Feltner Brothers Put on the Dog
by October 19, 2009 12:00 am 555 views
Travis Feltner, his twin brother Chase Feltner and their younger brother Grant Feltner opened Feltner Brothers restaurant on Oct. 8 on West Spring Street in Fayetteville.
The three are grandsons of the founder of the legendary Feltner’s Whatta-Burger in Russellville, which opened in 1967.
Travis Feltner said the new restaurant is not a spin-off of the business in Russellville, which is owned and operated by his aunt, but an independent venture. The partners are cognizant of their potential name recognition, however.
“We’re very fortunate that we’ve already got a brand name,” Travis Feltner said.
Feltner Brothers serves hot dogs and hamburgers, but specializes in Chicago-style hot dogs (all-beef franks on a seeded bun with mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, peppers and a pickle spear) for $3.25. Quarter-pound franks, polish sausage or bratwurst are available with various condiments for the same price. They’re proud of their homemade chili and cole slaw they’ve dubbed “Ma Slaw.”
There is a selection of beer on tap and in bottles and cans.
The 1,207-SF restaurant has dining space for 39 inside and a deck that can accommodate about 30 more people, Travis Feltner said.
Travis Feltner, who graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2007, said he started working on the concept via e-mail in January from Flordia where he was working as a broadcast journalist. He moved back to Fayetteville in June. The brothers obtained most of their financing from Metropolitan National Bank and the rest as a small loan from a family friend.
The three had planned to have the store up and running for Bikes Blues & BBQ, but missed that date. It was open in time for the Auburn game and Travis Feltner said business was “crazy.”
One thing Feltner Brothers has in common with the Whatta-Burger in Russellville, Travis Feltner said, are the french fries. The trio was able to get the fries from the same supplier.