"The Swizzler brand that slings environmentally conscious versions of American cookout classics from its D.C. food trucks and farmers market stands has just secured a Navy Yard location for its first standalone store. Washington City Paper reports Swizzler will bring the neighborhood surrounding Nationals Park a place for its spiral-cut hot dogs, grass-fed beef smashburgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, and fries just in time for baseball season. Co-founder Jesse Konig confirmed the news to Eater. Swizzler’s shop replaces a former Taylor Gourmet sandwich shop. The fast-casual-filled strip also includes locations for Indian bowls from Rasa, Mediterranean wraps from Roti, salads from Chopt’d, and Chipotle burritos. Swizzler will compete with a Five Guys that’s just a few blocks away. Swizzler operates separate trucks for hot dogs, its original speciality, and burgers. Konig and business partner Ben Johnson’s menu offers a signature spiral cut hot dog, which increases the topping-to-meat ratio. The hit “Feast Mode” dog comes with unconventional toppings like whipped herb goat cheese, caramelized onions, candied jalapenos, and black pepper honey. Nationals fans can also fuel up on grilled chicken sandwiches and proprietary veggie burgers. Dressed-down orders that let the meat shine include a simple cheeseburger and a Plain Jane hot dog with regular fixings. Designer Natalie Park (Anju, Dos Mamis, Gravitas) is overseeing a space that will be doused with the Swizzler food truck’s bright blue tones. Also expect “subtle nods to the fast food people grew up on, like booth seating and combos on our menu,” Konig tells Eater. The six-year-old food truck got its start on the grounds of the founders’ alma mater, Wake Forest University, in North Carolina. Over the years the brand expanded from colorful dogs with pun-filled names like “Leonardo Dog Vinci” to gourmet burgers and a popular presence at local farmers markets. Its roving and market operations will keep going as usual." - Tierney Plumb
