Burnout and frustration are par for the course when it comes to most jobs. But we can choose what to do with that suffocating negative energy: suck it up and stay out of fear, or decide to roll the dice and bet on ourselves for a change?
Frankie Dogs owner Chris Torlone recently faced that decision, and with a nudge from a furry friend, he decided to take a gamble on himself.
Torlone 's energetic Jack Russel-Chihuahua mix, Frankenstein, was his source of inspiration when he woke up one day and realized that he was stuck in a rut. "Frankenstein just lived his life to the fullest. All of my friends loved him. Back in the day he had more friends on MySpace than I did!," joked Torlone.
Sadly, Frankenstein passed away after a bout with lymphoma but his outgoing spirit provided the extra push that Torlone needed to make a change that was long overdue. He channeled Frankie's positive vibes and decided to take the leap leaving his nearly decade-long career as a hairdresser to pursue his dream of self-employment.
Unhappy with the lack of vegetarian and vegan options available at most food truck round- ups, he launched Frankie Dogs, a gourmet veggie dog stand named after his charismatic canine. Torlone started his business just a few months ago with a simple tabletop set-up which was convenient for various indoor events; recently, he has upgraded to a traditional cart.
Frankie Dog's quirky menu features 100% vegan hot dogs that are broiled in craft beer (or water for teetotaler events). The low fat, high-protein dogs are topped with everything from hummus to homemade vegetarian chili. Torlone's best seller, The Frankenstein ($5), is a spicy number topped with Sriracha, onions, avocado, hummus, and drizzled with sweet and spicy "Frankie Sauce."
Sides include vegetarian chili made with vegetarian "meat" crumbles and both black and pinto beans. Torlone also makes vegetable chip medley with seasoned and fried carrots and a trio of potatoes which includes blue, and sweet potatoes that is served with a side of Frankie Sauce. Prices are wallet friendly, ranging from $2 for chili to $8 for the "Double Dog Dare Ya", two hot dogs that can be customized with an array of fresh toppings.
Currently, Frankie Dogs can be found at Radioactive Records, Laser Wolf, and events around Fort
Lauderdale like Critical Mass, a collective monthly bike ride held on
the last Friday of the month and at various events at C&I Studios in
Fort Lauderdale's F.A.T Village Arts District.
For more information on where to find Frankie Dogs this week or to book the cart for your next event call 954-609-5781 or visit Frankie Dogs' Facebook page.
Think your food business has a good story and should be in the spotlight? Put down that glass of Haterade and start typing. Reach us via Twitter @CleanPlateBPB or in the comments section below.
Follow @ CleanPlateBPB
