Today we’d like to introduce you to Bonita Allen.
Hi Bonita, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in Chicago Illinois but moved to Austin back in 2006! Although I would go back to visit periodically throughout the years I would always bring back a piece of home with me! I found that most of my time I spent back home in Chicago was either shopping or going out to eat my favorite foods that I miss so dearly! Then I started noticing that on the plane ride back to Austin, everyone had either a Chicago style pizza or a bag from Portillo’s on their lap. Everyone else was doing the same thing. Bringing back food from Chicago with them! So in 2020 my husband and I decided to bring the taste of Chicago to Austin and people really appreciate that we are here!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has not been as smooth as we would have liked but the struggle of keeping a food truck open is very real! Location is a huge key to success and our choices haven’t always been on point! Some locations were better than others but then you have issues with weather! Austin isn’t the best when it comes to weather in the summer! People don’t come outside to eat when it’s 100 plus degrees! They will either stay home or eat in a nicely air conditioned place!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We specialize in the Authentic Chicago Hotdogs and Italian Beef Sandwich’s! If you’ve ever had an authentic Chicago hotdog you would know what I’m talking about! I would say that 90% of our customers are either from Chicago or have been to Chicago and that question is always asked at the window! (Are you from Chicago) it feels great to be able to say (yes)! Our product is shipped in from there and we keep it 100! That means a lot to people and we are proud to be able to make it happen and see that smile or even a tear or two!
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Seeing people come back for their fix and also seeing them bring their family and friends back with them! That makes me very happy because I know that they are proud of the product!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @midwaydogs
- Facebook: @midwaydogs
