Fun facts about Jim

OK, not being from Chicago, what’s the history of the Chicago Dog?

(J) NO KETCHUP! There are hot dog places in Chicago that don't even have ketchup in the building.  One place will actually threaten to throw you out if you even ask for it! Rumor also has it that if you put ketchup on a Chicago Dog, you will be visited by the ghost of Al Capone! Even Dirty Harry believes It so it must be true (said with a Santa Claus chuckle).

I know you've traveled A LOT with your previous work.   What's the coolest place you've been?

(J) I have been to 35 countries to date. My favorite was probably New Zealand. It was the most beautiful place have ever seen.

You're so tall!  You're like a cartoon (laughing).  Do you have a favorite cartoon character? 

(J) The Under Dog... HA!

What would be your final meal?  I know you love to cook!

(J) Final meal? I would want a Veal Chop from RPI Italian in Chicago and a beef sandwich with

sweet and hot peppers from Portillo's.  There's a few Texas cuisines that are creeping up my favorites list though.  

What inspired you to start your mobile kitchen? 

(J) I started Jimmy Dogs because I've always wanted to have my own business. I love to cook and

make people happy. Seemed like a natural place to start. I first considered a hot dog cart in 1998. I

learned more about selling hot dogs from Ben Wilson at learnhotdogs.com than from anywhere else. He is a phenomenal man who has given back so much. He also runs Vendors United.

Have you ever been in a food fight?

(J) I have been in a food fight and am quite good at them.  My nephews Mac and Char genuinely love that about me.  

I hear Joey Chestnut recently won the world hotdog eating contest.  It was over 300.  Think you could beat it?

(J) Me in a hot dog eating contest? Think I will pass, I would rather take my time and enjoy the

wonderful taste.  Now if I was in my 20s I'd be all over it.

Dogs or Cats?

(J) Dogs over cats all day, every day. Nothing will love you as much as a dog. Always happy to see

you!

Have you ever been told you look like someone famous?

(J) A few people have told me I look like Blake Shelton. I don't see it at all but I hope my wife does (laughing). We are probably about the same height.  

What motto do you live by?

(J) Lead from the front. Don't ever ask anyone to do anything you either haven't done or wouldn't do yourself.