I’ve often said there is no activity you can do in downtown Madison that can’t be made more fun by doing it in a golf cart! So you can imagine my sheer happiness when I spotted a golf cart-mounted hot dog stand plying its trade on Main Street, in front of the gazebo between Greves and McWhiggins.
The cart is owned by Carl “Redneck” Morris, and is appropriately named Redneck Hot Dogs! Carl is a Madison native who left town many years ago to pursue a career, but returned about five years ago when he inherited a home on West Main Street.
“I was enjoying retirement, but also keeping an eye out for something to do with my time,” explains Carl. “I’ve always been a Madison boy at heart, so it really felt good to be back in town. Then I happened on an opportunity to buy a hot dog cart two years ago and thought, what the heck, that looks like fun.
“We did the first year out of the cart, which we pulled behind a vehicle, but then last year I was down in Florida and saw this hot dog stand mounted on a golf cart. That just seemed like a natural for downtown Madison, with the great golf cart culture we have here.
“I worked with a golf cart customizer to get it just the way I wanted it, and I’m very happy how it turned out. We just drive it to our spot, put out some orange cones, and we’re open for business.
“Speaking of our spot, this is our second year in front of the gazebo on West Main, just across from the Comfort Station. It gets a lot of foot traffic, and all the people coming and going from the city parking lot right there really helps us. The city of Madison has been great, with the permits and making it easy to do business.
“From what I’ve seen, I think Mayor Bob (Courtney) is really making a difference in the town, changing it for the better. Bringing in the golf carts is just one example, and all the beautification along the streets. It’s so much better than when I was a kid.”
Talking to Carl during the lunch rush was kind of a fun challenge. I’d ask a question or two, then we’d have to stop while he served a dog or two. And I started to get the distinct impression that the hot dog cart isn’t just a business proposition for Carl. It’s something much more.
“Well, to start with, I just really love to cook,” explains Carl. “So it makes me happy just being out here preparing food for people. The other thing that motivates me is the opportunity to give people good food at a price that’s as low as possible. I’m not out here trying to charge as much as I can. In some ways, I guess you could say I’m charging as little as I can.
“And we take great pride in the quality of our food. Every dog we sell is 100% beef. If I read the label and I can’t pronounce any of the ingredients, I don’t want that stuff in there!
“We have regular size dogs and a big quarter pounder that I’m especially proud of. It took quite a bit of searching to source the quarter pounders and the taste is amazing. We boil the dogs in the classic style, which I think preserves all the flavor, better than grilling.
“This is our first weekend out this year, and we are so excited for the coming summer season. I can promise good dogs at a good price, and I can’t wait for people to try them, they are so good!”
Redneck Hot Dogs are available with all the classic fixing and condiments, including chili sauce, sauerkraut, cheese, onions, and of course catsup, relish and mustard. Carl plans to be at his spot every weekend as weather permits, so head on down to West Main and grab a tasty dog.
Hot Tip of the Week
The show at Rivertown Grill on Wednesday jumps out at me to start with. Rusty Bladen is a true homegrown talent, and it’s rare we get to see him on such a close and intimate stage on a weeknight. I know I’ll be there! Friday I’m looking at the classical performance at Trinity Methodist Church at 7 p.m. If you’ve never heard the acoustics in that historic church when great music is played, you are in for a treat. The show is free, but get there early, these shows tend to fill up. Saturday is just a good old night of music in downtown Madison, with shows at four venues, all within easy walking distance. And then Sunday … ah Sunday! I am so looking forward to seeing King Bee & the Stingers at Red Bicycle Hall. I caught their show at MadHop last fall and I was blown away. If you decide to come, keep in mind it starts a little earlier than usual, at 7 p.m., and you will need tickets, at MadTixEvents.com. See you there!
This Week in Music
The Central — Jam w/Jimmy
Rivertown Grill — Rusty Bladen
Rivertown Grill — Karaoke
1st Street Saloon — Open Mic w/Dewey & Friends
Off Broadway Taproom — Jordan Wilson
Trinity Methodist — Isaac Boone & Nathan Canfield (7 p.m.)
Rivertown Grill — Matt Red Moore
1st Street Saloon — No Name Band
Fairgrounds — For the love of Bluegrass (& Gospel & Country) (2 p.m.)
1st Street Saloon — L&L Karaoke
Rivertown Grill — Bon DC (AC/DC)
Red Bicycle Hall — Joe’s Truck Stop
Off Broadway Taproom — Joe & Deano
Rivertown Grill — Anthony Goe Highley
Riverboat Inn — Joe & Deano
Red Bicycle Hall — King Bee & the Stingers
Charlie Rohlfing is a retired advertising man and partner in The Red Bicycle Hall music venue. Look for his distinctive fedora bobbing above the crowd, anywhere live local music is happening.
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