INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Garcia’s Hot Dogs has been a staple in an east side community for 14 years, but a recent discussion with the Marion County Health Department about restrictions on food trucks is putting the business at risk.
A long line formed at the hot dog stand on the corner of 16th and Emerson Streets throughout the dinner rush on Wednesday night.
Abacuc Garcia Martinez says the Marion County Health Department called him on Friday and told him his menu was too big for a hot dog stand. The specific problem: his Street Corn Dog with corn, mayonnaise, cheese and tahini on top.
The health department explained that due to a city ordinance, a stand would be too small to offer specialty toppings, so a food truck would be a better fit for Garcia as he looks to expand his menu.
Garcia accepted the challenge and began raising money to replace the cart with a food truck.
Garcia described the conversation with the health department employee.
“‘This hot dog should not be on your menu.'”
“I say, ‘OK.'”
“He says, ‘The reason you can’t have it is, first of all, your menu has grown too much. It’s too much for your little hot dog stand that you have.'”
Garcia also said, “These are his words: ‘If you want to have a fancy menu, you have to get a food truck.'”
The health department says it’s a matter of size. The food he serves has to fit in the cart and be stored at a safe temperature.
Janelle Kaufman, an employee with the Marion County Health Department, told News 8, “If people want to expand their menu beyond hot dogs, sausages and basic condiments, those still have to fit in the cart. So if you want to expand your menu and offer special toppings, that cart won’t fit anymore. So a mobile food truck would have more space.”
A food truck fundraiser raised over $8,000 in just six days.
“I don’t have the words to describe how the city of Indianapolis, how neighbors from all over come and show me this support,” Garcia said.
Ryan Blankenship, a customer of Garcia’s Hot Dogs, told News 8, “A few years ago, I was a little short on cash myself and needed a bus ride, and he just offered me a bus ride and then gave me a $20 bill.
“Garcia is one of the best people there is.”
