Chicago-style hot dog truck finds permanent parking spot in the Midlands
When Anthony Guy was young, he had no shortage of hot dog options.
“I grew up in Chicago,” Guy said. “There were spots all over the place, little hot dog joints.”
An iconic fixture in the Windy City, the all-beef Chicago-style hot dogs Guy enjoyed are traditionally known for being topped with mustard, onions, relish, pickles, sliced tomato, sport peppers, celery salt and absolutely no ketchup.
In 2024, Guy decided he wanted to bring some of that culture and flavor to the Midlands, starting a Chicago-style food truck called Guy’s Hotdogs. For the last two years, Guy said he made regular appearances in popular local venues like Finlay Park and events such as the Mardi Gras festival.
On June 24, the truck had its first day in a permanent parking spot beside the Lowes on 2829 Augusta Road in West Columbia. The truck is open from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Guy also said he’s joined a Lowes corporate program that both allows him to use the lot every day and offer 50% discounts to employees.
After the grind of regularly searching for new locations and a desire to expand his business, Guy said setting up shop in the new location was an easy choice.
“I think it was the right time, because it’s been difficult to bounce around,” Guy said. “I also wanted to get on Doordash, so I’m going to be able to do that with a physical spot.”
Guy was a sales representative before buying the truck, and had never worked in food service before. He said there was a definite learning curve, but satisfying results.
“This was my first business,” Guy said. “It’s been pretty cool to see it all come together and have some regular customers.”
In addition to its signature Chicago dog, the truck also offers classic ketchup-and-mustard hot dogs, chili-cheese dogs, Italian beef sandwiches and a selection of combo options that come with chips and a drink.
In October 2025, Guy also began selling take-home kits for both hot dog and Italian beef sandwich recipes, costing $55 and $65. The hot dog kit includes ingredients for 10 hot dogs, while the Italian beef kit offers six sandwiches. Guy announces when the kits will be available and accepts orders for them on Facebook.
Guy said that in the future, he hopes to purchase additional trucks and, if the circumstances are right, one day open a brick-and-mortar storefront.
Guy said running his business has always remained fun, whether the customer is a local or just as familiar with the menu as he is.
“South Carolina people that have never tried one just try it for the first time and really enjoy it,” Guy said. “Seeing a bunch of Chicago people that know my area where I grew up come to the truck has been really memorable.”