brat wars

It had to happen in the hot-dog-brat vendor on the street market, locally…competition. For the last few months, two maybe three hot dog carts have popped up on downtown corners, usually on nice Friday afternoons like this and during big events at the Sprint Center. Business has been good, it appears. Today, at 12th and Walnut, the guy that usually sets up there, got there a bit late. Some new guy and his partner were already burnin’ the brats as he was receiving his delivery of buns from his pal in the white van that makes the rounds, replenishing provisions. An argument ensued, drew a crowd. More buns were filled than usual given the free drama. There’s a price war, too.

I’m afraid to purchase anything from these “maggot wagons”. Somehow, they’re not rancid enough. I mean, at 3rd and Chestnut in Philly, on a decent day, you can get a Cheesesteak with the works from a guy who’s set up there for ten years. His maggot wagon has that seasoned patina of grease and blackened caramelized onions that make you want to forget all hygiene requirements. These new guys down the street need a few years of experience, and their argument tone was a bit unstreetworthy and lame.

"Yo, I'm trying to cook heah!"