Today we’d like to introduce you to Jim Hendel.
Hi Jim, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was a system engineer for a parking company and got laid off at the beginning 2020, We were presented with the opportunity to start our own business. I have been in the food industry for many years before I changed to IT and infrastructure so it made sense to take advantage of the opportunity. After two years with our original truck and cart we were blessed to be able to upgrade to our current “Dawgghouse”
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Our greatest obstacle or challenge was funding in the beginning, now it is mostly finding the right locations and getting consistent good customer traffic, and the weather is a huge factor for us as well. If it is too hot or too cold it can have a negative effect on us.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are a family owned and operated food truck in Franklin. We primarily service Williamson county, Brentwood, Franklin, Nolensville, Spring Hill and Columbia. We do special events, festivals and private catering events.
We are well known for our 9 inch diamond cut all-Beef hot dogs and our exclusive “Whiskey Dawgg” and our wide variety of brats, and signature recipes..
My wife and I run the truck at specific locations throughout the week as well as private event and school functions as they arise.
The Signature Difference:
What sets us apart from others? We are the home of the famous 9-inch, quarter-pound, diamond-cut gourmet “Dawggs” grilled to perfection and coated in our signature “Secret Sauce.”
🏆 Official Awards & Recognitions
2026 Sizzle Award Winner | Voted by the residents of Williamson County / Franklin, TN as one of the premier dining and food truck experiences in the region.
2024 Best Fair Food Award | Awarded for outstanding culinary creativity, crowd-pleasing execution, and exceptional service at regional festivals and events.
⭐️ Top-Tier Customer Reviews & Testimonials
Compiled from Google Business, Social Media comments, and StreetFoodFinder.
🌭 Product & Flavor Highlights
“The Diamond-Cut Genius”
“I didn’t know a hot dog could be this good. The diamond cuts give it these crispy, caramelized edges that hold onto the toppings perfectly. That 1/4 lb, 9-inch dog is massive and absolutely delicious!”
“The Secret Sauce is Addictive”
“You have to try their signature smokey secret sauce. It sets them completely apart from any standard hot dog stand or truck you’ve ever been to. 10/10.”
“Something for Everyone”
“Love that they offer amazing vegan hot dog options alongside the regular menu. Nobody feels left out, and the topping selection is top-tier (the sweet sautéed onions and bacon bits are a must).”
🚚 Service & Event Execution
“The Ultimate Crowd Pleaser”
“We booked Smokey Dawggs for a community event and they completely crushed it. The line moved incredibly fast, the crew was friendly, and people are still talking about the food weeks later.”
“Locally Owned Excellence”
“Always a treat when you spot the truck out in Franklin or at a rally. The owner and crew put so much care into the food and treat every customer like a neighbor.”
📈 Social Proof Quick Stats
Menu Standouts: 100% Beef 1/4 lb Dogs, Premium Sausages, Colombian-Inspired Specialty Recipes, and High-Quality Vegan options.
Consistency: Celebrated for delivering a premium, repeatable gourmet experience whether operating curbside, at massive weekend rallies, or handling private catering.
How do you think about luck?
I don’t know about luck… But I can say divine intervention has been a huge part of our lives and definitely been driving our business. I have been in the IT industry for most of my adult life, and was a system engineer for a parking company when I got laid off in February 2020. I had no luck finding a job for several months … like many other folks. My wife had a random dream and a few weeks later the opportunity to buy an existing company selling very subject of that dream was put in front of us and everything else “Just fell into place”.
The good lord has continued to bless us with growing the business by moving up to our current mobile kitchen… affectionately called the “Dawgghouse” within two years of opening..
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.smokeydawggs.com/
- Instagram: @smokeydawggs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smokeydawggs
