It must be Spring, Andy is back with his hot dog cart
“It’s officially Spring,” Ken Vampola said while sitting on a Main Street bench Friday afternoon.
He wasn’t talking about blooming plants or Robins chirping, the judge was referring to the first day Andy Manes was peddling hot dogs on the corner of Sixth and Main streets.
Others were equally eager to see the loveable curmudgeon peddling his custom made, Chicago-style hot dogs and Polish sausage from his cart for the first time this year. There was a steady stream of people taking advantage of their first opportunity to visit the cart.
“When I’m out, they want to eat a hot dog,” Manes said. “That’s the way it’s supposed to be. Support your downtown businesses.”
For many, it was an especially good sign to see him manning his cart for the first time of the year.
The restaurateur, who also owns Andy’s On 1st, said he made the decision earlier this week to open his hot dog cart for the year after hearing a favorable weather forecast. He was itching to get out to begin his 22nd year at the corner of Sixth and Main streets in front of Fremont National Bank selling hot dogs from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays when the weather allows.
“I am very happy to be back. I’m here and if the weather is halfway decent, I’ll be here,” Manes said. “It’s my persona that has to be maintained.”
That persona includes constant banter with friends and customers and loads of sarcasm.
“Most of it’s an act,” Manes said with a coy smile. “I really do like people and enjoy being out here.”
However, he’s also quick to admit to some curmudgeonly ways.
“I’m going to tell you what I think,” Manes said. “There’s no part of me that’s politically correct.”
original story from the Fremont Underground
People you LOVE to hate for reasons that never were…..controversy sells…….!!!!!
Hey Joe,
If you do it in a friendly manner, a little back and forth is great for sales. People like to be engaged. It’s 5 minutes of stimulation in an otherwise boring day.
Just be sure everyone leaves as a friend.
-Steve
Hey, Im trying to start up a cart here in north carolina. Its like really tough to find a commisary partner. does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks Rick
Commissary Space for Rent – Greensboro, NC
We have just opened a new commissary with garage door to move your cart in and out all approved by county health department.
For more information please call Clarence or Patricia. Thank you.
phone: 336-510-7746
More and more I get excited with looking into this business. Funds are slowly growing towards my cart and one day I’ll be on that corner.
Hello Steve,
First let me say I really enjoy your website and believe it will be better for me to build your cart than buy one. The only problem holding me back from starting is the new regulations concerning the commisary. I live in the Marietta GA area and wonder if anyone can help me with the commirsary.
Best Regards,
Maurice
Hi Maurice,
Here’s the deal in Georgia. Only one commissary license is issued per establishment. That means only the owner of the commissary can run a cart, but here is a work-around that should satisfy everyone:
Find a caterer, bakery, bar or some other non-competing food business with a commercial kitchen. Offer to work for him, not as an employee but as a subcontractor. That way he won’t have to bother with payroll, taxes, etc. He receives the revenue and pays you 80 to 95 percent.
This arrangement works out as if you were renting commissary space from him, but should also comply with the Georgia commissary rule.
As usual, check it out for yourself before you start.
-Steve
We have a very large former catering facility near downtown Greensboro. It is available for lease. The kitchen has a 50 foot hood with full equipment, refrigeration and storage. If you are interested, please call or email.
Don Gilchrist, principal
National Restaurant Properties
336-808-1360 office
336-508-5644 cell