Franks your way

Sacha Walters-Gregory, Staff Reporter

Reggae Jammin' the chicken based frankfurters brand, showed their hot dog cart vendors, how to add some culinary flair to their creations and keep customers coming back.

On August 15, Chef Brian Lumsley, was invited to show the vendors ways to freshen up their menu offerings and titillate their customers taste buds.

"What a real foodie likes is if you can have five or six different toppings," Lumsley said, acknowledging limitations of costs but indicating that there are still creative ways around this specifically by using seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Lumsley whipped up five suggested toppings that the vendors/owners could use or create their own spin on. These included caramelised onions, tomato bruschetta, avocado and pickle salsa, pineapple coconut guacamole and roast corn and tomato salsa.

Paul Hemmings, a cart owners showed that he was already getting creative with his hot dog condiments. Hemmings, who owns a cart in Highate St Mary, said his vendor uses honey and condensed milk, as two unique toppings. While not a favourite with all they are toppings which specific customers request. However, he noted his reservations about introducing unique toppings, especially regarding storage.

"People want to grab and run, oftentimes they don't want to stop and try," said Hemmings.

Sheree-Ann Wheatley, a cart vendor said she believes their is room for unique toppings and a wide range of toppings to thrive.

"I strongly feel so," said Wheatley, who operates a cart at Heaven's Gas Station in Mandeville. She said persons are open to her toppings such onions, corn and cucumber.

Racquel Rowe, brand manager for Reggae Jammin' said their parent company Best Dressed Foods, focuses on creating customer value and the Reggae Jammin' brand is in line with this.

"At Best Dressed Foods, our customer service is one of high standards so it has to be passed through all lines, from the promotional persons we use straight to our hot dog cart vendors, everyone," said Rowe. She emphasised that Lumsley was brought to assist their cart vendors in create unique tastes that are affordable and will keep customers satisfied.

The demonstration was apart of one of the quarterly seminars held in conjunction with Jamaica Business Development Corporation and Reggae Jammin' to ensure continuity of training for the vendors and owners. The one day seminar focused on customer service and marketing and was held at the Jamaica Broilers Group Office in McCook's Pen.

sacha.walters-Gregory@gleanerjm.com