The owners of a new hot dog store in the heart of the Sunshine Coast plan to expand the business with more shops and trailers.
Drew and Kate Perish opened The American Hotdog Company at the Big Top Shopping Centre in Maroochydore earlier this month.
The outlet offers a range of $14 eats based on classic hot dogs from New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Coney Island, along with a variety of sides.
The opening represented a breakthrough for the couple, after Drew’s surprising career shift in 2016-17.
“I was dating Kate and working away, in oil and gas, so that I could start a business,” he said.
“Her dad said, when I was back from work, that I should get a street cart like the ones in New York and sell hotdogs by the beach.
“For some reason, it made a lot of sense to me despite not having a background in the kitchen.
“I’ve had many years in hospitality including with the Bellagio in Las Vegas but was never a chef or back of house.”
They started small, operating from a small trailer at a Chevrolet car show at Warwick.
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“From there, we tried anything and everything with our first little trailer. If there was an event or market, we were trying to be in it,” he said.
It was an immediate success. They started utilising a larger second trailer. Drew relished his new job and the taste of hot dogs.
“I had no idea how much I like feeding people or how much it would mean to me that people like our food, whether it’s just a plain hot dog for the kiddos or a loaded chili dog – which is made with homemade chili,” he said.
The opening of a store was next.
“I always wanted to grow the food trailer business and we tried many things and different events to see where we fit best but over the years, and dealing with cancellations from Mother Nature, I started thinking of opening a shop to complement our trailer and balance the weather issues.”
“So, we opened this little shop, keeping things like they are in the trailer.
“I think the community has always liked the customer service we pride ourselves on and the good time vibes we throw out there whenever we are operating in the trailer. I wanted that same vibe in the shop.”
Drew said the American Hot Dog Company could expand.
“The Big Top is the first location of what could be many, with the groundwork of possible franchising being laid now and an actual clear path towards it.
“The franchise model will likely include a shop and trailer combo.
“I still love being in the trailer, seeing the regulars and having the banter that we’ve always been known for.”
He said prices had increased only twice since the business started eight years ago.
“We will continue to try and offer large sizes and good value, which is the American way,” he said.
As for the items on the menu: the New Yorker includes a roll, frank, homemade sweet onion sauce, sauerkraut and yellow mustard; the L.A. Dog includes a roll, frank, bacon, grilled onions, jalapenos, ketchup, mustard and a drizzle of mayo; the Chicago Dog includes a roll, frank, pickle spears, tomato wedges, pickle relish, mustard and celery salt; the Coney Island includes a roll, frank, homemade chilli meat sauce and liquid cheese. An Aussie Dog features a roll, frank, bacon, onion and cheese with a choice of sauce.
Customers can also order a plain hot dog with a choice of sauces and a Texas Corn Dog with a choice of sauces.
There are also sides including jalapeno poppers, mac ‘n’ cheese croquettes and loaded gems.
