Darrell Wood’s dream of hawking hot dogs in Wenatchee city parks finally became a reality. The 50-year-old Wenatchee man said he’d been working with city officials since last fall in the hope of “getting out of the mechanic business and doing something fun.”
The Wenatchee City Council has since approved a resolution allowing food vendors in city parks.
Dave Erickson, the city’s parks and recreation director, told the council Thursday night his department had been approached last August by a couple of people interested in operating the temporary commercial concession stands.
He said a quick look at the city’s existing policies indicated there was no formal policy or administrative procedure, although a discussion concerning concessions was found in park board minutes in 1985.
Erickson assured the council that passing the resolution would not result in “a restaurant row” in city parks, adding the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board would limit the number of vendors.
The policy states nonprofits and private enterprises wishing to sell food, beverages or merchandise must first obtain a concession permit from the city, which is still being developed.
The council unanimously approved the resolution, except for Councilwoman Karen Rutherford and Councilman Doug Miller, who were absent from the meeting.
Erickson said after the meeting that the city’s charge for such a business could either be a percentage of the monthly revenue or a flat rate, depending upon the type or size of a vendor’s operation.
Wood said he and his wife, Debbie Wentz, 46, bought the hot dog cart a couple years ago. He described the 6-by-6-foot cart as a two-person, self-contained operation that can be pulled behind a pickup.
Wood’s plan is to set up his D&D Dogs stand in Memorial Park below the Chelan County Courthouse on Chelan Avenue.
“I’ve been a mechanic for 35 years,” he said. “We just wanted to get into a situation where we have a fun job. And people love hot dogs. Every single person who walks up to a hot dog stand has a smile on their face.”
original story at wenatcheeworld
I have been a suscriber to these hot dogs newsletter for months now. I am torn with the idea of starting my own hot dog stand or just concentrating on building my massage therapy practice. I just don’t know. I have not been able to find full time work as a LMT so money became very scarce. I was just wondering if any one does one thing and sell hot dogs “on the side”
Hi Claudio,
Selling hot dogs on the side is how most folks get started. It’s also a great way to supplement your current income, and you never have to go full time unless you want to.
In this new economy I think you’ll be seeing more people with two or three part time gigs – and they will be earning more $ than they did in their old economy J.O.B. (just over broke).
-Steve
Hello folks!
I travel all over SW Washington (state) with my hot dog concession stand. It consists of a Caravan canopy (two of them) and five 6 ft. tables. I have banners and drink coolers, flags and all kinds of “look over here” stuff. I couldn’t find a cart that was large enough for me to tow around and have enough capacity for my gigs.
My wife and (both 62) really enjoy hot dog vending. It’s a good thing we do because I was just laid off from my full-time state job. But if the truth were to be known, I make more money selling my delicious dogs!
We should talk a little about what we sell and how much we charge. I’m happy to lead off if anyone wants to discuss it.
Darrell, Good for you. I just opened my Hot Dog Cart and had my first day of operation. I am also in Washington north of Seattle. Would like to know who built your cart. It looks like a great setup. If you would be so kind as to contact me at fnmi@verizon.net I would love to talk with you. I would also like to talk with Chuck who responded on May 11th. Best of luck to all. Bill