Yeaah Dawg takes a bite out of the hot-dog market

Sreet food has long been part of Jamaican culture. However, in recent years, many entrepreneurs and even corporate companies are taking it up a notch and cashing in. Among them is an innovative mobile hot-dog stand called Yeaah Dawg.

The brainchild of two young entrepreneurs, Sheldon Whyte and Stephen Reid, Yeaah Dawg is promising an elevated hot-dog experience. According to the owners, the winning recipe is in the toppings.

"When we were brainstorming the business, we wanted to make something simple, but memorable. So while relish, mustard and ketchup are popular favourites for many years, we figured we would disrupt the norm and create toppings with a Jamaican twist," said Stephen.

Available with pork or chicken sausages, toppings include Pineapple Inferno, which comes with savoury pineapple chunks in a pineapple and ginger sauce, and their bestseller, Plantain Paradise, which features sweet, ripe plantains in a mango chutney sauce. Also on the menu are Irie Vibes, a spicy, flavourful twist to traditionally made salsa, and Lick Shot, a honey-jerked barbeque sauce with chicken bites .

So far, the concept has gone over well with their customers. During the recently concluded carnival season, Yeaah Dawg was the saviour at the Xamayca fÍtes for patrons who needed a quick bite in-between songs.

Since then, they have expanded their reach and have been spotted at central locations in the Kingston metropolitan areas, at parties and at corporate companies.

The savvy entrepreneurs have even gone a bit further to offer catering - move they say is rewarding. "Our hot dogs are seen as elevated street fare. we have been able to carve a niche out for ourselves in catering. It's like street food meets fine dining," commented Sheldon.

As for the next steps for Yeaah Dawg, the owners have hinted at acquiring three more carts, bringing their inventory to five. They are also cooking up new menu items to cater to varying dietary preferences.