Let’s get Grumpy.
Wil Lanum has made that phrase almost famous in Wetumpka. Now, Tallassee will have its chance to see how much it likes Grumpy Dog.
Lanum did his research before landing in Tallassee for his second location.
“I put out on Facebook asking where people would like to see us — Prattville, Tallassee, Montgomery,” Lanum said. “Everybody had an opinion.”
The Grumpy Dog himself decided to settle the argument over the second location.
“I started driving around at places to rent or buy to establish another location,” Lanum said. “Tallassee had a great location and the people are awesome.”
Lanum picked the property behind the old Alabama Power building across Gilmer Avenue from J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium. He said it is a little bit different from the location in downtown Wetumpka. There is no dine in option but the new location has 24 parking spots. But it is not stopping Lanum.
“It will be great for us because the majority of people get us to go,” Lanum said. “More than 60% get theirs to go [in Wetumpka].”
Lanum said he hopes customers use the parking spots like a drive-in after getting their food.
Everything else about the Tallassee location will be similar to Wetumpka, with some additions.
“We are going to have the same menu, but we will have salads and wraps on the menu every day instead of running them as a special,” Lanum said. “We will have a drink menu. We have a slushy machine so we will have a specialty drink menu.”
A grand opening is planned for Nov. 11 but Lanum hopes to have a soft opening prior to get new employees used to Grumpy Dog and its menu.
“We are interviewing for positions currently,” Lanum said.
Lanum said he believes the location will be successful based on his interactions with Tallassee residents while prepping the new location.
“Everyone has been super nice and super supportive,” he said. “They see my Grumpy Dog t-shirt and ask when we are going to open. Lots of people have come in [the Wetumpka] asking when we are going to open over there. Everyone is excited about it. People are the biggest reason I picked Tallassee.”