18-year-old entrepreneur dogging it on SK waterfront

Urban hot dog carts are pretty standard — the dogs, buns and condiments are combined by the vendor to suit customer taste.

The Port Orchard version, which had its initial roll-out earlier this month, meets those expectations in all but one area.

“This is just like the hot dog stands in New York,” said vendor Amani Summerday. “Except it’s a lot cleaner.”

The menu at the Happy Wiener, which is parked by the entrance to the foot ferry in downtown Port Orchard, is simple: You can order a hot dog, with condiments and chips.

Or you can go fancy, and get the same dog on a French roll.

The business motto is equally simple, according to Summerday.

“I put a smile in every bite,” he said.

Summerday, 18, hails from Idaho and now lives in Gig Harbor, where his father (with whom he co-owns the hot dog cart) runs a taxicab company.

Even at a young age, Summerday claims “a lot of restaurant experience” that gives him the background to manage the cart.

Which he cleans, whenever he has a spare minute.

“I polish everything several times a day,” he said. “I like to have a good image, and good products.”

Summerday had the option to go to college, but has opted out of the academic life for the foreseeable future.

He is learning the ropes by experience, but admits, “I’m not so strong on the accounting part” of the process.

Running the cart is relatively simple, as it is a cash-only business.

Aside from serving the food, the hardest part is counting change and keeping the customers happy.

This could be his strong point, since he asks customers about their day with what appears to be genuine interest.

“I am really interested in people,” he said. “And I meet all kinds down here. They like talking to me, too, and are always surprised to see such a young guy running a business down here.”

Port Orchard was not the first choice for the stand. When Summerday began developing the idea, it was aimed at putting something in downtown Tacoma. That city, however, does not allow downtown vendors.

Port Orchard, on the other hand, eagerly granted a permit on the night it was presented to the city council.

Traditionally, it can take years for a new restaurant to make a profit. Things move more quickly on a smaller scale.

Summerday said he is doing a little better than breaking even, and managing to pay all his bills.

Some days are better than others, but he’s built a clientele that is a balance of tourists and commuters.

He doesn’t expect to stay open through the winter, or run this particular business for more than a few years.

Even so, he’s sure it will eventually turn a decent profit.

“A lot of new businesses think they will be successful,” he said. “But I know I will be successful, no matter what. I will succeed because I am able to stay positive. If you have positive thoughts, and positive vibes, you will do well.”

The Happy Wiener is open from approximately 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., depending on weather and customer traffic.