Press Release- January 3, 2015- Recent Island Transplants Dawn and Paul LoCascio are set to open San Pedro’s’ first Fast Casual Eatery beachfront at Black Coral Street this weekend.
What do you call a Fast Casual dining experience with hyper-locally sourced, sustainable menu creations, a palapa covered deck with retro stainless tables, and a Maître ‘d who knows his stuff? Ray’s Big Dog. The latest beachfront eatery to hit the San Pedro restaurant scene is already causing a stir, and their doors don’t open for business until Saturday.
Ray’s is making handcrafted All Beef and Chicken Hot Dogs loaded with gourmand toppings, fresh peel and eat shrimp growlers with Ray’s Sunset Sauce, and Old School Ice Cream Floats. Ray’s is more than their catchphrase Hot Dogs and Cool Treats, you can also enjoy a cold beer or a glass of exceptional wine, and don’t forget that Ray’s is dog friendly, so bring Fido with you.
What sets Ray’s Big Dog apart from the current San Pedro dining scene is the food quality, fresh ingredients, unique flavor combinations and eye-pleasing plating. The owners describe a blended service style, which provides the table touches, and the quality of a full-service restaurant, yet also treats take out beach-goers to a faster grab and go option as the core of their Fast Cas Restaurant. It’s the perfect concept for San Pedro”, says Ray’s owner Paul LoCascio. “Maybe you are headed over to Belize City for the day or back for a lunch break from a dive trip and are looking for a great tasting quality lunch at a reasonable price. We offer a fresh, handmade quality alternative to the lengthy, pricey dining options in San Pedro. If you have the time choose our tableside service with Bruno our Maître ‘d.”
Ray’s Big Dog is making everything from scratch, from the aioli’s to the plantain chips, the split top buns, the signature hot dogs and of course the gourmand toppings. The hot dogs are being handcrafted, following the principles and ingredients of Michael Ruhlman and Brian Polcyn who have inspired a revival of artisanal sausage making. Ray’s peel and eat shrimp, offered as Happy Hour Growlers, but available all day, is wild caught from the waters of Belize. “This is pure, clean food, with a twist. It takes the Fast Casual Restaurant concept to its finest”.
The service is also slightly upscale. As with other fast casuals, customers can choose to order at the to-go window. If you choose tableside service the experience becomes more like full-service dining with linen napkins, Chef Diana’s amuse-bouche and exceptional wines. “The experience as a whole is important. We want our guests to enjoy the food, our over-the-water-deck, great service and some fun. The vibe is cool, sometimes crazy, and always easy going. There’s only one rule at Ray’s Big Dog. If you’re over 12 and ask for a plain dog with ketchup the crowd on the deck may heckle you!” says LoCascios’ wife Dawn.
The team at Ray’s Big Dog also believes in giving back to their community and is a proud supporter of Saga Humane Society and their mission to promote kindness and prevent cruelty. Ray’s Big Dog is Dog Friendly.
