Boobies!

After biting into his first chili-covered Boobie Burger, Mike Burnette of Meridian called it "as good as Tommy's," referencing the Southern California hamburger chain famous for its chili burgers.

Like many customers, Burnette was drawn to Boobies by the restaurant's name, which also has drawn the attention of the local media and some disapproving neighbors in this mostly residential section of Ustick Road.

David Foldesi, who owns and operates the Southwestern-themed restaurant with his partner, Debbie Smith, expected as much.

Relax, folks - Boobie is a dog.

"This is just a boy-and-his-dog story," Foldesi said. "I love my dog."

You'll find the 13-year-old dog's picture on the wall, and if you ask, a colorful story about the origins of her - and the restaurant's - name.

What you won't find are scantily-clad servers or anything else suggesting Boobies is trying to be a local answer to Hooters.

Foldesi named the dog Boobie because after she was born, she would not stop suckling her mother. (The birth had been a long and difficult one for Boobie and her mom.)

As for applying Boobie's name to the restaurant, which opened Feb. 28 with Foldesi, Smith and head cook Matthew W. Uhl at the helm, one of the first things that popped in Foldesi's mind was the delicious alliteration of "Boobie Burger."

That item, a chili burger available as a single, double and triple, is part of a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu that draws its influences from Southwestern and Cajun cuisines.

Smothered on the Boobie Burger, as well as hot dogs, burritos and nachos, is Boobies' Secret Chili, a recipe Foldesi tinkered with for years before perfecting it.

Because it is secret, Foldesi would not reveal details about the chili, other than to say it's a Texas-style recipe, which means no beans, no tomatoes and a lot of beef.

Boobie approves.

"She loves the chili," Smith said.

If chili isn't your thing, Boobies serves chicken dishes, meatball sandwiches, gumbo and shrimp.

The restaurant held its grand opening Friday. If it takes off, Foldesi and Smith hope to bring Boobies to other areas of town.