,’ which is served with sauerkraut, Russian dressing, and Swiss cheese on top.

Customers can also choose from a list of ‘New England Dogs’ with choices like the Block Island,’ served with chili, sauteed onion, nacho cheese, bacon and jalapenos.

Bridget also wants to help the community through fund raising events.

New England Hot Dog Company is located at Squire Plaza, 1286 Highway 35 South in Middletown and is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

Additional information is available on the company’s Facebook page at facebook.com/nehdco or by calling New England Hot Dog Company at (732) 856-9160.