Frequent fans of the Hot Dog Truck will have heard of Jeff from Horizon Technology. Jeff has been to the Hot Dog Truck for lunch 59 times this year-that's 118 hot dogs!
He's always telling his crew at work about the fine cuisine he dines on each time he makes his way to my charcouterie on wheels and he managed to drag Bob and Andrew from his office out for some lunch today. Here they are posing with their meals.
Jeff is very enthusiastic about his status as my #1 customer. He gave Bob and Andrew "the Grand Tour" of my establishment which is no more than a walk around the exterior of the truck! While most of my customers can figure out how to order a hot dog, Jeff feels the need to describe in great detail the procedure for acquiring one's lunch (like Bob and Andrew have never ordered their own lunch ever). Jeff's enthusiasm is enlightening however and I do enjoy his daily visits.
He did get a bit discouraged when I pointed out that he forgot to wear the "company uniform" of tan chinos and a blue shirt, but what the hell, if he wants to dress like an 11 year old whose mom shops for him at local yard sales, that's his business!
Thanks for stopping by guys!
Maitre' d for a Day
Cafe?
In my quest for a new spot, I have come across an opportunity to lease a small cafe. It is less than 2 miles from where the Hot Dog Truck used to be, so I will still be able to service my loyal clientele. If this happens, it will happen fast-by the end of the month!
I went and looked at it today and it oozes "classic hot dog joint." I am pretty excited. It would mean a lot more hours and responsibilities, but I am used to working long hours. I'd have an expanded menu, but hot dogs would still be the "anchor" item. I'd be able to make my homemade relishes too.
I'll keep y'all posted.....
THANK YOU
I would like to thank all my customers who have made 2007 a successful year at the Hot Dog Truck. I enjoy my work and everyone (well almost everyone-you know who you are) is an absolute pleasure to serve. I appreciate the kind comments I've received from many of you over the past few weeks and I wish each and every hot dog lovin' one of you a safe and joyous Christmas season and a happy and prosperous New Year.
The Hot Dog Truck will be back in March-somewhere! I will post my new location here and will contact some of you directly.
Once again, THANK YOU for your patronage, your loyalty and your love of a good hot dog!
-Very truly yours,
The Hotdogman
The End of the Season
The Hot Dog Truck went out with a whimper. Yesterday was a strong sales day, today was not. Of course more folks came by to get their last dogs of 2007, but many more were at company Christmas parties or just not working.
Many people will be running around, making last minute preparations for the long holiday weekend. Unfortunately, hot dogs weren't in the picture. I was a little melancholy as I packed things up for the final time this year, but I'll be back soon.
Only 55 days until pitchers and catchers report!
That's Snow Biz
It was another crappy, snowy New England day today. I ALMOST didn't open the Hot Dog Truck. Tuesday a couple of guys from BOSE said they were coming down with "a crowd" today so I felt obligated to open. BOSE is having a Christmas party tomorrow and nobody will be coming out for Hot Dogs.
The guys showed and pigged out as the snow fell. A lot of other people came out too. I was very busy, despite the snow. Everyone is coming to say goodbye to the hotdogman until spring and to get their last fix of the best hot dogs in 2007.
Tomorrow is the last day of the season. I'll be spending the next week with the family, celebrating Christmas, taking a road trip to Montreal and generally relaxing.
Let it SNOW!
Countdown to the End of the Season
Lots of customers are coming by to say their farewells to the hotdogman before I close up the Hot Dog Truck for the season. Yesterday, one guy drove an hour out of his way just to get his final dog for 2007! Tomorrow I am expecting several large parties from nearby offices who want to have a Holiday Hot Dog Party before I shut down for the season.
It has been very cold and snowy here, so it is an easy decision to close, even if it's bittersweet.
Snow Day
The hotdogman took a snow day today. I needed to shovel out the Hot Dog Truck AND my own driveway to prepare for the weekend storm or I'd be behind the 8 ball next week.
Next week is the last week of the season for the Hot Dog Truck with Friday December 21 being the final day for business.
