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In Dog Times, Peddling Franks Gets Hot

White-collar workers open 'recession-proof' businesses

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 9, 2009 7:16 AM CDT

(Newser) – A frank look at the economy is driving white-collar workers to open small businesses they call “recession-proof”—hot dog carts. Long limited to big cities, stands are turning up even in tiny towns, and are often run by professionals who haven’t quit their day jobs, the Wall Street Journal reports. “Every model is taking off,” says a vendor of the carts, which go for about $2000.

“No one knows what's going to happen with the economy, and I don't want to have to scrounge for a minimum-wage job,” says a grant administrator who recently opened a cart with her family, pulling in $1150 each weekend. But it’s no easy task: professionals used to sitting must stand for hours and devote themselves to set-up and cleaning—and competition’s gotten so stiff that towns are considering required distances between carts.

A woman sells franks in New Orleans. (Shutterstock)

A vendor pushes a hot dog cart at lunchtime in downtown Newark, N.J., Friday Feb. 15, 2008. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

Hot-dog carts are booming in small towns. (Shutterstock)

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Patron at Heart Attack Grill Gets ... a Heart Attack

Vegas visitor was eating the 'triple bypass burger' at the time

To Curb Obesity, Give Babies Finger Food

Don't feed them pureed meals: study

11 Toughest Restaurants to Get Into

And how you can at least attempt to get a reservation

New Record: Kobayashi Scarfs 337 Chicken Wings

In just half an hour

New Cancer Fighter: Cooked Tomatoes

Heinz-backed research highlights lycopene

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

food • hot dogs • small business

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More Newser Stories

Patron at Heart Attack Grill Gets ... a Heart Attack

Vegas visitor was eating the 'triple bypass burger' at the time

To Curb Obesity, Give Babies Finger Food

Don't feed them pureed meals: study

11 Toughest Restaurants to Get Into

And how you can at least attempt to get a reservation

New Record: Kobayashi Scarfs 337 Chicken Wings

In just half an hour

New Cancer Fighter: Cooked Tomatoes

Heinz-backed research highlights lycopene

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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More News

What is Newser?