Today we’d like to introduce you to Larry Zani.
Hi Larry, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Everyone has a story, and I will share it with you today. In 2013 I was diagnosed with epilepsy. I drove a truck that required a CDL license, but when the doctors put me on medication to control the seizures, they took my license away for a year. I ended up losing my 15-year job right out from under me. I had no idea what I was going to do. After continuing with doctors and testing for months, I was misdiagnosed. With what little money I had left, I bought a skeleton of a hot dog cart—with help from local businesses in town, I fabricated my dream cart. The day I opened in the spring of 2014, I had $33 to make change with. The love and support that I received from the community that day is a day I will never forget. I moved to SC at the end of the year selling everything from the business except for the name. I missed the hotdog cart business so much that by the end of 2019, I finally found the perfect cart to get the ball rolling again and was ready to open up when COVID hit. I decided it wasn’t the right time then and opened up part-time in April 2022. I finally gave notice to my full-time 9-5 job and started working the hot dog cart business 100% of the time in June 2022. I love what I do, putting smiles on people’s faces.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My biggest challenges have been supplying chain issues and trying to keep my prices low and fair for my customers.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have a hot dog cart and trailer to vend all year round. I offer the excellent old all-beef hot dog, but I have tried to think out of the box in every other way possible. A local bakery in the upstate makes fresh split-top buns for me every week. I offer specialty hot dogs occasionally, but the one that has really taken off is the Pizza Pup, a hot dog topped with pepperoni, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. Another option is a Guiness Brat that I serve on a pretzel bun with sauerkraut. I also make and sell 1/4 pound cookies and Krispy treats topped with mini M&Ms.
Do you have any advice for those just starting?
If you have a dream, follow it!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: larriosdoggiewagon
- Facebook: larrios doggie wagon
