Serving Up Nostalgia & New Traditions at Porch Dogs

By Kelly Caldwell

If you’ve driven past the old skating rink on Main Street in Wedowee lately, you may have noticed signs of life returning to the familiar building. This June, Wendy and Abbi Moore are transforming that space into Porch Dogs, a community-centered hot dog and soda shop that brings family traditions full circle while creating a new gathering place for locals and lake visitors alike.

A Family Legacy Comes Full Circle

Wendy Moore’s passion for building family-first businesses goes back to her childhood summers in Albany, Georgia, where her aunt and grandmother ran a mobile baby clothing boutique. Those summers were filled with flea markets, family time—and hot dogs. Wendy fondly remembers the treat of visiting Jimmy’s Hot Dogs and Hot Dog King after a hard day’s work. “It was our reward,” she says. “We’d get a big bag of hot dogs and just enjoy being together.”

Years later, she dreamed of creating businesses that allowed her children to build their futures close to home. That dream is coming true as her daughter Abbi steps up to open her first venture.

Abbi’s Dream, Reinvented

Abbi Moore has long dreamed of opening a coffee shop, but with Wedowee already home to a great café, she and Wendy pivoted. Inspired by the growing popularity of dirty sodas—sodas mixed with syrups, creams, and citrus—they imagined combining those with specialty hot dogs in a fun, family-friendly space.

“Dirty sodas are like customizable soda shop creations,” Abbi explains. “We’ll have our top six drinks on the menu, like the Tropical Terrier and the Wedowee Wow, but people can also build their own with different flavors, creams, and fruit.”

The Wedowee Wow—a house favorite—is a combination of Dr. Pepper, coconut, French vanilla creamer, and lime. “I didn’t think I’d like it because I’m not usually a coconut fan,” Wendy laughs, “but I love it!”

More Than Hot Dogs

Porch Dogs will feature eight specialty hot dogs, all developed with family members in mind. Wendy created the All-American Bulldog, her personal go-to hot dog, while other favorites include a mac-and-cheese-topped dog inspired by Abbi’s brother Hunter, who used to eat mac and cheese on a bun as a child.

For those less keen on hot dogs, the menu will include grilled cheese and Wendy’s homemade sauces. They’ve even taken care to offer two types of hot dogs—classic and all-beef—because, as Wendy admits, “Not everyone likes the same kind of dog.”

Three Phases, One Community Hub

The Moores are launching Porch Dogs in three phases:

• Phase One focuses on opening with porch seating and a casual, dog-friendly environment. Wendy emphasizes, “You can’t have a place called Porch Dogs and not be dog-friendly!”

• Phase Two will expand to include indoor seating for year-round comfort.

• Phase Three dreams even bigger—with plans for a small dog park next to the building, giving pet owners a place to gather while their pups play.

They’re already planning décor that celebrates all things canine, from fire hydrants and doggy bag stations to bone-themed signs. “We want people to bring their dogs, sit on the porch, and enjoy time together,” Wendy says.

Continuing the Family Business Legacy

Porch Dogs is the latest business under the Peaceful Porch Corporation, which Wendy built with the intention of creating opportunities for her children. “I want my kids to bring their kids to work, not miss ballgames, and have that work-life balance I was blessed to have growing up,” Wendy explains.

While Wendy steps back from managing their other ventures, including the Peaceful Porch candle company and thrift shop now run by her other daughter Callie, she’s excited to help Abbi bring this dream to life.

Looking Ahead

As opening day approaches, Wendy and Abbi are putting the finishing touches on the space—including a new service window and signage designed by family. They hope to be ready just in time for summer on the lake, welcoming locals, lake lovers, and furry friends to experience Porch Dogs for themselves.

If you ask them what makes it special, they’ll tell you it’s more than hot dogs or soda. It’s about bringing people together—whether you’re grabbing a snack after a day on the lake, spending time with family, or just enjoying the simple pleasure of porch sitting with your best (four-legged) friend.