Hot dogs roll into town on a silver cart

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Andy Thoe stands by his mobile vending unit. In July, Thoe started Andy’s Hogs ‘N Dogs, specializing in hot dogs and pulled pork sandwiches. Thoe is pictured at Family Fresh on Saturday, July 16, using his cart for the store’s free hot dog promotion.

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Hot dog stands have always been a big thing in New York City, but not so much here in New Richmond … that is until now.

At the beginning of July Andrew Thoe, 23, Deer Park, started “Andy’s Hogs ‘N Dogs,” a mobile vending service business specializing in hot dogs and pulled pork sandwiches.

Thoe said he got the idea for the mobile vending business when he stopped at a hot dog stand in Arizona. After returning to Wisconsin, Thoe researched different hot dog carts online and eventually purchased a 5-by-7 foot propane-run stainless steel cart, fully equipped with five steam tables, a cooler, condiment tray and more.

Thoe says his catering business has a lot to offer.

In addition to hot dogs and pulled pork sandwiches, Thoe offers nachos, beverages and other snacks.

He also has quite the list of condiments available to customers.

“I’ve got pickles, relish, ketchup, mustard, chili, cheese, sauerkraut, chopped onions, jalapenos and tomatoes; you can dress your hot dog any way you like,” he said.

Since New Richmond doesn’t have the sidewalk traffic like those on New York City streets, Thoe hopes to get his business affiliated with some local businesses in the industrial park, to do business over the lunch hour.

“I want to go to industrial parks, for those people who have a 30-minute lunch,” Thoe said.

Thoe thinks his cart could offer more appetizing lunch options than those typically found in vending machines.

“They’ve got those spinning wheels with those nasty refrigerated cheese dogs … But I thought, if I come up there with some hot, fresh food, people will love that; Instead of eating those gut-busting things out of the vending machine,” he said.

Once he establishes a set location, in addition to walk-up customers, Thoe said people will be able to call and place an order and their meal will be ready when they arrive at the cart.

Although Thoe just started the catering business, he said he’s already had some interested customers.

When Thoe used the cart during a garage sale at his house, his next door neighbor took notice and asked him to cater an outdoor gathering he was hosting. Thoe said the outdoor event went really well and he received three inquiries within a week of posting flyers around town.

Thoe said he’s fully certified and licensed by the St. Croix County Health Department and he purchases quality products at low prices.

Low prices are something Thoe said he wants to pass along to his customers.

With nothing on the cart costing more than five dollars, and combo meal deals in the works, Thoe says his mobile vending unit is a good deal for anyone hungry for some “All-American food.”

For people interested in hiring Thoe for their next event, he says in addition to the cost of food, he only charges for transportation costs and his time, with no big mark-ups like some vendors.

Thoe said he wants Andy’s Hogs ‘N Dogs to become known for “Awesome food, low prices and good service.”

For more information about Andy’s Hogs ‘N Dogs call 715-684-9332 or email andy.thoe@yahoo.com.

Tags: new richmond, business, food