HAVERHILL — The dog days are almost over for one of Haverhill’s newest dinner spots, where a nearly century-old building is getting a facelift.
Folks cruising past the McDonald’s in Bradford may have noticed some recent changes to the neighboring property. Now, a pup sporting shades and a blue cowboy hat greets pedestrians.
Big Dawg’s Eatery prepares to unleash its cuisine at 75 South Main St., treating the community to American-style food with Italian and Spanish flair. The long-awaited opening of the restaurant, owned by Robert Lapierre, is set for Monday, Jan. 13.
Built in 1936, the building has been given a top-to-bottom makeover.
Before Big Dawg’s, the property housed a range of restaurants, including Kelly’s Bar and Grill, Gatti’s Pub, Ronnie D’s, and Bradford Brew House.
“I intend to be the last one,” its newest owner said, referencing the revolving door of restaurants in the property’s past. “I think I did approach this a lot different from previous owners.”
Lapierre, who’s known as “Big Dawg” by friends, aims to leave no stone unturned, patching up almost all of the property’s imperfections. Developing the building was an eight-month expedition that included fixing leaks, rebuilding the interior, and repositioning entrances.
The spot is completely transformed and is now on par with the popular restaurants of today, according to the owner.
None of this would have been possible without Lapierre’s handyman and buddy, Mark Sanderson, who does maintenance at the owner’s other restaurant, Bradford Village Square.
The duo have worked together for more than two decades, previously flipping houses, which gave them a knack for handiwork.
Sanderson reflected on his carpentry, painting, electrical work, as he gazed across the shop’s interior, days before crossing the finish line.
“It feels good to be almost done,” Sanderson said. “Every job you finish is just a day closer to the next one.”
Booths and barstools hug the walls and a lineup of flat screen televisions hangs above. A bar sits in the center of the main room beside a jukebox and the restaurant’s entertainment corner.
The walls are adorned with vintage photos and sports posters, including a framed newspaper from the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. The decorations are intended to blend a classic vibe with the modern-day, sleek look of the interior.
Another wall features a painting honoring long-time bartender William Donovan, who stood faithfully behind the bar through nearly every iteration of business at 75 South Main.
Donovan will remain associated with the property, as he will have a spot at Big Dawg’s, according to Lapierre.
Foodies can’t wait to get their paws on Big Dawg’s menu, as the restaurant has racked up more than 600 followers on Facebook.
Lapierre said he anticipates a crowd to come and check out the new and improved property, believing that many locals have built a connection with the building over the years.
With a staff about 20 strong, Big Dawg’s will serve up comfort food for the whole family starting next week.
“I want people to come in and enjoy themselves,” Lapierre said. “I want them to feel at home, and I designed it and built it this way so they would feel at home.”