I feel I am prepared to open Monday as long as a decent plow job is done on Sunday after the storm passes through. I must say the plow guy at this site did a far better job than the guy at the other site!
See you Monday, enjoy the storm!
Why close for the winter?
Many people ask why I am closing for the winter. The answer is a purely economic one. In January, February and a decent chunk of March, it is a break even business. I can break even at home!
Seasonal workers (landscapers, painters, pool cleaners etc.) aren't out in the winter. Office workers won't leave their cubes to stand outside in 10 degree weather to get a hot dog. Not to mention the fact that the soda, the condiments and even the chili freezes!
I know, I've been out the past two winters. I go home most days cold and broke!
If I knew I'd sell 100 or more hot dogs a day, I'd stay out there. It simply doesn't happen. So I'll see you in the spring!
Coming down to the wire
There are less than two weeks left in the season for the Hot Dog Truck. I am wishing a Merry Christmas and saying my goodbyes to many customers. Some hot dog lovers are ordering an extra dog or two, hoping that will hold them over until March.
I am a bit melancholy as I have never closed for the winter since my first season. I don't know what I am going to do with myself! I'll probably get a job (UGH) for a few months to earn some spare change.
There is a big storm that may hit this Sunday, a N'Or Easter, and THAT could wreak havoc on my final week.
Stay tuned.....
Cooling Up
It was still pretty cold out today, but the sun was out and there was no wind so it didn't feel so desolate at the Hot Dog Truck. It was a lot busier too. Verizon had crews pulling fiber in the area and I had some hungry Verizon guys munching on dogs at 10:30 in the morning. There were also some guys cutting trees along the power lines in the area who were hungry too.
A host of regulars made their appearance as well. The Monday and Tuesday crowd who didn't show earlier this week were out in force too. Many regulars are saying their goodbyes for the season and pondering where they'll get their hot dog fix in the next two and a half to three months.
You just never know in this business!
That's Snow Biz
Today was the day that makes me want to go home for the season. It SNOWED for the first time this season today!
Snow (or anything falling from the sky in abundance) is BAD for business. People just don't like standing around in the snow eating hot dogs-go figure. Don't get me wrong, I had customers and I made a few bucks, but nothing like a non snowy day of sales. It's supposed to melt tonight and tomorrow, so I'm not too worried, but it still sucks.
I just need to stay open until Christmas time so I'll have some extra cash for some presents.
GO AWAY SNOW!!!!
RELOCATED!!!!
I have relocated until the end of the season (December 21) about 300 yards south on route 30 in the parking area of Bartolini Construction, Next to Northern Corp. WATCH FOR THE SIGNS!
OPEN 10:30 AM-3 PM
What's Next
The Hot Dog Truck will be closing for the season at the end of the month and reopening in March (weather will dictate exactly when). This will be my first winter NOT being open in two years. Winter has not been good for business. From mid March through Thanksgiving, the Hot Dog Truck is ROCKIN and busy. During the winter it's cold, lonely and not very profitable. It would be nice to find an indoor location, that seems like the next logical step. I think with my current following, I'd do OK.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
A Sign for All Times
I stumbled on this sign at Tip O' the Day.
I've been accused of being a bit slow at times by some of my more "sensitive" customers. The reason there is a short wait for your dogs at the Hot Dog Truck is the grilled bun. A properly grilled bun is a key ingredient to a delicious hot dog. Each individually crafted dog takes time. So I'd say the service at the Hot Dog Truck tends to be in line with the first example in this sign.
It's All About the BUNS!!
Feeling Appreciated
Since I am closing for the season in a couple of months and won't return to my current spot, many customers are expressing their appreciation for my Hot Dog Truck. Almost everyone has commented on how much they like having me in the area. Many folks won't get a hot dog from any other roadside vendor! Customers stop in to chat while they eat and they often run into other folks they know. On a nice day, my picnic tables are crowded with an assortment of folks enjoying their hot dogs and each other's company.
Every day lately, someone has said something to the effect of "thanks for being here, hotdogman."
It makes me feel good about what I'm doing.
