Chad Ginther, 37, Cedar Rapids
Owner @ Bigg Daddy’s Dogs

This week it’s a bit of stretch calling this feature “InTheKitchen,” because technically you don’t have a kitchen, right?
Bigg Daddy Dogs is actually a mobile food unit, otherwise known as a push cart. I always wanted my own restaurant after spending several years working as a manager of various food venues. One day my Mom called me up after watching a news segment on the food cart business and it got me thinking this would be a nice way to ease into owning my own place.

What’s available at “Bigg Daddy?”
We offer a Philly cheesesteak sandwich made with Italian beef, sautéed onions, green peppers, cheese whiz (this is how they do it in Philly), nine-inch Johnsonville brats and Chicago hot links — a spicy pork sausage. These come with
the classic condiments along with a southern influence I encourage everyone to try at least once called “Southern Mild Chow Chow” — a combination of cabbage, mild pepper rings, jalapeños and cayenne seasoning.

Do you have a lot of regulars or more new customers enjoying the novelty of lunch from a cart?
I offer a buy eight get the ninth one free punch card which has helped with repeat business. A couple customers will come to me for chili cheese dogs three to four times a week. I have a pretty steady flow or newcomers. People visiting downtown for a special meeting or event are always surprised to see me set up in Cedar Rapids and really appreciate the convenience.

How do you get your name out?
I’m participating in the Taste of Downtown this week and have been at the farmers’ markets all season long. Both are great ways to get my name out to those that might not know about me. We have a lot to offer downtown, just a matter of getting people to stop by and discover what’s here. The markets are fantastic revenue generators which helps me through the winter months.

Your family is always on site, helping you. How have they helped you build your business?
My family has always wanted to see me succeed, and helping out with the business has been proof of that. My wife, son, parents and nephew are all there doing whatever they can do to help. My son has been known to play the harmonica at the markets, chatting it up with customers. Everyone does whatever it takes to help.

What are your long-term goals?
I’d love to open up my own restaurant downtown but will keep the mobile cart going strong. It’s so unique to our community. I’d hate to give that up. The goal of an actual restaurant is looking more
and more like a realistic goal for me which is an exciting next step.

What’s your favorite part of your job?
The people make my job fun and unique every day. Whether they actually buy from me or not the fact that people will stop by, make small talk and thank me for choosing to be downtown is a great feeling.
— QUINN