AJ’s Downtown Dogs

08/24/2026

First contender…

08/16/2026

A lot of people have asked why we’re closing the 165 N. Main Street location, and we understand why you want to know.

The simple answer is: it wasn’t one thing. It was the combination of the space, the changing downtown environment, rising costs, and what AJ’s needs in order to grow.

We loved building AJ’s Downtown Dogs here. But as we started planning what comes next, we actually measured what it would take to expand our kitchen, add the equipment AJ needs, create proper storage, grow our catering and mobile operations, and introduce new products.

Our little space simply couldn’t grow with us.

That doesn’t mean it’s a bad location. In fact, it may be absolutely perfect for another business whose needs fit the building. It just stopped being the right fit for the business AJ’s is becoming.

We also had to look realistically at downtown traffic, businesses and offices that are relocating, increases in operating costs, and the terms of a new long-term lease. Committing ourselves to higher costs in a space we already knew we had outgrown would not have been responsible.

Walking away was scary.

But signing a long-term lease simply because we were afraid to leave would have been scarier.

So we chose to stop, regroup, run the numbers, keep AJ’s Around Town moving, and find the right home for the next version of AJ’s.

And we are definitely not disappearing! 🌭❤️

If you’re missing AJ’s signature dogs, watch our page for AJ’s Around Town popping up around Downtown Suffolk in our mobile kitchen.

Want us to come to your office, church, private party, neighborhood, fundraiser or special event? Give AJ a call at (757) 798-4687. We’ll bring AJ’s to you!

And we have something else coming that we are incredibly excited about…

🥖 The Bread Box Artisan Bakery, featuring products handcrafted by our daughter-in-law Paola — PJ to many of you.

PJ is bringing her family’s baking heritage to AJ’s with artisan breads, baguettes, specialty cookies, cupcakes, Mexican pastries, desserts and more, available by advance order as we continue developing The Bread Box.

And yes — you’ll get your first real look very soon.

⭐ SAVE THE DATE — SEPTEMBER 12! ⭐

For Taste of Suffolk, we will reopen 165 N. Main Street for the day, and The Bread Box will make its debut out front!

So the doors at 165 aren’t quite finished making memories yet. ❤️

Watch our page for Taste of Suffolk details, menus, Bread Box previews, AJ’s Around Town pop-ups and everything coming next.

Downtown Suffolk is where our roots are.

We’re just giving them more room to grow. 🌱❤️🌭

Want AJ to come to your location? Want PJ to create your artisan baked goods?? Call +1 (757) 798-4687!

08/13/2026

Well, Neighbors… we have some news. ❤️

Today was our last regularly scheduled day at 165 N. Main Street.

When we opened AJ’s Downtown Dogs, we had no idea how quickly you would embrace us—or how quickly we would outgrow our little spot Downtown.

So first and foremost: THANK YOU.

Thank you for walking through our doors. Thank you for trying some crazy hot dog we dreamed up. Thank you for bringing your kids to meet Frankie, joining us for events, telling your friends about us, ordering lunch for the office, and becoming part of our AJ’s family.

We are sad to leave our little Downtown home and the roots we’ve put down here—but AJ’s isn’t going away. We’re growing. 🌱

We’re currently searching for a larger home that will give us the kitchen, space and flexibility to offer more of the products, services and experiences we’ve been dreaming about.

And you haven’t seen the last of us Downtown! ❤️

Watch our page for AJ’s Around Town food truck pop-ups, appearances at Downtown Festival Park, Taste of Suffolk (at 265 N. Main!), and other events.

We’ll also be holding a few special events during the remainder of August and into September—including some fun opportunities to give you a sneak peek (and a taste!) of things we’re considering for our next chapter.

So this isn’t goodbye.

Our roots are here. We’re just growing bigger.

Thank you, Neighbors, for helping us outgrow our little spot. We absolutely could not have done that without you.

And now… let’s see where AJ’s grows next. ❤️🌭

Want AJ’s Around Town at your event?
📞 +1 (757) 798-4687

Keep watching this page. The best is yet to come.

AJ’s Around Town – Where’s Frankie Today?

