“The Godfather” is the epic story of a Mafia family, which inspired a movie trilogy, garnered millions of fans and apparently inspired a hot dog stand.
The Dogfather hot dog stand has its own story, of a man who turned to his own entrepreneurial skills to provide for his family, without organized crime, of course.
The man behind the stand, Kevin Isherwood, said that opening the business was the best option for himself and his family. With a wife who works and four children, including one child with health problems, Isherwood said his hot dog business has given him flexibility in hours and allowed him to be there for his children.
After working in the restaurant business for 19 years as a cook, server and in management, Isherwood left his job at Red Lobster to pursue other job opportunities. He said he applied for jobs at breakfast and lunch restaurants because he needed to be with his children in the late afternoon and nights while his wife worked, but nothing seemed to fit.
But after taking a month off work, Isherwood said, “I got my pension check in the mail and three days later I saw an ad online for this corner for the rest of the year and this cart.”
The Craigslist ad was for the corner of First Avenue and Washington Street, sold by the “Hot Dog Ladies,” Susan Bromberg and Renee Kruszyna of Suerena’s Wieners.
Kruszyna said because they prefer their spot of two years on Second Avenue and Adams Street, they had an extra spot to sell. Sold with the stand spot was the hot dog cart Isherwood now owns and operates.
Three weeks after purchasing the cart and applying for his licenses, Isherwood said he was ready for business. But only six weeks into his new career, Isherwood said he had an experience that solidified his choice to work as a vendor.
“Six weeks into starting my business my youngest son went to the ICU for Type 1 diabetes,” Isherwood said.
His son’s condition requires constant monitoring, and after his son left hospital care, Isherwood said the ability to quickly pack up his cart and leave on his own time is a comfort. Family is paramount to Isherwood, who said his own father walked out on him.
“I’m glad this has been working out,” Isherwood said. “The response from the community has been really good.”
Bromberg and Kruszyna have been in the hot dog stand business for six years, and say the key to keeping customers coming back to a hot dog stand has to do with what you do with your hot dogs and a lot about your personality.
Regular customers like Terri Gerron agree. She frequents The Dogfather hot dog stand because of Isherwood’s customer service.
“There are two reasons I come here,” Gerron said, pointing at Isherwood. “Him and the hot dogs.”
She highlighted Isherwood’s attention to customer service and cited him as the reason she keeps returning.
Gerron, a Wells Fargo employee, said she also buys lunch from Isherwood one to two times a week because there are few places conveniently located in downtown Phoenix that sell an entire meal for under $10.
Isherwood’s menu includes an all-beef hot dog, drink and chips for $4. He also sells large pickles and drinks separately. Additionally, he offers punch cards for return customers for extra value.
Josh Orcutt, a student at the downtown Phoenix campus at Arizona State University, said businesses like The Dogfather are a good idea for students.
“Vendors like The Dogfather hot dog stand are a good alternative to cafeteria food because you can get bored of it, and it’s relatively cheap,” Orcutt said.
Open since May, The Dogfather hot dog stand is located on the corner First Avenue and Washington Street.
Among the skyscrapers in downtown Phoenix and the bustling business crowd during the weekdays, Isherwood helps pedestrians who are looking for the courthouse, Wells Fargo building or city hall.
“I think if I charged for directions I’d make as much as I do selling hot dogs,” Isherwood said.
The little hot dog business also stands as a reminder that small business can have a big heart. After each day, Isherwood said that if he has any leftovers or food that would spoil if not eaten, he gives it to the homeless and said he believes in giving back. In return, Isherwood said the community has protected him from people trying to steal or tamper with his cart.
Isherwood said that he doesn’t see himself making hot dogs forever, but that he is happy at what he does.
Customers can find him at his stand every weekday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Contact the reporter at Cassidy.Trowbridge@asu.edu
