Catalyst Hot Dogs, one of Montgomery County’s most well-known food trucks, is making the leap to a permanent location.
The locally grown brand will open its first brick-and-mortar restaurant at 15547 Old Columbia Pike in Burtonsville, taking over the former Jeffrey’s/Jerry’s Subs & Pizza space.
Founded in 2020 by hospitality veteran Chris Van Jura, Catalyst Hot Dogs was born during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. After facing two layoffs, Van Jura launched the food truck, which quickly gained a following across Montgomery County and the greater DC area.
Known for its New Jersey-style hot dogs, Catalyst built its reputation on premium, locally sourced beef and house-made toppings. What started as a small operation serving parking lots and neighborhood stops expanded into partnerships with local breweries, University of Maryland concessions, schools, and businesses.
Now, the move to a permanent location marks a major milestone for the brand. The new restaurant is being made possible in part through a crowdfunding campaign with Honeycomb Credit, where more than 50 investors contributed over $50,000 to help bring the project to life.
Van Jura says the expansion is about more than just growing the business. “This has always been about more than just hot dogs,” he said. “It’s about creating something lasting for my family, for our customers, and for the community that supported us when we needed it most.”
While hot dogs will remain the centerpiece, the Burtonsville location will feature an expanded menu, including hand-spun milkshakes, burgers, wings, and classic sandwiches.
The restaurant’s location along Old Columbia Pike offers easy access from Route 29, Route 198, and I-95, positioning it to draw customers from across the region.