07/30/2026

Hello neighbors!

AJ’s will be closed on Friday July 31st, due to a family gathering.

Normal hours, 10am to 3pm, will resume on Monday August 3rd!

07/27/2026

🥖🌭 Want to help shape what’s next at AJ’s?

We’re looking for a small group of our favorite Neighbors to join AJ’s Test Kitchen Crew!

This is where we’ll share new menu ideas, breads, desserts, sandwiches, soups, drinks, and specials before they’re available to the public. You’ll get to vote on ideas, give honest feedback, and occasionally be invited to exclusive taste tests and member-only offers.

If you enjoy trying new things and helping local small businesses grow, we’d love to have you!

Join us here:
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1EoQHQjq2w/?mibextid=wwXIfr

If you’re in downtown Suffolk today, stop by AJ’s and introduce yourself to Paola! She’ll be happy to tell you more about the group and what we’re planning.

Thanks for being part of the AJ’s family—we can’t wait to hear what you think! ❤️

07/27/2026

🌭 A New Chapter for AJ’s Downtown Dogs! 🚚

Our downtown location has been an incredible place to meet so many wonderful neighbors, and we’re grateful for every person who has walked through our doors.

As we continue to grow, we’re shifting our focus to where the excitement is… our Around Town!

Starting today, our Downtown location will open at 11 AM and close at 3:00 PM until further notice.

After 3 PM, you’ll find AJ’s Around Town serving neighborhoods, breweries, festivals, corporate lunches, HOA events, schools, and community gatherings throughout Hampton Roads.

This isn’t goodbye… the shop is still avail to serve lunch downtown!

It’s just the beginning of a new part of the adventure.

🌭 Catch us if you can!

Follow our page to see where we’ll be serving next. If you’d like AJ’s at your neighborhood, business, school, or special event, send us a message—we’d love to come to you!

Thank you for supporting our family-owned business and allowing us to be part of this amazing community. We can’t wait to see you… around town!

❤️
The AJ’s Family

“If we’re not on Main Street… we may be on your street.” 🌭🚚

07/24/2026

07/17/2026

🚨 EARLY CLOSURE TODAY 🚨

Neighbors,

Due to the deteriorating air quality caused by the Canadian wildfire smoke moving into our area, AJ’s Downtown Dogs will be closing today at 4:00 PM instead of our normal 6:00 PM.

The safety of our team and our community always comes first, and we’d rather get everyone home before conditions worsen this evening.

If you’re out and about today, please take it easy, especially if you have asthma, heart or lung conditions, or are sensitive to smoke. ❤️

Thank you, as always, for your understanding and for supporting local.

Stay safe, Suffolk—we’ll see you soon! 🌭❤️

— The AJ’s Downtown Dogs Family & Frankie 🐶🌭

06/27/2026

🌭 TODAY ONLY! 🌭

🚚 AJ’s Around Town is rolling into Walmart!

📍 Walmart Supercenter
1200 N. Main St.
Suffolk, VA 23434

🕙 Today • 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

⭐ Introducing our Philly Dog
Only $7.76 (plus tax)!

Loaded with savory chopped beef, grilled onions, peppers, and our signature cheese drizzle—it’s one you don’t want to miss!

🌭 Meet Frankie!
📸 Hugs, high-fives & photos from 10 AM–2 PM!

Whether you’re shopping, running errands, or just craving an incredible lunch, stop by and say hello. We’d love to see our neighbors!

❤️ See you at Walmart!

05/21/2026

A quick update from AJ’s Downtown Dogs ❤️

We originally planned to follow our normal holiday schedule this weekend, but after looking at staffing and giving our team time to recover and recharge, we’ve decided to extend our closure.

AJ’s Downtown Dogs will be closed:
Friday, May 22 – Monday, May 25

We’ll reopen Tuesday, May 26 ready to serve you!

Thank you for supporting our small business and understanding that sometimes the best decision is to pause, take care of our people, and come back stronger.

As we head into Memorial Day weekend, we also pause to remember and honor those who gave their lives in service to our country.

See you Tuesday ❤️🤍