Two new hot dog businesses in the Beaufort area are serving up lunch -- and careers for three entrepreneurs.
One couple has decided to spend their retirement at the new Dog House on Lady's Island, and a single mom will work for herself at Milli's Heavenly Hotdogs in Beaufort.
Dick and Geraldine Purdy have opened the Dog House at 381 Sea Island Parkway to capitalize on the estimated 15,000 cars that drive down that road every day.
They once ran a 90-seat eatery on Long Island, N.Y. They moved to Dataw Island about eight years ago. She also works at Where'd You Get That consignment store in Beaufort.
Geraldine Purdy spotted the empty store while driving on Sea Island Parkway and decided it would be ideal for a hot dog stand. After some renovations, including building an outdoor grill area, they opened in August.
"I keep flunking retirement," Dick Purdy said.
Toppings are homemade, and Geraldine's chili and Dick's spicy red onion sauce are house specialties.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Phone: 843-770-0013.
Meanwhile, single mother-of-four Amelia Morgan has opened the mobile Milli's Heavenly Hotdogs at 522 Parris Island Gateway. She said she was tired of working 60-hour weeks and earning 40-hour pay while missing time with her children. So she built the cart and started selling hot dogs, fries, funnel cake and more. A pumpkin patch will be open through Thanksgiving.
Morgan said the venture is about more than lunch. She is donating hot dogs and food to the needy through Beaufort Praise Assembly of God church and intends to take the cart into low-income communities to give away food.
She is also starting a weekend initiative in which artists can sell their work and teach others about their craft. Tables for vendors will be rented out for $20.
"My goal is to help people who are having a hard time making ends meet, and they can sell their art," she said.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Phone: 843-812-4654
In other changes about town:
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