Interesting Story

From the Columbus Dispatch:
 When she lost her job in sales six weeks ago, Alicia Cumming didn’t polish up her resume or haunt job-search Web sites.
    The Worthington mother of three got out her spatula, tracked down a shiny metal pushcart and fired up the griddle.
    The petite 39-year-old became the hot-dog lady, selling all-beef kosher dogs, bratwurst and Polish sausages to hungry Downtown workers.
    “I’m still trying to get it all figured out,” said Cumming last week at S. 3rd and State streets amid a haze of smoke as she fried some onions to adorn a customer’s dog.
http://tinyurl.com/mdc249

Something Ive been noticing with the changed economy is the big boys closing up store after store with small time independents reopening those same locations and making a good go of it.
We had 2 quiznos close up here and 1 has reopened as a pita place using most of the equipment that was left behind and doing very well. The other eopened as a pizza/sandwich place and is doing very well.
We also had a firehouse subs close up and is just waiting for someone to reopen it. Could be reopened for very little money. Not much equipment left but all the counters and sinks and basics are in place.If it wasnt so hard to see from the road I might have considered it myself.

Im personally happy to see mom and pop getting a chance to do something

Good article.  She is one of thousands.  Hot dog carts will be a dime a dozen in another year or two.

PopsDogHouse


Good article.  She is one of thousands.  Hot dog carts will be a dime a dozen in another year or two.

Yes they will be very cheap when 60 to 80% of those buying them right now find out it's not as easy as one thinks. Especially when they suffer through the heat, rain, cold, and up and down sales. And then get blown out at a couple of events or just flat overwhelmed at the long hours it takes to make a decent living.

Hey Mike, in your case it will be the smell of sauteed onions coming from your grill. I'm not coming to RI untill you get a grill and I could stop by and say Italian sausage grinder with extra sauteed peppers and onions.....................The Last time I was in RI we went to "Custy's" for all you could eat Lobster............Take care Buddy...........Bill

Street vending as branched out.  All kinds of food seem to be offered now.  Read an article about how popular taco trucks are becomeing and how the surge in carts has NYC battling turf wars, outdated laws and hassles from the restaurants.

Love street food. THe usa NEEDS to expand the amounts and the kinds of eats offered.

HippeJim -

Businesses from ALL sectors are closing.  Corporate ventures and small businesses alike; Not just the "Big Boys"  This economy has no favorites. "Mom and Pop" places doing better than big food corporates? 

I wish Mom and Pop well, but to say the little guy is now empowered in this economy?  I respectfully disagree.  Here in this area, the economy hasn't taken sides..Its hurt everyone!  An equal opportunity destroyer.

Customer bases for all types of businesses have been affect by the worst recession this country has seen since the 1930's.  Aside from Dollar General, who hasn't been affect?  Healthcare will always maintain their customer base, but they are probably having trouble collecting their receivables!  

Let's give Mom and Pop a year or two at least to see how well they do ("making a good go") before proclaiming them winners in this no win economy. 

I say let's go forward with a positive wish for EVERYONE....Including those "nasty" corporations.  I'm sure your post was not intended to gloat that big businesses are failing?  Karma.  Karma.  Karma.