Tommy Chan never played tennis or ate hot dogs while growing up in Hong Kong. But both activities are ingredients key to the success of his food-cart business.
Chan, who immigrated to Queens 30 years ago, is the lone food vendor allowed to set up shop in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park during the U.S. Open tennis tournament, which runs through Sunday September 12.
He estimates he will make approximately 60 percent of his annual sales during the two weeks of the tournament. Chan, who operates his cart from April to October, sells about 1,000 franks a day when the Open is in town – 10 times his usual.
Though the Parks Department sets price maximums – such as a $3 limit on hot dogs – Chan charges less.
“It’s not fair to the normal people,” said Chan, 45, who charges $2 per hot dog. Inside the tournament, franks cost $4.75 each.
Along with the help of his family – including his wife, four sons and several nieces – Chan sells the same Parks Department approved items including pretzels, ice cream and beverages.
“That’s the only time of year when we bring in money,” added Chan, who noted he makes $2,000 to $3,000 a day during the Open, compared to about $400 on a non-tournament day.
Chan first heard about the vending business from a friend 10 years ago, who, after years of operating a cart outside the Open, was retiring. Chan, who was running a Chinese restaurant at the time, bought a cart and put in a bid for a three-year vending permit.
He successfully bid on subsequent three-year permits, and is currently working on a one-year extension while the Parks Department mulls over an expanded vendor area.
Stationed along the tree-lined rotunda between practice courts and a Mercedes Benz kiosk, Chan said only one vendor is allowed because there isn’t enough year-round business to support more. He works every day of the tournament from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Chan also adds entertainment value to the Open, his customers say. Spend a few minutes hanging around his cart and you’ll likely hear Chan exchange jokes with anyone willing to engage him.
“This guy is so cheap he shaves his head to save money on shampoo,” said Chan, referring to a bald EMT.
Chan greets annual attendees throughout the day. Tom Quinn from Phoenix, AZ is a returning customer. “He’s a personality and he loves to kid,” said Quinn, who has stopped by each of the last three years to chat.
“People know me. They come back each year from Europe and all over the world,” said Chan. “They come back and see me.”
