The Black Dog

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For other uses, see Black dog.

The Black Dog was originally a restaurant and tavern, with an eponymous Black Dog, in Vineyard Haven on the island of Martha's Vineyard. It became well known for its souvenir t-shirts and expanded to sell other products with its Black Dog logo in a number of enterprises.

The Black Dog t-shirts became well-known during the 90s as photographs of celebrities wearing the shirts began appearing in national publications. For example, a photograph of then-President Bill Clinton jogging while wearing one was distributed by national wire services.

Marketing at The Black Dog was effective. During the early 90s, one could only purchase the merchandise at the Martha's Vineyard location. Only a limited number of people were allowed in the store at one time, so lines formed down the wooden fenced ramp that ran from the front door. While waiting in line, visitors were given catalogs to browse. Nowadays, the merchandise is also available at "mainland" Cape Cod and Newport "Black Dog" stores as well as online.