confessionsofastreetmeatvendor’s posterous

Let me mention that today sucked as far as business goes. It’s weird really, especially since the sky looks like the opening to the Simpsons and it is absolutely perfect out there. Where was everyone? It was really really weird.

Id like to tell you about a LOST type problem ive been having. As soon an I turn on the BBQ, a black Smoke similar to the one that haunts the survivors of Oceanic flight 815, starts to envelop all my meat with a thick black soot. Needless to say that’s not great for business. Over the past 2 weeks I have been frantically trying to come up with a solution to the problem, and I have a make work solution but it costs me 2 bucks a day for those throw away roasting pans and it takes over half the grill space. That’s okay today, when I’m not busy, but if I ever have more than 7 pieces of meat on the BBQ at one time im screwed. I called the manufacturers of the cart and they suggest I buy a new BBQ for the top. Wow brilliant.

Anyone know why this is happening? Not sure why noone has complained about the weird grey stains on their bun. Huh!

So for the past 2 weeks I have been working in the food service industry, doing what I am afraid is looked on as the bottom of the “food chain”, so to speak. But who cares, I’m a guy, and guys love street meat (taking about food sold from vending carts, not ladies of the night).  A friend of mine suggested that I begin to write down some of the things that I see, happen around me, etc… so here goes.

First I should give you my background, the “how I got started in the wiener peddling game in the first place” story. It all started 12-15 years ago when I was in high school. I was loaded up in 6 OAC’s, the exact number Id need to go to the University, but instead I thought it would be more fun to spend a free period planning a band trip to Washington DC. It was. However I had to drop my OAC history class to do it. And so, thanks to that brilliant move, I went to radio school instead of teachers college… and 10 years into the business I get fired (as many do) and, tired of the BS, I decided it was time for a career change. 3 years of college and what do I have to show for it? A $1,500 hot dog cart and a bunch of skills that don’t really have much to do with barbecuing meat.

I cant really complain, I spend 3 hours a day out doors, and if word gets around, I could make some decent coin.

Here’s what I’ve learned so far…

-people don’t link to look at you if they don’t want a hot dog or sausage. They treat you much like they would a homeless guy looking for some change (head down and looking away)

-people don’t like it when you say hello as they are walking by. It creeps them out.

-people don’t like to wait more than 4 minutes for their food. They want it fresh, but would prefer it you could anticipate their arrival.

Follow along with me as I let you in on all the secrets of selling meat, good and bad, embarrassing or not, I will tell you whats going on as it happens. Hang on, it’s gonna be one heck of a summer!