As you drive through the villages of Ilion, Mohawk, or Herkimer, you may have noticed one of the newest attractions to grab a bite to eat. JJ’s Weiner Wagon is a one-of-a-kind hot dog cart that is set up in different locations throughout the week.
“I make a bootleg Big Mac, a pizza dog, a taco dog,” said Joe Natarelli, seller and owner / operator of Weiner Wagon at JJ.
He uses social media to let the people of the Mohawk Valley know where he will sell his unique hot dogs on a daily basis.
“Reuben Dog, you get a piece of Swiss cheese, a real piece of Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and then I put the Thousand Island Dressing on top,” he said. “I treat it more as an attraction. I think that’s more of the DJ part in me. People are happy when it comes to the city. “
Joe was a party and wedding DJ for more than 20 years. He lost all of his appearances last year when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Joe and a partner saw it as an opportunity to try something new. You bought the car late last summer.
“We’ve talked about this for many years and he says, ‘Joe, this is the time. ‘And when we found the car so close to our home it just made sense and I said, “I’ll try. We’ll see what happens, ”said Natarelli.
When it comes to having fun, Joe is a natural. He’s never afraid to try a new recipe. You can even catch him in his hot dog costume if he’s in the mood for some entertainment.
‘Is he really in a hot dog suit out there? ‘Yes yes I am. If you can’t have fun with it then why? ” he said.
And if fun means good business, then Joe is sure to be doing something right.
“I never thought people would want hot dogs that much, but here they come,” he said.
You can also look for the booth in Weller Park in Mohawk, Ilion Plaza, or near Gaffeys Jiffy Lube in Herkimer.