Sidewalk vendors in Tulsa

An old business that's relatively new to Tulsa is growing. Sidewalk food vendors are on the move. <br/><br/>News on 6 reporter Emory Bryan says mobile food carts on the sidewalk is a staple of bigger

Wednesday, June 23rd 2004, 1:51 pm

By: News On 6

An old business that's relatively new to Tulsa is growing. Sidewalk food vendors are on the move.

News on 6 reporter Emory Bryan says mobile food carts on the sidewalk is a staple of bigger cities, but it's just catching on here.

In fact it wasn't so long ago that it was illegal to sell a hot dog on the sidewalk, but not now. Cherry Street has no shortage of places to eat - but on a corner not from all that competition.

Don Greer staked out a new career - in the parking lot of his wife's gardening business. "I thought it would be fun and I've enjoyed it, it's the best job I've ever had." Three months ago, Greer started a hot dog stand and he's already developed a loyal lunch crowd. It was a way for him to make some extra money and be in business with his wife.

For his customers, it's a quick stop off 15th for a Grumpy hot dog - and a chance to see a not so grumpy guy. Customer Mitzi Hale: â€œThis is the polish, it's my favorite. It was a good dog, a very good dog."

Grumpy's Hot Dogs is the latest of 31 pushcarts licensed to sell on the sidewalks of Tulsa. Hot dog carts once were banned by the health department. The city wants to encourage sidewalk food vendors. It's one way to make Tulsa seem friendlier for tourists.

Customer Lorenzo Holmes: "They're excellent, best ones on the north side." Lorenzo Holmes is a believer. He's a regular at Los Unicos Hot Dogs at 3rd and Lewis.

Gamaliel Saldivar with Los Unicos Hot Dogs: "By lunchtime, it's usually crowded." These guys have been around for a year selling a grilled Mexican hotlink topped with about anything you want. They say business is good.

They've got few competitors right now - but as the city grows - more of these are showing up all over town.