Americans have enjoyed burgers for over a century. While the invention date of burgers is debated, there is no doubt Americans love the classic beef patty with some cheese and condiments. Deputy Dawgz & Smash Burgers is one of the latest burger spots in Las Cruces. The business is currently a food truck but is in the process of transitioning into a burger and hot dog restaurant, located at 930 El Paseo Road. The truck currently serves a creative take on the popular smash burgers, as well as hot dogs and fries.
The food truck came onto the scene in Las Cruces in 2023, and was started by Gino Rizzon and Jeffrey Koza. The idea for the business is something that Rizzo has wanted to do since he was a teenager. The idea to make the food truck into a restaurant came because they were starting to get popular.
“I felt that the amount of food being pushed out of the truck just wasn’t enough. We kept running out of food, I only have so much space in my freezer. So, you know every event, whether it’s a private event or not, we always ran out of food. So, we kind of just said ‘You know what dude I think it’s time for a restaurant,’” Rizzon said.
Koza touched on why he thinks Deputy Dawgz is so popular and why people feel so inclined to visit their truck or even book them for events.
“Honestly, it’s the happy, friendly vibe. They love the artwork on the building and on the truck, they love our burgers,” Koza said, “I like it because we get to interact with a lot of people from Cruces and we’ve met so many great people and continue to meet great people. It makes us want to do it over and over.”
Their popularity, as mentioned before, comes from their various creations that amplify the burgers, hotdogs, and French fries. Both owners shared their favorite menu items and gave their insight on some items that may be returning to the menu with the opening of the restaurant.
“I’ve got two of them, I really like the Wyatt Burger that is one of my absolute favorites, I love the bacon and cheese and the barbecue sauce. I gotta go with the Cali Animal Style Fries though [as my favorite]. If people want to play it safe and test our food their first time, I usually recommend the Cali Classic, it’s one of our more ordinary burgers that is still amazing. It’s got our deputy sauce on it, you can imagine like a double-double with cheese that’s pretty much what you’ll be getting,” Koza said.
Rizzo gave a look at what fan favorite will be making a return with the restaurant opening back up.
“One of my favorite items I actually took it off the menu but eventually I will put it back on because I wanted to make it a little simpler on me when it comes to the food truck, but my favorite hotdog has to be the Huckleberry Hound Dog and is one that is not [currently] on the menu. It’s got huckleberry jam, peanut butter, banana slices, maple syrup and then the hotdog is wrapped in bacon,” Rizzon said. “Then, burger would have to be the Wyatt Burger.”
Aaron Lara, a junior in chemical engineering, shared that he loves trying new things, loves food, and would like to grab a bite to eat there soon.
“I have never heard of [Deputy Dawgz], but it sounds amazing, hot dogs are my favorite food, so I’ll have to check it out. I live near El Paseo and would like to try it out,” Lara said.
The menu has enticed many people over the past couple years and Lara has taken interest in one of the menu items.
“I really like the idea of the Sunrise Dog, I don’t think I have ever heard of a breakfast hot dog before,” Lara said.
Rizzon shared that he hopes to open by April and said the restaurant is looking great. He also shared that they plan to do deals for New Mexico State University students.
“Like an Aggie Combo, anywhere between six, seven bucks with fries, a drink, and a plain cheeseburger. We understand that students sometimes are on a budget, just show your NMSU ID,” Rizzon said.
