In Minneapolis, Minnesota, a 13-year-old named Jordan Smith had a simple aspiration: to run his own hot dog stand to earn money for new school clothes and shoes. Since 2016, Jordan operated his hot dog cart from his front yard without any issues. However, this past summer, a post from the Facebook page “Biking Cops for Kids” propelled his little venture into the spotlight.
With newfound attention, Jordan’s business flourished. Yet, as often happens, not all attention was positive. Some individuals raised concerns about his lack of proper permits to operate legally in his neighborhood.
Here’s where the story takes a heartwarming turn. Instead of shutting him down, the city officials in Minneapolis, alongside a supportive community, decided to assist him. They worked together to ensure he could comply with the necessary regulations.
Jordan set up a tent and installed a hand-washing station, while the city provided him a thermometer to monitor the meat’s temperature. The health department even covered the hefty $87 permit fee. “When I realized what was happening, I thought, ‘No, we’re not going to shut him down like we would with an unlicensed vendor,’” said Minneapolis Environmental Health Director Mark Jensen. “Let’s turn this into a positive experience and help him become a business owner.”
The county’s health inspection team even pooled their personal funds to pay for his permit and offered guidance on safe food practices. But their support didn’t stop there. The Department of Health reached out to the Northern Economic Opportunity Network (NEON), a nonprofit organization focused on empowering underserved entrepreneurs. NEON has been mentoring Jordan in business management, helping him establish a Facebook page for his hot dog cart, and advising him on future plans to expand his business.
Recently, the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile visited Jordan, giving him a ride and donating enough hot dogs to keep his stand stocked for the summer! Now, Jordan’s business, Smith’s Classic Hot Dogs, is thriving. He emphasizes that it’s no longer just about the money; it’s a passion project for him. “I enjoy doing this,” he says.
In a moment of wisdom that transcends his age, Jordan highlights a more significant message. “My teacher always said that people of color often face unfair judgments. I want to show that we can do good things too.” He shared a personal experience of being wrongly accused of stealing in a grocery store, reinforcing his desire to shift perceptions.
Jordan welcomes everyone to stop by his hot dog stand any day this summer. He is open Monday through Friday from around 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information on community support, check the terms and conditions of our other blog posts here.
Summary
A young entrepreneur named Jordan Smith from Minneapolis turned his hot dog stand into a symbol of community support and resilience after facing challenges with permits. Rather than shutting him down, local officials and organizations rallied to help him succeed, showcasing how collective effort can restore faith in humanity.