Tony’s dogs have students coming back for more
Charissa Price
Tony’s delicious New York style hot dog stand with hot dogs cooked fresh upon order sits proudly between the math building and the south side of the library Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Tony Nitotra came all the way from Brooklyn N.Y. in the summer of 2005, alongside his wife of 16 years and his three children.
After serving his country from ’76 to ’80 he took a career as a correctional officer in New Jersey.
Ten years later, Tony suffered a brutal fight with an inmate who almost took his life. He then decided to retire, pack up, and move his family cross country.
When he arrived here in Mesa, he took a break from work and spent time at home with his children ages 7, 12, and 14.
Two years later, he heard that a friend had invested in a hot dog stand which peaked his interest.
With enrollment at 15,000 students attending daytime classes per semester, he found a home for his new business here at Mesa Community College.
On average selling 30- 40 hot dogs per day, Tony has become a part of students’ and faculty’s routine stop between classes. Tony is currently purchasing another hot dog stand to put on the ASU main campus.
He has been humbled through his life and has personally learned not to take life so seriously.
Enthusiastic about his hot dogs, Tony is always willing to do school fundraisers for different clubs and events.
After an event with the Biotechnology Symposium program early this year, he became a preferred vendor on campus.
Students have commented how much they enjoy Tony and his dogs. Returning customer Jimmy Klingensmith comments, “He’s a fun guy.”
Sylvia Ewing adds, “He has a charming personality and he’s personable.”
After trying his onions she claims she loves them because they are sautéed, and also adds that she wants a preferred card to earn free dogs, as she plans on coming back for many more.
