Years in the making. The rumors floating in downtown Olympia are true: Sarah’s Love Bites has officially opened for business. After a dogged effort by Max Zavestra and Sarah Jenkins, they are now serving custom hot dogs on 5th Avenue, across from the Capitol Theatre.
The two owners bubble with enthusiasm and positivity when speaking about their business venture. This new dog is long in the tooth. Zavestra and Jenkins made the plunge into business all the way back in August 2020.
A calamity of the COVID-19 pandemic, a fire, and even bursting pipes delayed opening until recently. “I worked two to three jobs to stay afloat,” Jenkins said of the long journey to opening.
“People are starting to come back to downtown,” Jenkins told The JOLT. Sarah’s Love Bites is one of a growing number of small businesses opening in Downtown Olympia as boarded windows are turning to smiling vendors. Watch for more stories soon.
Jenkins has been cooking since she was 12 years old, starting with biscuits and gravy. She said, “I love having something that is simple, and making it delicious.” Zavestra, her partner in
business and life, added, “There wasn’t a good hot dog place in Olympia, and now we are the best!”
During the JOLT interview, Cora Barker came in for the first time for lunch. She is a self-described hot dog enthusiast. She told The JOLT, “I’m thrilled to have a hot dog restaurant in Olympia.” She ordered a “Chicago dog” and described her experience as “fabulous.” She expects Sarah’s Love Bites to be a regular stop for food.
Sarah’s Love Bites is all about the dogs, but there are unique menu items to appeal to all hungry tummies. Jenkins shared, “I have a philosophy: Food should never make you sad.” She lists the grilled cheese sandwich as one of her favorite menu items.
“I’m a little saucy.” she said while describing the special toppings and themed hot dogs she creates. The restaurateurs made a special note that they get their spices for their custom sauces locally sourced from their neighbor, Buck’s Spices; which is located in the same building.
Jenkins and Zavestra hope to create a long-lasting downtown staple for the community. The eatery has a space off the main floor with a stage. Sunday, September 24, was the first open mic night with a “dad joke” theme.
Sarah’s Love Bites can be found on Instagram @SarahsLoveBites. The restaurant is located at 211 5th Ave SE, and is open seven days a week.
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