Permanent signage is now up at the future home of Catalyst Hot Dogs in Burtonsville, as the popular Montgomery County food truck continues working toward the opening of its first brick-and-mortar restaurant.
Owner Chris Van Jura tells The MoCoShow that the restaurant is currently targeting an early 2027 opening at 15547 Old Columbia Pike, the former home of Jeffrey’s/Jerry’s Subs & Pizza. “We’re deep in the permit process and the county has been so great to work with thus far,” Van Jura said. “We’re hopeful and optimistic that we’ll have permitting approval in the near future and at this point are targeting an ‘early 2027’ opening.”
Catalyst Hot Dogs, founded by Van Jura in 2020, has grown into one of Montgomery County’s more recognizable food trucks. Van Jura, a hospitality industry veteran, launched the business after facing two layoffs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The business has built a following for its New Jersey-style hot dogs made with premium, locally sourced beef and house-made toppings. Over the years, Catalyst has expanded beyond traditional food truck stops through partnerships with local breweries, schools, businesses, and concessions at the University of Maryland.
The Burtonsville restaurant will expand on the food truck menu, with plans for hand-spun milkshakes, burgers, wings, classic sandwiches, and other offerings in addition to the hot dogs that have been the centerpiece of the business.
The project has also received support from customers and community members through a Honeycomb Credit crowdfunding campaign. More than 50 investors contributed over $50,000 toward the restaurant project.
“This has always been about more than just hot dogs,” Van Jura told us when the permanent location was first announced earlier this year. “It’s about creating something lasting for my family, for our customers, and for the community that supported us when we needed it most.”
The restaurant is located along Old Columbia Pike near Route 198 and Route 29. We’ll provide additional updates as Catalyst gets closer to its planned early 2027 opening.
