Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandria Stiles.
Hi Alexandria, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I first opened my cart in July of 2019, (so we’re coming up on 3 years). Going vegan helped me learn how to cook. I had never enjoyed cooking in the past. My mom was always good at it, but I thought it just wasn’t for me. However, it wasn’t until I went vegan that made me really fell in love with cooking and trying different ingredients that I would never think to use before. I still wanted to eat really good food, but my love and compassion for animals just wouldn’t allow me to contribute to the meat, egg, and dairy industry anymore. Instead, I tried to make vegan versions of all my favorite foods until I got it right. This love for cooking manifested into my wanting to open a food truck, but that is pretty costly. Then, I saw a hot dog cart on Craigslist for a reasonable price, and things kind of manifested from there.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not. I started in July which is some of the worst weather in Florida. I had many events where I left soaked from the rain or couldn’t safely operate my cart. But quitting was just not an option for me. I’m so glad I stuck things out because some of the most challenging events have been the most rewarding.
One great piece of advice my dad gave me when I first started was that even if this doesn’t work out, it’s ok because I’m going to learn so much. And he couldn’t have been more correct about that. I had never worked in a restaurant before, let alone knew how to run a hot dog cart. I had to learn everything on my own and I figured out things along the way through trial and a lot of error.
Then Covid hit in 2020, and we all kind of had to figure out how to navigate that one.
2021 was somehow the best and then worst year for me career-wise and personally. I was recognized by Peta as one of the top 10 vegan hot dogs. This was huge for me! A month later, my dad passed, and I found myself incapable of functioning at the level I needed to in order to run my business to the standard I had set for myself.
Now in 2022, I got myself back on my feet and we are opening in Orlando. I’m sure we’ll face our own set of challenges but we are excited more than anything!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
100% Vegan Hot Dog Cart serving dogs with unique styles of toppings, sauces, and combinations for vegans, vegetarians, and meat eaters alike!
What are your plans for the future?
The biggest thing I’m looking forward to right now is expanding to Orlando! My cousin Samantha Billotte will be running the Orlando cart. We have lots of fun ideas and future plans so stay tuned!
Pricing:
- Plain Jane $5
- Frito Pie $6
- Buffalo $6
- Specials ~$7
Contact Info:
- Website: https://eatslydogs.square.site/s/shop
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatslydogs/
- Yelp: https://www.happycow.net/reviews/sly-dogs-tampa-200134
- Other: https://www.peta.org/media/news-releases/hot-diggity-veggie-dog-local-vendor-wins-peta-national-award-for-buldogi/
Image Credits
Samantha Billotte
