Since our business launch in July of 2000 Dante's Inferno Dogs has worked with:

Dante, at age 19, read 'A Confederacy Of Dunces'. The novel for which John Kennedy Toole was posthumously awarded the Pulitzer Prize and whose obnoxious main character, Ignatius J. Reilly, fails miserably as a hot-dog vendor. Nevertheless, Dante thought the enterprise had a certain charm.

His travels brought him to the Pacific Northwest in the Fall of '95. After tending tables and toying with a non-profitable business (or two) ... at the age of 30 he again turned to the novel idea of slingin' dogs. For the first 5 years he and his dog Josie ran just the one cart. Growth has taken place with the addition of a cart every year since.

Dante's Inferno Dogs now operates 5 units in-and-around Seattle. The carts have been as far North as Bellingham and as far South as Olympia and have been at most place in between. Dante's specializes in privately hosted catered events featuring a meticulously clean operation and offering the best product and service.

Dante's Inferno Dogs has also recently launched their first PASS-OUT window. With the benefit of a brick and mortar establishment - Inferno Dogs can now offer the likes of 'Coney' dogs and BACON wrapped! Items not normally permitted on the streets of Seattle for mobile units. Snacks! Ballard's Bodega houses the PASS-OUT window in the heart of Old Ballard - 5219 Ballard Ave NW Seattle, WA. 98107 (next to Kings)

Is 'Dante' your real name?
Yes. Dante Enrique Rivera is my real name - It was all Mom & Dad.

Are Dante's Inferno Dogs all 'HOT'?
No, it's just a play on words. Our Mexican Chipotle (veggie) and Chicken Andouille do have a nice bite. Add Cream Chz to mellow it out if needed. :)

Can you make $$$ selling dogs?
Yes you can make $$$ doing anything if you do it right! Just like any other job - you get out what you put in. The stories you hear - From Dogs ... to RICHES !!! - are just stories.

Do you need to have a permit to sling dogs?
King County is notorious for stringent guidelines for mobile vendors. In addition to your Food Permit which requires a licensed Commissary you will need a Fire Permit, SDOT, Proof of Insurance, Parks Permits, Food Handlers, Etc. Also - keep in mind somebody is going to want something ... Rent / Percentage / Trade - sometimes all 3!

After 9 years do you still eat your own product?
Yes! I love our sausages but I try to limit myself! Hotdogs! I love 'em! I could eat one EVERY day (I often do). One look at my belly and you will see I tell no lies :)

We are hosting an event, will you donate product/service or an auction item?
Quite often the answer is 'Yes'. Please email me your request and I will do my best. Inferno Dogs is the proud sponsor to neighboring little league teams and a regular contributor to the Ballard Food Bank, Ballard Boys & Girls Club, and Betty Ford Scholarship Foundation. Our budget for donations is always spread thin so contact us early. Again - I will do my best.

Do you offer any Veggie options?
Yes! Field Roast Veggie Sausages. We carry a Mexican Chipolte (spicy) and Apple Sage (mild). Both are AWESOME!

Have you ever thought of a franchise?
We are launching a franchise in Portland next Spring. Conditions need to be just right. And... we also offer consulting services for future and existing dog slingers.

Do you cater?
Privately catered hosted events is our main focus. People love the novelty of one of our beautiful carts wheeling into their backyard, driveway, or place of business. From 15 to 1500 people we can accommodate. And we are very affordable too!

Are you looking for investors?
I have ideas! :) Always in the need for working capitol. If you have a wish to become part of our 'Hotdog Magic' I am open to small business loans at a fair percentage.

I've always wanted to do this. Are you hiring?
I always accept applications. Please send us your resume at derivera@earthlink.net