Construction Update
They are literally ripping apart the parking lot around me. There is a huge hole where they've dug a foundation about 20 feet from my truck. The lot is no longer paved-it's now packed dirt. There is limited parking and the noise of the machinery doing this work is deafening.
Sounds like it would impact business negatively, doesn't it?
Nothing could be further from the truth! The delightful autumn weather has kept the hot dog loving populace coming out in droves to the Hot Dog Truck and they don't seem to mind the noise or the mess as long as the best hot dogs on the planet are there for them. I've also made inroads to new locations. Once I have a solid location lined up, I'll announce it here.
I have found over the past few weeks how much my silly little Hot Dog Truck means to the hot dog loving locals. Many folks are saddened by the eminent departure from the current site, but hope to have an even better location come spring time.
In the mean time, the best hot dogs will still be available at the Hot Dog Truck!
Update on the Hot Dog Truck
A little over a week ago, I told everyone my landlord kicked me off my spot. He gave me three days notice to move my business. He's building a car wash on the property and there is no room for the Hot Dog Truck or customer cars. I will not be at the same spot in the spring time. Massachusetts Law requires I be given 30 days written notice. I have not moved and have still not been given proper notice. My lawyer is handling the details and his advice to me has been "go sell hot dogs." Well, my lawyer informed me today that I will be staying in the same spot until the end of the year. He made the landlord see the error of his ways (ie he threatened to sue the pants off him) so I can stay! I had planned to close for the season on December 21, so this is perfect!
I will eventually relocate; there are plenty of spots for me and the best hot dogs on the planet. I will NOT be open in the winter, period. I've been open the past two winters and it's a "break even" proposition" at best. Plus it's friggin cold! If I do my student teaching, I won't reopen until the school year ends.
I'd really LOVE to open a small "hot dog joint" in a "real" location someday. I'd call it "The Hot Dog Truck Diner" and it would most likely do very well!
The journey continues......
10 Things to Do on a Rainy Day at the Hot Dog Truck
We haven't had much rain this year, at least not since April, until today. I began writing this post back in April, but it got forgotten since it didn't rain much. Since it rained today, I decided to complete it.
Here it is:
Well today was a crappy weather day! Things looked good until it started raining/snowing (yes SNOW IN APRIL) around 10:30, then it died. Besides agonizing about non-realized income and whether or not to cancel Little League practice tonight, there are many ways to pass the time.
Here are the top 10 Things to Do on a Rainy Day at the Hot Dog Truck:
10. Play TETRIS on my cell phone (high score 194,816!)
9. Re-arrange the buckets catching water that drips through the skylights
8. Count the hot dogs
7. Think of things to write for the Hot Dog Truck
6. Inventory the straws
5. Call my wife every ten minutes and say "whatcha doin" then say "sorry gotta go." This drives her nuts.
4. Call Little League team to cancel practice.
3. Rehearse my acceptance speech to the "Hot Dog Hall of Fame."
2. Wonder if it would be too lame for a 43 year old to go to the Van Halen reunion concert.
1. Restrain self from bitch slapping the next person who asks "Busy today?"
I am MOVING THE HOT DOG TRUCK
I have to move my Hot Dog Truck. All the work for the car wash is beginning next week and they are basically laying waste to the entire property. I have to move!
Luckily, there is another lot about 3oo yards down the road and the owner is going to let me park there! At least my clientelle will still be able to find me.
I don't know how well the new spot will work out, but it makes my decision to close for the winter A HECK OF A LOT EASIER! I will update next week.
Most asked Question this Week
The number one question asked this week was:
"How long are you staying open for the season?"
On warm and sunny autumn days, the people in New England (while reveling in the beautiful weather) openly fear and dread the oncoming winter. They want to know how much longer it will be before they are miserable. Days like the days we've had this week are a joy to the folks around here, but everyone knows their time is short. There will be a foot of snow on the ground before you can say "Gimme two, All Around."
I have kept the Hot Dog Truck open the past two winters-with varying results. Mostly bad results. It's a break even proposition in the winter time. And it's BLOODY COLD!
I have told folks I will be open until December 23 and after that I make no promises.
Of course that's what I said last year....
