Let's be frank: Hot dog cart business debuts

Hot dog! There's a new Plumas Lake-based business offering quick meals on the go in Sutter and Yuba counties.

Fat Daddy's Franks hot dog cart is manned by owner/operator Paul Kaiser, a Plumas Lake resident. Kaiser offers a variety of gourmet "dog" choices including Polish-, Chicago- and New York-style franks.

"Being a guy that likes working with people, has the gift of sales and values great customer service, I couldn't think of a better fit than a hot dog cart," said Kaiser. "Ask yourself who doesn't like a good hot dog? Not to mention the fact that they are affordable in a struggling economy."

In fact, according to the Vienna Beef Co., the Chicago-style dog got its start from street cart hot dog vendors during the hard times of the Great Depression. Money was scarce, but business was booming for these entrepreneurs who offered a delicious hot meal on a bun for only a nickel.

"It was the only way some could afford a balanced meal," explained Kaiser. "You have all your food groups - fruits with the tomato, vegetables in your relish, pickle, onion and peppers, meat, grains and let us not forget the mustard group!"

When looking at opportunities in the Plumas Lake area that would also provide Kaiser flexibility with his hours and commute, the idea of a hot dog cart seemed a perfect fit. A local AT&T customer care representative, Kaiser spent about $8,000 in start-up costs. With assistance from his wife and teenage daughters, he hopes to be a full time "hot dogger" by the end of May.

In addition to vending hours in the Eufay Park parking lot, Fat Daddy's Franks is planning lunch hours in Linda and Yuba City. The cart also will be participating in many of the local events in downtown Marysville and Yuba City. In addition to regular street vending, Fat Daddy's Franks is also available to cater events such as birthday parties, church events, car dealerships, store grand openings, Realtor events and fundraisers.

"We are doing our part by trying to provide a needed service to our community at reasonable rates during our current economic climate and having a great time doing it," said Kaiser.

The typical meal - hot dog, soda, chips and cookies - costs between $3.50 and $5.

Establishing the business has been a challenge; Kaiser worked out logistics with officials in two counties over the course of a year and a half.

"There are many vendors out there who just pick a corner and set up," Kaiser said. "We are not them. We are a legitimate business and want to serve the communities we work in by paying our taxes and working directly with officials before going out."

Looking toward the future, Kaiser hopes he will be able to expand his business in the next few years to accommodate two to three carts that can service the Yuba/Sutter area and possibly provide employment for a few individuals along the way.

For more details and exact locations and times, visit Fat Daddys Frank's Web site (www.fatdaddysfranks.com) or call 749-1652.

Plumas Lake Life correspondent Michele Perrault can be reached at 483-3664 or e-mail her at mperrault@plumaslakelife.com