Hot dog! Stand back on Lima’s square

LIMA - At various times, those working and visiting the city's square have been lucky enough to lunch on a hot dog from a cart vendor.

Those who love their all-beef dogs, Coney dogs and sausages are in luck again: Margaret Sumpter has brought the big-city flavor back to Town Square.

The Mo Better Dawgs cart has been staffed mainly by Dante Ridgell for about three weeks. Ridgell, who is from Detroit, made Lima his home after service in the Army. He was at it again Friday, dishing up a quick, inexpensive lunch for folks while smooth jazz filled the air from a small compact disc player on the cart.

With families in both cities, Ridgell had spent time in Detroit and Lima, but after he left the Army in 2003, decided to make Lima his permanent home.

"I've been everywhere and they have hot dog stands, so it's nice to be a part of one here," Ridgell said. "There should be more than one; you should get to decide which stand you'll go to."

Sumpter and her husband dreamed up the idea and went about the job of finding a cart.

"There are all kinds of vendors - you have to talk, you have to ask," Sumpter said. "A gentleman with a restaurant who owns 15 or 16 carts in Cleveland was looking to sell a few. He couldn't believe we didn't have a stand in Lima and was excited for us."

The cart is open for business from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Sumpter plans on being on the square year-round as weather permits and is available for special events.

Sumpter grew up in Roundhead, but her father pastored a church in Lima, so she was in the city regularly and now calls it home. She is a nurse at St. Rita's Medical Center.

Traveling to other cities means seeing the ubiquitous stands.

"It's a big-city concept," Sumpter said. "You see them on every corner. It gives a lively feeling. It's a fun concept: Grab your hot dog and chips and enjoy the downtown."