HCDN Reader Dale Schroeder Makes The News.
Dale let me know about a local news paper story that featured him and his hot dog cart business, “Lucky Dawg Hot Dogs”.
Dale writes…
Steve,
We had a newspaper article done about us last year. It is great publicity. Check it out!
Dale
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Hot Dogger Dale Schroeder
By Sean Mazner
Photo By SEAN MAZNER
The retirement of beloved hot dog vendor/cartoonist Woody Barlettani (“View from a hot dog cart,” June 21, 2007) does not mean the downtown is devoid of hot dog carts. Dale Schroeder, 47, leads a sort of double life. By night, he slings cards as a dealer at one of the local casinos. By day, many know him as the mild-mannered hot dog vendor who has set up his cart on the corner of South Virginia and Court streets. Everything from chili dogs to Polish sausage to German bratwurst can be ordered. His business, Lucky Dawg Hot Dogs, also caters and can be reached at (775) 338-3113 or at www.luckydawghotdogs.com.
How did you end up becoming a hot dog vendor?
Well, I’ve been in Reno here for 15 years, originally from Alaska, so I really enjoy all the sunshine and warmth here. Casino dealer by trade, but I thought I’d try something different. I know people love hot dogs, and here I am.
How long have you been at this location and why here?
This is my second year, actually. It’s my second year with the business. I come out here for lunch, serve a lot of the 9-to-5 workers around this area. There’s seating here, and I have people that pull up in the parking lot and order.
About how long does it take to set up?
It takes about half an hour to set up and break down. I get off [casino] work at 10 a.m. and I can usually get set up by 10:30 am and will stick around till about 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Any regulars that stop by?
I have a lot of regulars, actually. At one point, I usually get all the sheriffs from the courthouse and come over here. I get some security guards that work the banks. People from the IRS building, as well. I have one in particular that pulls up, never gets out of his car, but I know exactly what he wants and run it up to him.
Are there other people you come across?
Every once in a while, I’ll see a homeless person walking by and ask them if they’re hungry. They’ll usually say, “Yes,” and then I’ll give them a hot dog. I’ll usually go to Tent City on Record Street and hand out all the hot dogs I don’t sell during the day to the people there. It’s a good way to get rid of all the hot dogs that don’t sell, and they appreciate it.
Other information about the business?
I have a lot of people that ask me how did I get into this and tell me that they’d love to do it. I’m hoping down the road to have a sort of commercial kitchen of about 10 carts and have people that can either rent them out or lease to buy them. It’s a cheap and easy way for a person to start their own business.
Any upcoming events you’ll be catering?
I’ll be at the Blockbuster grand opening at the Northtowne Center July 8th from 12 p.m.-3 p.m. handing out free hot dogs for them. July 18th there’s Shout Out Loud, a big concert out at Wingfield Park, and I’ll be serving hot dogs there, but those you have to pay for [laughs].
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Way to go Dale – they did a real nice article on you. Keep up the good work!
Let’s help Dale get some more mileage out of this. Click the blue fShare button on the left to share Dale’s story on your Facebook.
-Steve
Great story, almost sounds like a lot of stories that I have heard about or lived, except giving the extra doggs to the tent city people. Not been in the paper but a few times and on TV 3 times, which is great advertising and it was all free. Being a partime hotdoger like Dale seems most of the time like being a fulltime dogger. Enjoyed the story.
Duggs Doggs
Good!! Good!!
What a small world, I am in Reno and will have to drop by and say hi.
Thanks Steve,
I was pleasantly surprised when the paper asked to do a story on us. People still bring it up a year later. I am still on the same corner by the courthouse and business is good.
I have not missed a day since the start of June.
Hope to have another spot soon in front of Harrah’s casino.
Our hot dog cart in going to be in a movie today called “Dam California”. We will be a background prop as well as selling dogs to cast and crew and many extras. Will let you know more after today.
Stay Lucky!
That’s a good article. I was looking at the last paragraph and was wondering, how do you make any money giving out “free” hot dogs? Does Blockbuster pay you to be there or are they paying for the hot dogs?
I happen to be in Reno today. Wish it was Monday I’d love to stop by and grab a dog!
I will be back Tuesday. I keep bankers hours.
The Blockbuster gig was pre-paid. Dogs only for three hours (11-2) and we charged $375.00.
We have done two grand re-openings for them.
Way to go you “Lucky Dawg” you!!! Great article! And your humanitarian efforts will pay off in the end. I often do the same for people who come by the lake on the verge of heat exhaustion and give free water or Gatorade. They always come back and pay and add generous tips. Unfortunately, in my state, no one is allowed to give away food that hasn’t sold. And so much food from so many restaurants could do so much good for so many hungry people. It’s all wrapped up in Red Tape.
Way cool. I grew up in Susanville, just across the state line from Reno, in California. My sister and her husband who is a professor at UNR, lives in Reno.
Good ideas! Thank you. I have a a 6×8 unit which does more than dogs but I always enjoy the encouraging success stories on Steve’s website…it is energizing especially if I did not have such a great weekend on my site.
Want To get a hot dog cart.
i live in LA area
eny ideas ?