Tallahassee's City Dogs Cafe closing 'forever,' owner shares in social media posts

Kyla A Sanford, Tallahassee Democrat
·2 min read

"A lot of dreams were lost."

Michael Robinson at the bar in City Dogs Cafe.
Michael Robinson at the bar in City Dogs Cafe.

Those are some of the last words Tallahassee is left with for now from City Dogs Cafe and All Saints Art Station owner Michael Robinson.

In a series of Instagram and Facebook posts over the last few weeks, the entrepreneur and artist has shared his triumphs and tribulations when it comes to operating his dream subway station-themed hot dog restaurant on Railroad Avenue.

But he also said that, ultimately, he is just "personally done."

After two years, the establishment that formerly housed the All Saints coffeehouse for 18 years, is closing "forever," Robinson said in a Facebook post on May 12.

Robinson also is the owner of the popular brunch nook Ma's Diner in Bannerman Crossing off Thomasville Road.

The model subway car on the City Dogs Cafe stage.
The model subway car on the City Dogs Cafe stage.

The May 10 tornadoes and storms that tormented the capital "completely destroyed" the hot-dog eatery, Robinson said on the day of the events.

This comes on the heels of earlier reports in the Tallahassee Democrat where Robinson detailed his concerns with the ongoing road construction along Railroad Avenue, proposed to improve pedestrian safety, among other things.

One Facebook user commented under Robinson's post: "That is a devastating blow. You were fighting the good fight. Step back. Take a deep breath. Then plan for the next move. I’m rooting for you!"

Local establishments, including Blue Tavern, are helping in fundraising efforts for Railroad Square tenants and others with an event slated for 4 p.m. on June 2. The fundraiser will include an open jam, live music, a bake sale and silent auction.

The vision for the store went beyond just serving creative hot dog creations that featured a quirky list of ingredients like peaches and onions, but to support the creative endeavors and artists harbored in the city.

In previous stories, Robinson shared his ambitions to nurture the needs of the student market with hopes to foster a space that captured the feeling of passing a performing artist in a subway station, allowing aspiring artists to bring performances and other forms of art to be displayed in the store.

As Robinson posted May 14, "Some of those dreams, you just can't replace them."

Kyla A Sanford covers dining and entertainment for the Tallahassee Democrat. She can be reached at ksanford@tallahassee.com. New restaurant opening up, special deals, or events coming up? Let me know!

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee's City Dogs Cafe closing 'forever,' owner says