Update: Hot Dog Heaven and Ameris Bank Reach an Agreement

Updated: 3:22 p.m.

Hot Dog Heaven has reached an agreement with Ameris Bank, said Becky Wentzel, co-owner of the Main Street restaurant.

“Right now the bank has asked me to say nothing, but we’ve come to an agreement, and everyone is amiable,” said Mrs. Wentzel.

The terms of the agreement have not been released.

Tommy Wyatt, senior operations office of Ameris Bank, said as a financial institution, they are unable to disclose specific customer information.

Original Report: 9:30 a.m.

Hot Dog Heaven continues its fight with the threat of closing, but a solution may be on the horizon.

11Alive reported Thursday co-owner Barney Wentzel and representatives from Ameris Bank are discussing a 29-month extension on the business loan. The bank initially offered an 18-month extension earlier in the week, but the Wentzels are seeking the full 36-month renewal, and Wentzel said he hopes to reach a final agreement at their next meeting.

Steve Melton, executive vice president of Ameris Bank, told 11Alive the bank has $2 million dollars in loans and an average business loan is $148,000.

Hot Dog Heaven has a $258,000 loan they renew every three years. a letter Nov. 7 stating the owners, Paul “Barney” and Carolyn “Becky” Wentzel, must pay off their renewed loan or sell the business.

The Cherokee Tribune said the restaurant originally obtained its loan with Bank of Woodstock, but Ameris Bank took over the branch after its parent bank, United Security Bank of Sparta, failed in November 2009.

Hot Dog Heaven opened its doors in 2003. Mr. Wentzel said they have never missed a payment nor have they been late with their payments.

In 2006, the owners opened the Canton Hot Dog Heaven in Downtown Canton, but sold that business in 2007, according to The Cherokee Tribune.

Now, Mr. Wentzel says business is as good as ever and still questions the motives of the bank. to expand the business and open a bakery to compliment the Chicago-style hotdogs.

CBS Atlanta said Ameris Bank released a statement saying, "If a small business customer has problems, we will meet them more than halfway in an effort to find a solution. We are proud of our record of supporting small businesses and their communities."

The Wentzels and Ameris Bank representatives meet again Nov. 29 to negotiate extending Hot Dog Heaven’s loan.

See the original report here: .