Crave Hot Dogs reopening in Ocala under new ownership

A hot dog, barbecue, and axe-throwing restaurant in southwest Ocala that closed late last year will reopen next week under new ownership.

Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ is reopening at 2463 SW 27th Avenue, in the Shady Oaks Shopping Plaza, on Friday, August 30. 

To celebrate its grand opening, the business is offering its first 100 customers a free hot dog, as well as half-priced ax throwing, raffle prizes, and a free kid meal with the purchase of an adult meal.

Additionally, on Saturday, August 31, the business will host a DJ, face painting, and a balloon artist.

According to state corporate records, Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ’s Ocala outpost is owned by Two Friends Restaurant, Inc., a Tampa-based company with Rhamel Graham listed as its president and Ambra Lewis-Cottle as its vice president. 

Ocala-News.com first announced the reopening of Crave in May. Formerly occupied by Kotobuki for decades, the reopening comes less than 13 months after the hot dog restaurant originally opened at the space and almost 10 months after it closed.

In the months following the closure, former owner Michael Lutz shared details of his experience and Ocala-News.com wrote a story about Crave franchise closures throughout the country. 

Founded in 2018 by Samantha Rincione and Salvatore Rincione, the company has been expanding aggressively over the past six years. There are several planned restaurants across the state of Florida, including a location in The Villages.

For more information on the restaurant, its hours of operation, or its menu, visit Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ online, or follow it on Facebook or Instagram.