If you’re Roanoke businessman Mike Whiteside, it wasn’t too far back. While casting lines with friends and friends of friends, he learned that the guy holding the pole beside him was a producer for the hit reality show John & Kate Plus Eight.
Between baiting hooks, the two got to talking about Mike’s work. He reclaims architectural treasures–mantels, doors, floors, shutters, you name it–from old buildings that are about to be torn down. He sales his finds, along with business partner Robert Kulp, in the Roanoke shop Black Dog Salvage.
Now, skip ahead a few months. DIY Network has turned its cameras on this history-loving duo and their ragtag crew. They’ve shot hundreds of hours of footage and cut it into a new series aptly called Salvage Dawgs.
A 12′ tall statue is among the shop’s quirkier finds.
The show premiered in November and was an immediate hit. When I asked Christa Stephens, Blackdog’s marketing manager about its impact, she laughed and said, “We’ve got a parking problem.” Salvage Dawgs has sparked a swarm of new customers. “Folks are finding us who didn’t know we were even here,” she added.
When they arrive, people discover more than architectural treasures. Beyond the expected doors and shutters, Blackdog Salvage boasts a 14,000 square foot “marketplace.” Stall after stall is filled with home and garden furnishings, both old and new; stained glass; gifts; and crafts from artisans across the region.
Salvage Dawgs hasn’t just captured shoppers’ attention. It has also turned heads at Knoxville-based Scripps Networks Interactive. After the show’s initial success on DIY, its first four episodes are about to air on sister channel HGTV, which reaches about twice as many households.
You can catch the HGTV airings on January 3 and 10, 2013. They are currently slated to run at 8 and 8:30 ET both nights, but be sure to check your local listings.
If you have DYI, you can watch Salvage Dogs even sooner. Two episodes air tonight, and all five original episodes air New Years Day.
What’s better than seeing the show?
Visiting Black Dog Salvage in person, of course. The warehouse-sized store is open Monday through Saturday, 9 AM – 5 PM. Think you’ll make it out? If you’ve ever been, what are some of your favorite finds?
Tell us what you think of the shop and the show. Post a comment below.
I am fortunate to reside in Roanoke where this unique and wonderful store is. take time to stop by and plan to spend some time. There are lots of interesting items to see.
Thanks so much for the mention Mark! We look forward to seeing you the next time you’re in the ‘Noke! Happy New Year, Christa
Wish I lived closer! Love the items on EBAY but don’t have that kind of money! Hoping they will sell some more reasonably (Middle class) priced items soon!
Replying to Susan Austin…
There are MANY reasonably priced items at THE DOG and the marketplace!
I was visiting from Pennnsylvania and did lots of Christmas shopping there!
Very eclectic!
I’ve known about Black Dog Salvage since fhey opened. They have the neatest stuff and also have hilarious atitude with customers. Its a really fun and fascinating place to go and just look around. They will even accomodate your inability to rewire lamps by doing it for you. And they know every artisan and handyman around Southwest Virginia.
I recommend it.
Just saw the show and it is fantastic. Salvage Dawgs and American Restorers are my favorite TV shows.
Absolutely love this show and what they do. Think I might have a new favorite!
Love, love, love this show!!! It’s nice to see something besides House Hunters on HGTV every night. They need something new, hopefuly this will become a weekly show.
Saw your show for the first time last night and really enjoyed it! What a great business concept.
Well I’m a HH International addict but I’m loving this show & Rehab Addict. AND I’m sure my spouse is glad to have something else to watch too
We have an old bath tub and we only have two of the feet. I was wondering if you have extra feet that you might sell.
Thank you,
Lindy
Hi Lindy. This sounds like exactly the kind of thing they might have. You find the contact info for Black Dog Salvage at http://www.blackdogsalvage.com.