When Marge Rivera was laid off from her job in a medical office retirement was not a financially feasible option, even though she is of an age when many would take it easy.
Instead, she decided to learn how run her own business. "I took a course in dog slinging and also took the National Sanitation Foundation class," she says. It’s a class that requires more of its students than typically required in the Safe-Serve class that food handlers must take, she says. She also got business advice from the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance.
Her husband and son built a hot dog cart of their own design and suddenly, her dream of a job from which she could not be laid off "came alive," Rivera says.
She even has a signature hot dog. She created what she calls a Twisted Dog. It is cut, seasoned and grilled. It turns into a caramelized, twisting hot dog that hangs off both ends of the bun, Rivera says. The hungry also can choose from steamed dogs, Chicago dogs, New York dogs and Walking Taco. Chips and Coca-Cola products and water can help quench a thirst.
She went on to hire five women from her neighborhood who also needed more money to make ends meet. They are trained to provide friendliness, smiles and good food.
She anticipates anyone with an appetite for hot dogs will like her fare and she thinks her attitude toward customers will be a benefit. "I've worked with the public on quite a few endeavors," Rivera say. "I like meeting people and hearing their life stories. People from all walks of life are really fascinating."
She invites everyone to come visit her on the St. Joseph Bluff, next to the famous cannon. She began selling her "dawgs" May 5 and her hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to sunset.
"The best part of being a small business owner is being your own boss and helping others survive in this economy" says Rivera.
Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media
Source: Marge Rivera, The Twisted Dawg
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