Lisette Lacosta

June 3, 2008

 

The photo attached is of a hot dog stand in the U station. The hot dog stand is different then anything I have seen because it is self-standing. The vendor can literally walk to the customer or find a new spot by walking while cooking if there is not a lot of traffic where he is. He has it all; an umbrella in case it rains, a jet pack looking backpack probably holding gas for the grill, a grill with ingredients in front of him, and a roller suit case probably holding extra ingredients.

 

Because this vendor is such a spectacle with his ensemble, he attracts attention and probably sells more hot dogs than the tradition hot dog vendor. I was so impressed with him that I took a picture of him and bought a hot dog from him.

 

This is a smart way to sell hotdogs because his appliances and gear cost about the same as the traditional hot dog stand, but sales must be higher because of the novelty of his outfit. The only difference is probably that this man works harder carrying all of this gear. The smoke is constantly in his face and the backpack must be heavy.

 

I have never seen anything like this in the United States. In Miami there are hotdog stands mainly in the downtown area. Usually the hotdog vendor in downtown Miami is a tough male who is very aware of his surroundings. In New York, there is hot dog stand in every corner. The New Yorker hot dog vendor is typically from the Middle East and is not very nice, he is also very aware of the dangers of the city.

 

This German hotdog vendor was very friendly; he was laughing and having fun with his “audience.” I don’t think this type of business would work in the United States. I can imagine people in the states would make fun of this hot dog vendor and probably mess with the man. I’m sure this man has had tourists give him a hard time but he seemed to be happy enough that this must not be a typical issue for him.

 

The self-standing hot dog stand is a very interesting characteristic of not only Germany but also all of Europe. The vendor can walk, hands free, to other locations in order to attract more sales. His sales seemed to be higher probably due to the uniqueness of his “stand.” This production would most likely not be successful in the states.