Story by Matthew Carroll
Photos by Brian Bradley
Kincaid and 13th is the pulsing vein that runs along the heart of the University of Oregon’s campus. Teeming with students and restaurants, this intersection is a haven for any food cart lover. It is here that One Bad Dawg has stood since 1981, serving students hot dogs for three decades.
Originally owned by Cookie Szakacs, the cart has had two different owners since its start. When Cookie retired in 1994, Tim Nalley took over the stand until 2006. Before moving out of Eugene, Nalley handed the small company over to his friend and co-worker Shari Chrissis, who had long been helping Nalley with the business. She has been the stand’ s bubbly and cheerful owner ever since.
Always smiling, Chrissis is happy to serve hungry students hot dogs no matter the time of day. “I have the best job,” Chrissis says. “I’m here for the students and that’s the main focus of the business.” While she braves the unpredictable weather of Eugene, she does change hours to accommodate the seasons. During most of the year she closes between 3:30 and 4 p.m. However, hours fluctuate when the weather gets too extreme.
With a menu offering just hot dogs, One Hot Dawg allows its customers to customize each dog to their own preferences. With the choice of a beef or polish frank, the customer may also add toppings of tomato, relish (sweet or dill), onions, jalapeños, and sauerkraut. Patrons may also choose to have ketchup, yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, and honey mustard lathered on top of their dog. At times, chilidogs are also available.
As for future plans, Chrissis has no desire to expand. “I like things just the way they are,” Chrissis says. Chrissis is going to continue her stand for five more years, and evaluate her situation. Her dream is to study and learn Chinese and perhaps get a job as a local translator. Until then, she is happy to stay on campus and continue to create close relationships with students while selling one of America’s favorite foods.
The Thirty-Year-Old Hot Dawg
May 12, 2011
The Thirty-Year-Old Hot Dawg
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