SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News)– While walking around Syracuse University’s campus this fall, students can’t help but notice the many changes. Whether it be construction on the Dome and Schine Student Center or the brand new opening of the Barnes Center at the Arc, there has been an abundance of developments on campus. However, there is one change that is buzzing amongst students. On the corner of Waverly Avenue and Walnut Avenue, Rodney Cooper sets up his hot dog cart and grills in the park.
“I’ve been watching this spot for the last three years and wanting to expand the business,” said Grateful Dawgz founder Rodney Cooper. “So I finally was able to get this spot.”
After reading a post on how to build a hot dog cart for under a thousand dollars, Cooper built a cart and started selling hot dogs in Abbott’s Frozen Custard parking lot.
“In about February 2009, I decided I was sick and tired of working for other people,” said Cooper. “I didn’t quite know what way to go. I was going through online you know for different ideas and a hot dog cart sounded great.”
His menu includes classic Hoffman hot dogs, coney dogs, sausages with peppers and onions, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and grilled cheese sandwiches.
“I’m a ‘deadhead’ and I’ve sold grilled cheese sandwiches all over the country in different parking lots at different Grateful Dead shows,” said Cooper.
Hence, the 1960s rock band, the Grateful Dead, is the inspiration behind his business name, Grateful Dawgz. Now, Cooper brings the music with him to work and while he grills your lunch you can always hear Grateful Dead music playing in the back.
“The food is always fresh,” said Deb, a frequent customer of the hot dog stand. “The food is always freshly cooked and the prices are great.”
In fact, Cooper goes to the market every morning in Syracuse to pick up fresh peppers amongst other ingredients to prepare for the day. He prices his classic hot dog and grilled cheese at $3, hamburger/cheeseburger at $4, and sausage with peppers and onions at $5.
“There’s a lot of foot traffic here,” Cooper said.”I knew that the University students were being underserved as far as options on where to eat.”
With the weather starting to cool off, Cooper already has plans on how to stay open during winter. He is currently constructing an enclosed cart that both he and his wife Caryn will operate.
“I’ll be helping him with that,” Caryn Cooper said. “I think it’ll be pretty busy so they’ll need two of us.”
