Prior to opening MrPfranks, co-owner Gregory Pope said he worked in telecommunications but got tired of the “corporate culture” and “profit over people” attitudes.


“I decided to start something a little bit more old-school—a brick-and-mortar mom and pop-food service [shop] like we remember from when we were kids,” Gregory said.


Gregory, a Navy veteran, with his wife, Noreen, an Army veteran, opened MrPfranks in downtown Pflugerville on April 8, 2015. Gregory said the couple and their four children have lived in Pflugerville since 2009. He said they wanted to open the eatery in downtown to drive traffic there and see the area grow again.


“Ideally that’s where we want to work: where we live,” Gregory said. “We want to support our local community.”


Gregory said he aims to make getting a hot dog at the store simple—all hot dogs cost $5, including tax.


The hot dogs are served on a bun if customers like, and guests can choose among toppings such as chili, cheese, chopped onions, jalapenos and sauerkraut. The Hebrew National quarter-pound franks are made from 100 percent kosher beef, and customers can also get a gluten-free meal, Gregory said.


Jamie Johnson, a Pflugerville resident, said she was excited when the Popes opened MrPfranks. She bought the first hot dog at MrPfranks and has come regularly since.


“Me and my daughter have lunch there and head straight to the park,” Johnson said. “They have delicious hot dogs. And I really like their relish bar.”


The store offers a punch card for regular customers; those who order nine hot dogs get the 10th one free. Gregory puts the punch card on a wall after a customer submits it.


“My favorite part of this business is I get to put the cards up,” Gregory said.


Customer Alan Cowden from Pflugerville turned in the 275th card to be attached to the wall. Cowden’s goal is to get the 300th punch card submitted. Noreen said he is not the only customer who wants to submit the 300th card.


“Three hundred is a milestone,” she said. “People are serious about their MrPfranks, and we love it.“







MrPfranks
200 E. Pecan St., Ste. 1, Pflugerville
512-903-7378
www.mrpfranks.com
Hours: Mon. 4-8 p.m., Tue.-Sat.
11 a.m.-8 p.m., closed Sun.
During summer and fall months open until 1 a.m. on Fri. and Sat.