Mobile Eats: Sausages, Hot Dogs, and Salmon Burgers, Oh My!

Beantown Franks ‘n Spuds finds success by focusing on sourcing sustainably and offering cheap, fast, delicious food. – By Lauren K., Summer Intern

Nate dishes out some summer classics.

“Kids have fun playing in the fountain—they see us and get sucked in—they want a hot dog!” So says Nate, of Beantown Franks ‘n Spuds, a hot dog cart in its third season on the Greenway.

I passed by on their first day serving salmon burgers. “I have a background in commercial fishing in Alaska,” Nate explained, “so I made the connection with the guys I used to work with. They make the burgers with very fresh fish!” As Nate cooked my lunch, we discussed food sourcing, menu items, and mobile food vending in Boston.

Q: What are the advantages and challenges unique to running a food cart?

A: “We are more nimble—I have this sandwich board and if I want to try a new menu item, I put it on the board and see what works.

“The main challenge is packing up the equipment, putting it in a van, and driving it to Somerville every night. Having a weather-dependent business is unsettling, but on a day like today (he motions to the activity at Ring’s Fountain), its 100% worth it.”

Q: What’s your favorite Beantown menu item?

A: “The salmon burger! Well, the salmon is new today, so yesterday my favorite menu item was the spicy smoked sausage. We get the meat from Pearl Meats, a company in Randolph, and it’s just fantastic.”

Q: How should I eat my salmon burger?

A: “It barely needs anything—I’d suggest a bit of mayo.”

And he was right, this salmon burger hits the spot!