Small Town News

Snider slings dogs as staple on Main Street in Camp Verde

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Jeff Snider has become something of a fixture on Main Street in Camp Verde. At least when the weather is nice.

Now that the weather is getting more people outside, not that the winters are particularly harsh around these parts, Snider is back on Main Street selling hot dogs from a cart.

"I got it off of Craigslist," Snider said.

The cart was built as sort of a side hobby by a man in Chandler who worked for a tool and die company, Snider said.

The man found he didn't have time to use the cart, so he decided to unload it on the website, which connects deals and strangers all the time.

Snider has worked with food before. He helped operate a barbecue stand by Clear Creek.

When Snider saw that there was a hot dog cart available, he decided he'd give that a shot.

"Hey, people love hot dogs," Snider said. "And these are the best in town."

Snider said that people would be surprised how much traffic he gets. He sets up a few days a week on Main Street across the road from the downtown gazebo.

"Some days, you wouldn't believe how many people come by," Snider said.

He also sets up at the flea market on weekends and is making plans to try to sell his dogs at farmers markets around the area.

Snider said he's looking at the Cottonwood Farmers Market, which features live music, though he said he thinks a decision by the Cottonwood City Council to ban canines from the event has caused a few people to attend less often.

Snider has lived in Camp Verde for the past 15 years.

Originally, from Flagstaff, Snider said he moved to be closer to his father, who also happened to be there helping Snider to pack up the cart on a recent afternoon. _ Snider said he was closing up shop a little bit earlier than usual because he had to go pick up his children.

Snider has a 5-year-old daughter, a 12-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old son.

The boy in the middle may be outnumbered but Snider said he handles it well.

"He holds his own," Snider laughed.

Snider said he's got all the necessary permits to sell hot dogs from the sidewalk and has had a great experience working with the Town of Camp Verde to get everything in place.

"It was actually way easier than I expected it would be," Snider said.

He still has to have a professional kitchen to operate out of, so Snider said he worked out an arrangement with local American Legion Post No. 93.

When not working there, Snider will stay beneath his red and white umbrella on Main Street.

How 'At Random' Works

Through experience, reporters learn every person has a story. To prove it, each week The Camp Verde Journal reporter hits the streets in the Verde Valley to intercept unsuspecting members of the public as they go about their daily business.

With brief introductions and the chance to flee, the interview begins with the fated question, "If your story was in the newspaper, what would it be?"



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