The hot dog guy at Home Depot

[baileysdad]

Heard some bad news yesterday...the hot dog guy at Home Depot was told to get out...His last day is May15th. This guy has been there for atleast 7yrs. I Always loved walking out of there and for $3.50 getting a hotdog combo. What a deal. The bad part of all of this ...they did not even tell him why! Talk about the small businessman getting the shaft. The next time you go to Home depot stop by for " One for the Road" Best of luck "Hot Dog Man "

[2BNTV]

Heard some bad news yesterday...the hot dog guy at Home Depot was told to get out...His last day is May15th. This guy has been there for atleast 7yrs. I Always loved walking out of there and for $3.50 getting a hotdog combo. What a deal. The bad part of all of this ...they did not even tell him why! Talk about the small businessman getting the shaft. The next time you go to Home depot stop by for " One for the Road" Best of luck "Hot Dog Man "

I guess he was told to take his dog, for a walk. :jester:

Seriously, I shop at Lowe's and very rarely go to Home Depot. I will now consider my form of protest, to not shop their anymore.

They should have given him a reason. Security always states, "it's a liability issue", with him being on their property.

Hopefully he will pop up at another location, that will allow him to make his living. :smiley:

[chuckinca]

What a Bummer!

I go there while the Mrs shops at Jo-Ann.

.

[tommy steam]

I have had dogs from this guys stand and I'm very sorry HD has told him to go. He's a hard working guy from Detroit just trying to make a living.

[delima2000]

Omg loved his stand especially when he served the chili from national Coney Island .hope he finds a place close by.

[Happinow]

We are so disappointed to hear this. When we shop at Home Depot, we most always got a hot dog and a soda. It was part of our shopping trip. We always felt good supporting the small business man. We will find out where he is going and support him wherever he goes. We wish him the very best of luck!!

[PennBF]

Let's hope that Lowes finds a place for him. He and his wife worked very hard.
had a good product and was well liked for his food and attitude. :mmmm:

[REDCART]

Many of you may recall a similar incident at Wal-Mart on 466, where there used to be Nathans Hot Dogs. We used to go to Wal-Mart just for hot dogs and then maybe we'd shop at Wal-Mart. Since Nathans left, we've cut back considerably on our visits to Wal-Mart. That Nathans was terrific both for the food as well as the price. Great hot dogs, great fries, and fish and chips. I seriously doubt that the subsequent Subway does anywhere near the business that Nathans had. Some may know the reason why Nathans closed but I suspect it was the rent. Since many Home Depot's have hot dog vendors outside, I wonder whether it signals a change in HD corporate policy or maybe just a local dispute over rent.

[chiefrose]

Maybe he can set up his cart at Brownwood. There is one at LSL that seems to do OK.

[NottaVillager]

I guess I'm not quite sure why people would go to Home Depot to eat. It always sort of struck me as odd when these places have food carts outside. I truly doubt that this guy wasn't "given a reason". I doubt the store's GM just told him to get out with no reason for doing it. There's probably more to it than that. It's quite possible the order came from farther up the company food chain for whatever reason and the store manager's just following orders. I hope the hot-dog guy finds a place to set up and continues his business, but I definitely think that there's more details to this story than we are privy to.

[mfearn285]

That was my favorite place for Hot Dogs..... I'll shop at Lowes from now on.... the poor guy was just trying to make a living and people enjoyed his dogs.... HD - bad decision!

[Taltarzac725]

Home Depot hot dog stands in Catonsville and Arbutus - baltimoresun.com (http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-county/catonsville/ph-ca-at-hot-dog-closing-0522-20130516,0,2072019.story?page=1)

I see some of the Home Depots in the Baltimore area also did this but only for those concessions near the store and not out in the parking lot.

[kittygilchrist]

Let's say I own a business and lease space to a vendor. Due to space constrictions, I am unable to expand in ways more lucrative than leasing to the vendor. So I fulfill the lease until it ends and don't renew.

I understand that people are annoyed to lose something they enjoyed, and feeling a loss if they personally liked the individual operating the stand. I do not understand the emotional hue and cry that I am inhumane making a decision that will increase profit.

https://www.google.com/#q=home+depot+hot+dog+stand+

[Chi-Town]

Home Depot hot dog stands in Catonsville and Arbutus - baltimoresun.com (http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-county/catonsville/ph-ca-at-hot-dog-closing-0522-20130516,0,2072019.story?page=1)

I see some of the Home Depot's in the Baltimore area also did this but only for those concessions near the store and not out in the parking lot.

