Hot dog stand sees sales rise in bad economy
VANCOUVER, Wash. – With the stock market tanking, layoffs piling up and people seeing their retirement savings evaporate, it seems many business people are singing the economic blues.
But Skip Ballweber’s business is in the chips – literally.
Each day, a long line forms outside Ballweber’s Vancouver hot dog stand, called the Wiener Wagon.
Ballweber says the people come for the quality fare, which includes the familiar hot dogs on buns, of course, but he also makes taco salads and deluxe dogs, which get a splash of chips on top for some crunch.
Those standing in line say the reason for Ballweber’s business boom is the surrounding business bust – and his low prices.
The concept is not lost on Ballweber. "First of the month, people spend more money. By the 20th of the month they’re starting to run out a little bit," he concedes.
Thus the long lines and popularity of his basic hot dog, which goes for $1.29
Ballweber estimates the downtown Vancouver area where his cart is based has seen 300 to 400 jobs disappear, mostly in banking and real estate.
Expensive lunch breaks are suddenly off the menu for those hit by business slow-downs and increased living costs.
Jeremiah Rogers, sporting a stocking cap and upbeat attitude, is in the queue along with professional-looking workers and others who are counting every dime.
Rogers, an ironworker, is about to join the ranks of those hit hard by the economic downturn. "I’m getting laid off today," he tells KATU News.
He has a wife and 3-year-old child at home to think about and hopes to land a new job. But for now, his budget is limited to a hot dog or two.
Meanwhile, Ballweber continues to serve up hot dogs, taco salads and drinks at a frantic pace. It is the lunch hour rush and he is the only person working in the cramped stand.
He says the inexpensive items on his menu are the most popular at the moment.
Ballweber says it’s the third economic downturn he’s seen since he started selling his hot dogs.
He says that if the economy gets even worse, he’ll have to think about making spending choices as well.
But he’s got a positive attitude as more people get in line.
"It seems to have worked – for now," he says while putting a topping of chips and sauce on yet another taco salad.