Former Cheeks Bar's New Management Declares Family Friendly Environment
In October 2011, the former manager of Cheeks Sports Bar and Grill painted a mural on the side of the building that residents called offensive and too risque.
The sign above the door as you walk into C Dogz, formerly Cheeks Sports Bar & Grill, announces a new era for the historically controversial bar--"UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT."
In October 2011, the former manager of Cheeks Sports Bar and Grill painted a mural on the side of the building that residents called offensive and too risque. The mural was removed after public outcry. Cheeks' name was changed to C Dogs in March 2012.
Doug Mott, 32, of Newport, took over operations at C Dogz about a month ago and began pushing for a family-friendly environment that's fit for everyone.
Mott said people have already begun to witness a change in the formerly risque environment.
"People that come to C-Dogz now say they are going to come back with their friends and families," Mott said.
Aside from managing the restaurant, Mott said he is also in the process of purchasing it, but a liquor license transfer could take up to six months before the sale is final.
The waitstaff are respectably dressed, according to Mott. He added he has no plans to paint a risque mural on the side of the building.
"I don't know what they were thinking," Mott said. "There is nothing sexual in any way."
Mott has added several new menu items including a breakfast menu beginning at 7 a.m. Fridays only, and C Dogz now offers dart leagues on Monday, Thursday and Sunday.
Motts is currently working on a new name for C Dogz and pans to announce the new name in the near future.
C Dogz is open from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday; from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and from noon to 2 a.m. Sunday.
For more information contact Doug Mott at C Dogz 734-675-0738.
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Sharon
12:29 pm on Wednesday, February 20, 2013
I wish the owners (any owners) luck with a new business venture, but as a 25+ year Trenton resident, I can honestly say I have no idea where this business even is. I looked at the map and still can say that I've never even noticed the place.
Doug
11:31 pm on Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Thanks for the comment Sharon. We really appreciate your feedback. Our establishment is located at 2441 Van Horn Rd. on the Corner of Lathrop between Fort and Jefferson. That being said, the building is located toward the back of the lot, therefore one of our challenges this spring will be to make some improvements to the exterior of the building and surrounding grounds to help call attention to C Dogz Bar & Grille. It is important to us that we listen to the community and your comment speaks volumes to the current "Curb Appeal". I welcome you to stop by to visit this small bar that has a rich history in the Trenton area.
emma
7:22 am on Thursday, February 21, 2013
Rich history goes hand in hand with the Trenton Engine Plant. Good job to come in with positive ideas. The exterior does need a facelift to get people to come by. Of course, the most important thing is good food and service. They always had great burgers. Good luck to you.
Doug
6:56 pm on Thursday, February 21, 2013
Thanks Emma... I appreciate it. Not to brag, but the burgers have always been good here and that is one thing that I am proud to say I am not going to change. We are however adding a few new specialty burgers to the menu to improve upon an already great thing.
For example, we are now offering a "Hawaiian Burger". This is our traditional 1/2 lb ground chuck marinated with teriyaki sauce and served with a grilled pineapple slice, grilled ham, swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle on a toasted bun. I literally just had one and it was amazing. :)
sharron jackson
9:18 am on Thursday, February 21, 2013
I wouldn't choose to drink there, Trenton Police park and hide on Van Horn from Allen Rd. to W. Jefferson. Thats why GI residents go thru downtown Trenton to go home.
michelle
9:32 am on Thursday, February 21, 2013
Sharon the best way to describe is that it is across from the Chrysler plant, near Carefree lawn center. It does sit back.
I am not sure if I have ever been in there. It wouldn't hurt to come check it out. It is close to home. I live near Fort and Van Horn.
Lindsay Davis
10:25 am on Thursday, February 21, 2013
I'm hoping for a few good michigan craft beers such as Bells or Founders or Detroit Beer Co. or Original Gravity Brewing Co. or Arbor Brewing Company ... well I could go on and on just something besides just bud and miller light that has flavor.
emma
1:05 pm on Thursday, February 21, 2013
Spot on. Michigan craft beers like Bells and Founders would help in upgrading the menu. If you are going to have a beer- have a real one!!
sharron jackson
11:05 am on Thursday, February 21, 2013
Sharon doesn't get out much
stash olipcoshits
1:17 pm on Thursday, February 21, 2013
are you the son of David Mott?
Doug
7:12 pm on Thursday, February 21, 2013
I am not related to David... oddly enough, you are the second person today to ask that question.
I stopped at the fish market this afternoon to pick up our fresh fish for "Fish Fryday" and I was asked if I was any relation.
jflip
3:36 pm on Thursday, February 21, 2013
The former " CHEEKED BAR SUCKED" cant wait to give the new place a try, it already sounds good. New owners, I like it alredy.
Doug
7:21 pm on Thursday, February 21, 2013
Thanks... I was not around during the Cheeks era, so I can not speak for them, and I do not want to say anything negative about anyone. I am just happy to hear the community is ready for a change. Stop in sometime and check us out. I appreciate the positive feedback!
cscharlt
5:02 pm on Thursday, February 21, 2013
You will have a lot of less-than-desirable reputation to make up for. The previous ownership clearly targeted the young single male adult crowd, as any man with a significant other that went there with or without here would be troubled waters for sure. From what I heard of it before that, it was frequented by the plant people at various shift hours making it not as "family oriented" as it could have been. If they want any luck, shoot for a "Mr. Nicks"-esque atmosphere and just focus on not being a dump. Don't try to do anything special or break new ground for what a bar downriver is - rather just have a wait staff that doesn't suck, serve a good selection of beer, and if you really want to keep a steady day business, figure out a few good menu items that don't involve the deep fryer.
Doug
7:41 pm on Thursday, February 21, 2013
Thanks for the suggestions. We are definitely working to clean up this establishment. We plan to expand our beer selection and have already begun to improve upon our menu. We are beginning to establish daily specials, such as "Taco Tuesday" and "Fish Fryday". This week we had Coney Dogs on Wednesday and we offered a Steak Dinner on Thursday. We are really trying to get a feel for what the community would like to see. Once we have that understanding, we plan to be consistent in our daily specials. Aside from our daily specials we have delicious 1/2 lb burgers made from top quality ground chuck. We have also already added a Tilapia Dinner to our menu, as we understand the importance of offering a variety of good meals that are lower in fat.
cscharlt
9:49 am on Friday, February 22, 2013
glad to hear that sort of response Doug - might have to check it out soon...
Kyle Stack
11:42 am on Sunday, February 24, 2013
I welcome you and the changes you want to make to your establishment. Trenton is not the place for the previous business. I wish you luck, I believe you have the right attitude and ideas to make this a place that will work in our community. It was a pleasure meeting you at our last Council meeting and letting the residents know what you have in mind. Thank you and I will be by in the near future to check out your business.
Doug
2:48 pm on Monday, February 25, 2013
Thank you! It was a pleasure meeting you as well. Everyone was extremely welcoming and courteous at the Council meeting. I am excited to be a part of this great community and look forward to becoming more involved and to assist in any way I can. Please do not hesitate to contact me if there is anything that I can do to help. I look forward to your visit and appreciate you taking the time to show your support.