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Walter Washington, owner of Lafonda Dawgs, poses outside of the Richard B. Russell Library. He started selling hot dogs four years ago.

Lafonda Dawgs serves University community

By: RAISA HABERSHAM

Posted: 7/2/09

Tim Sloan orders the usual: a chicken breast sandwich topped with cheese and onions, accompanied by a cold Mountain Dew.

Sloan is just one of many regulars of Lafonda Dawgs, the hot dog vending station located across from the main library.

The stand is operated by Walter Washington, a former University employee who started selling hot dogs on campus four years ago.

"In the beginning we wanted to do burritos with the chopped beef, pork and chicken in there, and beans and rice, but we weren't allowed to do it," Washington said. "You have to get approval from the health department. They said if it comes off the grill, it is okay."

Washington started working at The Village Summit when it first opened in 2004. But when he found out he had a hole in his lung, Washington said hot dog vending was the only thing his wife would let him do.

"I learned that as long as you are associated with the University in some form or another you'll be successful," he said. "It's basically a community within itself."

Washington said he chose to serve the University community in particular because he became used to the athletes and seeing their dedication, despite injuries.

"I like students because they come from all parts of the world," he said. "You're at the best school and should have the best food," Washington said.

Lafonda Dawgs is known for its cheap eats, but Washington said he's felt the effects of the recession. Like many other businesses, he had to increase prices to meet his bottom line.

"I normally raise prices on the game days [in the fall]," he said. "But everything went up in order to make it balanced."

He now charges $2 for hot dogs and $3 for sandwiches.

"Everyone doesn't have that available budget where you have mom or dad paying for something," he said. "I try to have it where it fits your budget"

Despite the small increase, customers continue to eat at Lafonda Dawgs.

"I try to come at least two times a week," said Sloan, who works for the University's Physical Plant.

Sloan said he started coming six to eight months ago for "cheap, good food for a good price.

"[Washington] is a good guy to talk to," he said. "I've been telling my co-workers to stop by and try it out."

Terrance Woodbury, recent University graduate and former basketball player, eats at Lafonda Dawgs two to three times per week as well.

"I don't usually fix hot dogs myself and these are probably the best hot dogs around town," he said.

Washington mans his stand Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Lafonda Dawgs is a family-oriented network doing high quality things in all areas, Washington said. They also cater events - most recently in May when NFL Houston Texan Dante Robinson visited his alma mater, Clarke Central High School.

For Washington, serving people in the University community is what keeps him focused on doing a good job, he said.

"I've got the best job in America. Period."