Local Hot Dog Joint Closes After Brief Season, Biz Put On Sale Again

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ - After just five months of operation, Captain Paul's Firehouse Dogs has announced its closure and sale, marking the end of a short but impactful chapter for the beloved community restaurant.

The restaurant was put on sale in January after the original owner, Paul Tweedly, cited health concerns.

The business was then bought in April by mother and son duo Deborah and Patrick Jones.

But on Tuesday, Patrick and Deborah shared the difficult decision to sell the business in a heartfelt message to customers and the community.

They were initially drawn to the opportunity because of the restaurant's strong community connections, but soon found themselves overwhelmed by the demands of running a restaurant while maintaining full-time careers and other responsibilities. Patrick is a special education teacher.

"The significant amount of time, effort and sacrifice of running and operating a restaurant while navigating full-time careers and managing other respective facets of our lives is simply too much," Patrick and Deb explained in their announcement.

Despite the challenges that ultimately led to their decision, the Jones expressed deep gratitude for their experience and the community support they received. Like many small businesses, Captain Paul's Firehouse Dogs experienced both successful and difficult days throughout the season.

"We are thankful that the community was there to support us through it all," they noted, emphasizing the lasting impact of the relationships formed during their brief tenure. They highlighted the "countless moments, laughs, talks, and connections" they built with customers as truly memorable aspects of their experience.

The closure came sooner than anticipated due to staffing changes that coincided with the owners' decision to sell.

The Jones had originally planned to reopen briefly in the fall to properly bid farewell to customers and support their remaining staff. However, when several key employees moved on to full-time career opportunities elsewhere, the timeline accelerated.

"We are truly happy for them and know they will do great in their respective careers," the owners said of their departing staff members. "Therefore, given the decision to sell, coupled with the departure of these key staff members, we have decided now is the time for us to close."

The Jones made sure to address their remaining staff, working to compensate them for the unexpected timing of the closure.

“Please know we did communicate this decision with our remaining staff and worked with them to compensate them for the time they are missing,” Patrick and Deb said.

CPFD first opened in 2009, after Tweedly retired from the Trenton Fire Department as a captain after 26 years of service. The hot dog stand soon became popular among local police and fire departments and members of the military and first responders.

A Maltese cross in the center of the awning was in memory of firemen who lost their lives on 9/11.

Over the years, Captain Paul’s became in integral part of the community as they hosted several fundraisers.

Some of the popular dishes on their menu include the Trooper, Boot Camp, Devil Dog, Combat Veteran, Stormin Norman, Arlington, Delta Force, and Army Ranger among a whole list of delicacies.

Have a correction or a news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com