One of the coolest little hot dog trailers in these parts, Snappy Dogs, is closing down for the season. Their last day of slinging dogs in 2010 will be at the end of business tomorrow, November 20.
With the summer winding down, the most frequently asked question at the Hot Dog Truck lately is "when do you shut down for the season?"
In years past, I have stayed open through the winter. Last year, when I lost my old spot, I decided to close for the winter. I don't think I will be selling hot dogs in January, but I do plan on staying open until December 23. If we have a warm winter, I may stay longer, but I guarantee I will be there until Christmas.
There may be snowy days before then (YUCK-SNOW) and I don't think I want to drive the Hot Dog Truck in the snow.
Maybe I'll have another go at opening a diner.......
I grow a beard every winter. I start it after Thanksgiving and shave it Christmas day for my mother (she hates the beard). I then grow it out until Spring. I have been doing this for almost 20 years. I can't wait to get back out there and start slinging dogs-I am getting restless. It's as sure a sign of Spring as any to see the hotdogman's clean shaven mug.
It's almost time to shave........
It is so friggin' cold out today! If I had the Hot Dog Truck open, I'd be cold and miserable. This is why I closed this winter! People just don't want to stand outside when its 10 degrees (go figure).
This makes the argument for an indoor location even stronger. Folks would eat dogs inside, not standing in the cold.
I discussed the whole cafe idea with the wife last night and we are attempting to move forward!
Stay tuned....
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!
Seeing as I am sick of snow on the ground and it's not even Christmas yet, I thought I'd offer up some winter scenes to vent my frustrations.
These snow men are having fun.
Now this has to be a bit hard on the backside.
I was thinking the same thing!
I have a TON of these CHEAP!!!
Today was like February. Cold, lonely and not profitable.
How cold was it? It was so cold the chili dogs were actually chilly!
Seriously, it was about 10 below zero with the wind chill and customers were few and far between. It was the second worst sales day in the Hot Dog Truck's history. Luckily a friend with nothing better to do came by and hung out for an hour or so shooting the s___ . I also got a new high score in Tetris (322,459)!
I will miss the Hot Dog Truck over the winter, but I won't miss days like today.
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....
I am on my feet most of the day. There's no comfy place to sit down either, so I need to be sure I am comfortable in my shoes. Wearing uncomfortable shoes makes for a long day.
I like a shoe that cushions and supports. I usually put gel inserts into my shoes and I like a shoe with a good arch support. Most works boots I've worn have these traits, but I like to have a lighter weight shoe in the warmer months. Give me a nice pair of Doc Martens and they'll fit the bill.
For the colder weather, I prefer something a little more heavy duty, like a nice pair of Danner boots. Something to keep the feet comfy, supported and warm is key in the winter time. Danner Boots aint cheap, but you can get a good price and free shipping at MetBoots.com.
I'm almost ready for a new pair of boots and winter will be here soon....
