Forget food carts, this is a food boat
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NEWBERG, Ore. – A Newberg father hopes his latest attempt at business ownership cuts the mustard.
Travis Martin's 'Burger Barge' is like a floating food cart on the Willamette River, selling hot dogs, burgers and of course fish bait.
After launching last week, Martin told KATU he hopes the seasonal business can last until Labor Day.
He bought the pontoon boat at an estate sale for $5,000 and invested another $2,500 in equipment to make it a floating kitchen.
Martin isn't the first to try selling food on the water, but he's hoping to fill a void in the area around Rogers Landing.
"I was self-employed with a couple different franchises and they didn't quite pan out, and it kind of left us high and dry," Martin said. "My wife, bless her heart, she trusts me 100 percent with the money that we did have in our savings to put into this.”
"If you got an idea you gotta run with it,” he added. “You gotta make your own future and makes things happen for yourself."
Martin said he may take his Burger Barge down to Arizona when Oregon's boating season ends, but he plans to be back on the water in Newberg next summer.
''Travis Martin didn't really do this according to Obama? But I myself do really wish him as a entreprenour very well in this enterprise!Â
Be by the Sellwood Bridge for springer season and you will make tons of money. Have you ever considered mini pizza's? I myself would keep you in business on that one. Good luck, I really hope you succeed.Â
Enjoyed the Burger Barge this past weekend. Awesome idea and pretty darn good burgers.
This is really cool. I have thought about this for awhile, glad someone did it.Â
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When I was in Florida they had a floating restaurant and slide and such, and a little ice cream boat that went around. It was really awesome and saved time from having to go dock somewhere just to grab some food. It helps when the prices aren't ridiculous also
www.facebook.com/burgerbarge here is there fb link if anyone is interested in there menu or times that they will be on the river..
Good idea, Travis. Best of luck to you and kudos to your wife for trusting you with your money. Obviously, she knows and understands that you are in earnest about providing for your family and not relying on government.
".....selling hot dogs, burgers and of course fish bait."
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Travis  -- Good for you......Just don't get your products mixed up!
Good luck! Â He sounds determined, I hope it works out for him.
I saw this guy last weekend. When I was a kid growing up on Long Island, there was a similar boat that we used to love to row out to and buy a hot dog from. When I'm out kayaking I'll definitely try to buy something from this guy (I hope he sells beer).
A simple inspiration can often be turned into a bountiful business.? America is great because of it's people.!" I applaud this man'' Only time will tell if he is successful with his enterprise but I respect and wish him well.!''
Smart man, too bad it's only seasonal work but he's not on food stamps. He's his own boss. Good Job filling a niche.
Occupiers take note. This is what industrious people do when times are challenging. Rather than wring your hands and complain that uncle Obama isn't taking care of you, get off your butts and DO something. We can all shape our own destiny like this guy is trying to do. Good luck to you!
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@MattyPDX You nailed it. Too bad the Occutards are hard of hearing. Lazyness can do that to a person.
I think it's a great idea, but wonder if had to get any type of food permit to operate in that area? Not slamming him just wondering!!
If he takes that boat to AZ he'd best be certain he brings back none of those fresh-water clams that are so prolific in some public waters!