In the Chicago area there was a franchise of hot fog stands at many Home Depots that were almost attached to the exit doors which protected them from the elements. They did a brisk business. Perhaps this is next for here.

[ronat1]

Maybe he can set up his cart at Brownwood. There is one at LSL that seems to do OK.

The hot dog wagons at the squares are owned by The Villages and are operated by the movie theatres. who supply the products and manpower.

[Bonny]

My hubby is a handy dandy man so he is always at Home Depot buying something. He always gets a hot dog. We are from Michigan and he loves those hot dogs !!

[TheVillageChicken]

Doggone if that doesn't chap my buns, but let's be frank. Those home depot wienies have not put him out of business. He'll relocate and we can ketchup with him later.

[red tail]

its usually a license or safety or cleanliness issue that gets these vendors in trouble.

[bachfan]

What a Cheesy thing to do! I don't Relish the idea of going to HD!!! Wish him the best and hope he Rolls with it!

[Tootsie's Mom]

This happened to our hot dog stand here in MD. A few days later they showed up on the Lowe's parking lot. Now, we make an effort to change our shopping habits to go to Lowe's. Love those hot dogs and lemonade!

[TheVillageChicken]

We will probably never know the back story. He might get steamed if we grill him over why he couldn't cut the mustard at Home Depot.

[DougB]

We will probably never know the back story. He might get steamed if we grill him over why he couldn't cut the mustard at Home Depot.

Seems like the same old story: boy meets grill, boy gets grill, boy loses grill. I'm sure his loyal customers will be able to ketch-up with him at his new location. I'm sure he would relish that.

[Bonanza]

We are so disappointed to hear this. When we shop at Home Depot, we most always got a hot dog and a soda. It was part of our shopping trip. We always felt good supporting the small business man. We will find out where he is going and support him wherever he goes. We wish him the very best of luck!!

Good idea, Happi.
When you find out where he is going, please tell everyone.
He has such an excellent reputation; I'm sure he will find another place.

Also, just a thought . . .

If you go to Home Depot, everyone should make it a point
of asking the manager why the hot dog man
was sent on his not-so-merry way.
It's horrible that they didn't even give him a reason.
I hope it's not a case of nepotism and that the position
is being given to someone's relative.

[Bonanza]

its usually a license or safety or cleanliness issue that gets these vendors in trouble.

If it was a question of any of the things you mentioned,
the "walking papers" wouldn't have come from the manager.
It would have been issued by the health department or other source.

[2BNTV]

Doggone if that doesn't chap my buns, but let's be frank. Those home depot wienies have not put him out of business. He'll relocate and we can ketchup with him later.

Very clever post. :smiley:

[mulligan]

Maybe he can set up his cart at Brownwood. There is one at LSL that seems to do OK.

The LSL hot dog guy works out of the movie theater concession stand. Neat arrangement.

[rjn5656]

why don't we all send a email to HD with our disappointment. if enough people do it, they might realize there is a big following out there

[kittygilchrist]

why don't we all send a email to HD with our disappointment. if enough people do it, they might realize there is a big following out there

Count me out. Without Home Depot, the Hot Dog Man would not have had all those good years. Why not thank them for that?

Hot dog dance...maybe this will make it all better...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pqll9dJ7MQ

[Bonny]

why don't we all send a email to HD with our disappointment. if enough people do it, they might realize there is a big following out there

I wouldn't do that. I'm sure it's one of those business decisions.

[skyguy79]

Seems like the same old story: boy meets grill, boy gets grill, boy loses grill. I'm sure his loyal customers will be able to ketch-up with him at his new location. I'm sure he would relish that.You might be right, but I heard that his dogs were in hot water and he had to take off looking for one that went on the lamb!

http://www.pesmojprijatelj.si/data/albums/zgodbe/s/0_675f2239394db6fcfc69dcb725c7ac6d.jpg

[TheVillageChicken]

I apologize for using some of the wurst puns ever. I guess I have been a bit of a brat.

[kittygilchrist]

I apologize for using some of the wurst puns ever. I guess I have been a bit of a brat.

Bad dog!

