Modeled after classic hot dog stands, inspired by unique flavors
After a successful run with his local pop-up BBQ brand, Pasatiempo Barbecue, Justin Potts partnered with local business owner Jim Groveau to bring a new pop-up food concept to the western Chicago suburbs: The Standby.
Like the former business, The Standby will be a side venture, operating on weekends and evenings, and Potts is applying what he learned during the long overnights on the pit to the new operation.
“I love barbecue, but when it’s just a side hustle, being a one-man crew cooking all night and then selling all day isn’t sustainable,” Potts said. “Jim and I wanted to create a food trailer that didn’t require the all-night demands but could still bring people together.”
When a fully built hot dog trailer fell into their lap, the idea came to fruition.
“We love the nostalgia of the hot dog cart,” Potts continued. “There’s such an Americana vibe with hot dogs – cookouts and camping and 4th of July. What I love most about cooking is the creativity involved in coming up with unique flavors and combinations, and hot dogs are a great vessel for that creativity.”
The duo plan to bring The Standby food trailer to suburban breweries, local markets and festivals, weekend youth tournaments, and even block parties.
The menu will be simple in quantity, but
“We plan to have a few standard hot dogs that are always available and then event-specific specials that use seasonal flavors and ingredients,” Groveau said.
Although it’s not the focus of the brand, there are also plans to incorporate barbecue into the menu periodically.
“We had a big local following for our Signature Bacon and The Perfect Swine pulled pork sandwich, so we’ll make sure to bring those items back periodically, and find ways to incorporate them into our hot dog flavors,” Potts said.
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