Working seven days a week, Eddie spoke openly about the costs, challenges, and determination behind his hot dog cart.

I met Eddie as he stood beneath a city streetlight, serving hot dogs long after many businesses had closed for the night. From the moment I introduced myself, he was incredibly open and honest about what life as a street vendor is really like.

Eddie has operated from the same corner for the past five years. Before selling hot dogs, he sold ice cream, but eventually switched to a business that offered more consistent demand. Today, he's the owner of his own cart, working every day from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Our conversation quickly turned to the economics of street vending. Eddie explained that while his cart cost about $350, keeping the business running is far more expensive. Every few days, he spends roughly $150 on supplies like bacon, hot dogs, and buns before he can sell a single meal.

On a good day, around 30 customers stop by, bringing in about $130 in sales. Slower days aren't much different, with roughly 25 customers. Listening to him break down the numbers made it clear that every sale matters.

Despite the long hours and constant expenses, Eddie keeps showing up. Sitting beneath the glow of the streetlights, he wasn't asking for sympathy—he was simply sharing the reality of what it takes to earn a living one hot dog at a time.

Quick Facts

Name: Eddie

Business: Hot Dog Cart

Role: Owner

Time Here: 5 Years

Hours: Daily, 10 AM–8 PM

Price: $7 per Hot Dog

Former Business: Ice Cream Vendor

Biggest Challenge: High Supply Costs

Customer Traffic: 25–30 Customers Per Day

By Austin Iluore

Under the Streetlights