[rubicon]

I protested Home Depot over another matter and now I find a second reason to avoid their store. Hope the vendor can secure a spot at Lowe's
He will get my business because I refuse to go to HD

[baileysdad]

why don't we all send a email to HD with our disappointment. if enough people do it, they might realize there is a big following out there

Great idea...how do we get an email for him?

[kittygilchrist]

Great idea...how do we get an email for him?

Here's a contact form. Ya know, I think it was a business decision, plain and simple, but ya'll go ahead....

Email The Home Depot or Contact us by Phone at The Home Depot (http://www.homedepot.com/c/Contact_Us)

[DougB]

You might be right, but I heard that his dogs were in hot water and he had to take off looking for one that went on the lamb!

http://www.pesmojprijatelj.si/data/albums/zgodbe/s/0_675f2239394db6fcfc69dcb725c7ac6d.jpg

Mmmm, lambdogs! You may be on to something.

[skyguy79]

Mmmm, lambdogs! You may be on to something.One step ahead of you. The store is almost ready to open in Brownwood!

[DougB]

One step ahead of you. The store is almost ready to open in Brownwood!

:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl: too funny!

[beartrack]

I know that many of us Villagers shop at Home Depot but, what I would like to know is how many of you have had a Hot Dog at the vendor by the main entrance. I always used to shop at Lowes until a golf buddy of mine introduced me to one of those jumbo dogs. It soon became a ritual. All four of us would go for a Hot Dog and then do some shopping at Home Depot. We have recently heard some bad news. It seems that the manager of the store has asked the Hot Dog man to go elsewhere by May 15th. No reason was given. So, If you like that Hot Dog man, he is only trying to make a living. Then please contact that store manager and ask him to please change his mind and leave the Hot Dog man alone. As for me, I have sent an email to the main office and have a phone call into the manager. If a lot of people from The Villages contact him I think we can keep our favorite Hot dog man. If not, I for one will not pass Lowes to go to Home Depot after May 15th.

[jblum315]

Can't believe Home Depot would ditch the Hot Dog Man. It's one of their main attractions. By the way, Sam's Club has fabulous hot dogs.

[PennBF]

Why not call/contact Lowe's and ask them to allow the hot dog stand at their store?:clap2:

[Indydealmaker]

Here is a reply from Home Depot regarding the expulsion of the Hot Dog Guy:
Hello Mr. Massy,

Thank you for contacting The Home Depot Customer Care. I hope you are
having an outstanding day!

Thank you for taking time out of your day to provide us feedback. I'm
sorry to hear you are disappointed with our Lady Lake Home Depot
regarding our decision to remove their Hot Dog Vendor. This was a
company decision but please know I have formally documented your
feedback.

If you would like to speak with a Customer Care professional, please
call us at 1-800-HOMEDEPOT (1-800-466-3337) and select option 3. We
would be happy to assist you.

Your Customer Care reference number is 53059441.

Thanks,


Rebecca L. Pope

[Tweety Bird]

It's so nice to have these stands. You don't want to spend much money and you're very hungry and you want to have a quick lunch. I really think they owe him an explanation. That seems really weird.

[CFrance]

Here is a reply from Home Depot regarding the expulsion of the Hot Dog Guy:
Hello Mr. Massy,

Thank you for contacting The Home Depot Customer Care. I hope you are
having an outstanding day!

Thank you for taking time out of your day to provide us feedback. I'm
sorry to hear you are disappointed with our Lady Lake Home Depot
regarding our decision to remove their Hot Dog Vendor. This was a
company decision but please know I have formally documented your
feedback.

If you would like to speak with a Customer Care professional, please
call us at 1-800-HOMEDEPOT (1-800-466-3337) and select option 3. We
would be happy to assist you.

Your Customer Care reference number is 53059441.

Thanks,


Rebecca L. Pope
By "company decision," do you think they mean "corporate decision"? It appears the hot dog vendors at the Home Depots we used in MI and PA have been deported as well.

I wonder if this is some insurance issue, health department issue, or just that HD wants to sell hot dogs themselves.

[Indydealmaker]

By "company decision," do you think they mean "corporate decision"? It appears the hot dog vendors at the Home Depots we used in MI and PA have been deported as well.

I wonder if this is some insurance issue, health department issue, or just that HD wants to sell hot dogs themselves.

