Hot dog vendor celebrates opening day

MOSES LAKE - Moses Lake residents have a new lunchtime option.

D's Dogs hot dog cart will be parked at Sinkiuse Square in downtown Moses Lake during lunchtime on weekdays.

Owner David Johnson said he wanted to provide an alternative to restaurants and fast-food places.

"I want this to be a quick, affordable lunch for people," he said.

Johnson marked his first official day of business Wednesday.

"I've only sold two other times, so today is the big day," he said. "From now on, I'll be here Monday through Friday."

Johnson said hot dogs will be ready each day at 11 a.m. and he'll stay open until 2 p.m. D's Dogs also sells chips, water and pop, he said.

Johnson said he carries two types of hot dogs, regular and jumbo, and two types of sausages, the Super D and a German sausage. The Super D will appeal to those who like a little spice as the sausage contains jalapeños, he said

There are also a variety of toppings for the hot dogs, including staples like ketchup, mustard, sauerkraut and chili, among others.

Dogs start at $2, he said.

Johnson said D's Dogs has been in the works for about a year.

"I've worked in the restaurant business since I was 16, and have always wanted to own something," he said. D's Dogs is Johnson's first business venture.

He said he chose hot dogs because it's a food everyone seems to enjoy.

"People age 8 to 80 like hot dogs," he said.

Johnson said the fact that Moses Lake didn't have any sidewalk vendors also encouraged him to move forward with his business plan.

"There's nothing like this in town," said Johnson.

He said he is excited to be in downtown Moses Lake.

"I'm right in the heart of Moses Lake," he said. Johnson said he appreciates that city council members gave him the opportunity to set up his businesses in Sinkiuse Square.

Johnson said his wife Almeta, along with other family members and neighbors, have supported him on his venture.