4 THE COURIER SUN • AUGUST 7, 2014 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.couriersun.com Owner of Smitty’s Hot Dog truck celebrates 25 years as top dog with $1 wieners BY SALVATORE LICATA slicata@queenscourier.com/@sal_licata1 During the dog days of summer, there’s one spot in Ozone Park where people can get relief — not from high temperatures but from high food prices. The owner of Smitty’s Hot Dog and Italian Sausage truck, located on 149th Avenue and Cross Bay Boulevard on Ozone Park, is celebrating 25 years at the location by offering hot dogs at the same price as when he started — a buck apiece. Don Cusumano has owned the truck since 1989, and frankfurter afi cionados come from all over the tri-state area to chow down. “You see those plates over there,” said Abdullah Muhammed, pointing at his car while waiting for his usual two hot dogs with mustard and onions. “I come all the way from New Jersey just to get Smitty’s.” Cusumano said he bought the truck a quarter-century ago from a man named Schmidt, who had it in the same location for about 50 years. Cusumano decided to keep the name “Smitty” for the truck because he thought people would rather have a “Smitty dog than a Don dog.” He upgraded the truck by installing a drive-thru window on the street side to better accommodate his customers, many of whom have been loyal for decades. “I started coming here when I was 16 years old and now I’m 61,” said Joseph DeFeligibus, who raved about Cusumano’s homemade onions and Italian sausage. “Don’s a great man, everyone knows about him.” Cusumano’s anniversary special of $1 hot dogs will go until Sept. 1. He said it was a small way he could thank all those loyal customers who keep his truck going. Aside from serving his customers, Cusumano shares a helping hand to those less fortunate in the community. He has taken part in events such as Toys for Tots, National Night Out against crime, and he even donated hot dogs to victims during Superstorm Sandy. “I enjoy what I do because I love serving this community,” Cusumano said. “Serving my customers is great. I’ve never thought about leaving this spot.” THE COURIER/Photo by Salvatore Licata Don Cusumano serving customers outside of his hot dog truck Adrian& Rocky’s CATERING EXPERIENCE “The Original” “FOR THE VERY BEST IN BUFFET STYLE CATERING” CATERING FOR ALL OCCASIONS Planning a Party? Our Specialties • Business Meetings • Engagement Parties • Cocktail Parties • BBQ’s • Christenings • Communions • Anniversaries • Showers • Sweet 16’s • Graduations BARTENDING & WAITRESS SERVICE AVAILABLE! Call 718.845.5525 SERVING QUEENS FOR OVER 20 YEARS or Fax 718.845.5643 132-08 Cross Bay Boulevard • Ozone Park VISIT US AT WWW.ADRIANSCATERERS.COM All Major Credit Cards Accepted • DELIVERY IS FREE OF CHARGE WITH ALL CATERING PACKAGES Life is full of risks! Are you protected? Without the proper insurance protection you could be financially devastated. The insurance experts at MEMBER BROKERAGE SERVICE, LLC, will help protect you from these unforeseen hazards AND save you money in the process. We offer you flexible and affordable terms with NO broker fees. • Automobile Insurance • Homeowners & Renters Insurance • Disability Insurance • Long-Term Care Insurance For more information, call MBS at (718) 523-1300 or stop by our office. MBS is a member of the Professional Insurance Agents Association. INSURANCE INSURANCE A Melrose Credit Union Service Organization 139-30 Queens Blvd., Briarwood, NY 11435 Phone: (718) 523-1300 Fax: (718) 526-1205 A Melrose Credit Union Service Organization www.memberbrokerage.com INSURANCE 139-30 Queens Blvd., Briarwood, NY 11435 Phone: (718) 523-1300 Fax: (718) 526-1205 A Melrose Credit Union Service Organization 139-30 Queens Blvd., Briarwood, NY 11435 Phone: (718) 523-1300 Fax: (718) 526-1205 www.memberbrokerage.com www.memberbrokerage.com INSURANCE A Melrose Credit Union Service Organization 139-30 Queens Blvd., Briarwood, NY 11435 Phone: (718) 523-1300 Fax: (718) 526-1205 • Life & Health Insurance • Business Insurance • Workers Compensation & DBL
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