A taste of the city

Staying busy on her first day in operation, Dawg House Dogs owner Alisha McCollough serves a customer Friday afternoon across Washington Street from the Putnam County Courthouse. McCollough plans to operate her business on weekdays between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

On a day when the breezes in Greencastle made it feel more like Chicago, a new business worthy of the Windy City set up shop steps from the Putnam County Courthouse.

Owner Alisha McCollough of Greencastle wheeled a hot dog cart into the courtyard that used to contain the Mac's men's store and Mason Jewelers buildings.

At 11 a.m. Friday, Dawg House Dogs was open for business.

"I've been talking about doing this for 10 years," the Greencastle native said of the new business.

A hot dog cart is an unfamiliar sight in small-town Indiana, so word spread fast around downtown. A number of courthouse workers made their way across Washington Street for the unique treat.

Two other women who work downtown showed up, saying one had learned about it on Facebook.

A group of motorcycle riders even stopped by for some lunch.

It added up to a solid first day of business for McCollough, in spite of the challenge the wind provided -- blowing out one of her burners and collapsing her menu sign more than once.

Weather permitting, she plans to operate each weekday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. She has also considered Saturday hours and plans to vend at festivals.

Dawg House Dogs can be reached at (317) 439-6372.