You can be sure that when you observe a ridiculous corporate decision, the snake in the woodpile is usually one of these two:
1. A lawyer
2. A young MBA, new to management, with little or no job experience.
:cus:

[beartrack]

I received a call today from the assistant manager of Home Depot. He was answering my inquiry about the problem having to do with the management of Home Depot asking the hot dog vender to leave. He told me that some time back Home Depot had some sort of a children's day and part of the program was to have an ice cream truck at the store to provide ice cream for the kids. Well the ice cream truck inadvertently parked in the hot dog vendors spot. an argument ensued and the hot dog vendor allegedly dropped the dreaded "F" bomb. The manager told me that it is company policy that any employee or contractor that uses that language is to be fired on the spot. I told him that while I do not condone the use of that kind of language but, that hot dog man was there when that store first opened and in all these years he has been respectful and friendly to everyone. Heck he lost his temper one time, we are all adults here, what's the big deal. Caution him about the incident but, to rob him of his lively hood is way over the top, certainly the punishment does not fit the crime. The manager agreed and said he spoke with corporate and they said that it would be up to the hot dog man if he wanted to stay or not but, as far as Home Depot is concerned he can stay as long as he likes.

[cathyp]

Santiago/El Diablo courses need a hot dog and beverage stand on the old restaurant patio. Come to think of it so does the old Chula Vista restaurant and any other exec courses where golfers want a bite to eat, a beverage and a place to sit.

[caseycasebeer]

We spoke briefly to the hotdog-guy at Home Depot yesterday.

Evidently there had been an issue about him continuing to operate at HD, but according to him "...Home Depot evidently listened to its customers..." and has reconsidered the original edict. Hot Dog Man lives in Orlando, and evidently has been in contact with Lowe's about a space there (or maybe Lowe's contacted him, I don't know).

It's still undecided, but I got the impression he'll probably remain at HD. We got the impression that it was now his decision to make.

An interesting outcome; go Hot Dog Man! :-)

Best,
C&M

[Ourtime]

I find it hysterical that throughout this thread he is referred to as "Hot Dog man, Hot Dog Vendor, Hot Dog guy". Some have even spoke to Home Depot and the "Hot Dog man" himself yet "no one knows his name"?

[foxmeadow]

I find it hysterical that throughout this thread he is referred to as "Hot Dog man, Hot Dog Vendor, Hot Dog guy". Some have even spoke to Home Depot and the "Hot Dog man" himself yet "no one knows his name"?

His name is FRANK of course! Sorry....

[CFrance]

Frank Wiener?

[Buffalo Jim]

His dogs are " Perfectly Frank " .

[Bonanza]

Yesterday my husband and I were at Home Depot. I asked two of the cashiers why the hot dog man was given his walking papers. BTW, he wasn't there yesterday.

Anyway, one cashier said she didn't know. The other one piped up very quickly and said that the hot dog man was very rude to the district manager. She did not go into detail, but somehow, her response and tone didn't sit well with me. I just know there is more to the story than she let on.

Sorry to leave everyone hanging with only a partial story, but perhaps someone else can find out more.

[dok4933]

I was there late yesterday and asked the girl at the hot dog stand what was going on, staying or going. She said that the "Hot Dog Guy" has not made decision and left it at that.

[justjim]

I received a call today from the assistant manager of Home Depot. He was answering my inquiry about the problem having to do with the management of Home Depot asking the hot dog vender to leave. He told me that some time back Home Depot had some sort of a children's day and part of the program was to have an ice cream truck at the store to provide ice cream for the kids. Well the ice cream truck inadvertently parked in the hot dog vendors spot. an argument ensued and the hot dog vendor allegedly dropped the dreaded "F" bomb. The manager told me that it is company policy that any employee or contractor that uses that language is to be fired on the spot. I told him that while I do not condone the use of that kind of language but, that hot dog man was there when that store first opened and in all these years he has been respectful and friendly to everyone. Heck he lost his temper one time, we are all adults here, what's the big deal. Caution him about the incident but, to rob him of his lively hood is way over the top, certainly the punishment does not fit the crime. The manager agreed and said he spoke with corporate and they said that it would be up to the hot dog man if he wanted to stay or not but, as far as Home Depot is concerned he can stay as long as he likes.

Good research----this story sounds very logical. Apparently, the Hot Dog Man does have a temper and no excuse for that type of language. He has had a good "run" and another spot might bring more opportunities.

As far as hot dogs go...... Why is it they always taste better at a ballpark? :ho: