SALVATORE LICATA
During the dog days of summer, there’s one spot in Ozone Park where people can get relief—not from high temperatures but from high food prices.
The owner of Smitty’s Hot Dog and Italian Sausage truck, located on 149th Avenue and Cross Bay Boulevard in Ozone Park, is celebrating 25 years at the location by offering hot dogs at a discounted price—a buck apiece.
Don Cusumano has owned the truck since 1989 and frankfurter aficionados come from all over the tri-state area to chow down.
“You see those plates over there,” said Abdullah Muhammed, pointing at his car while waiting for his usual two hot dogs with mustard and onions. “I come all the way from New Jersey just to get Smitty’s.”
Cusumano bought the truck 25 years ago from a man named Schmidt, who had it in the same location for about 50 years. He decided to keep the name “Smitty” because he thought people would rather have a “Smitty” dog than a “Don” dog.
He upgraded the truck by installing a drive-thru window on the street side to better accommodate customers, many of whom have been loyal for decades.
“I started coming here when I was 16 years old and now I’m 61,” said Joseph DeFeligibus, who raved about Cusumano’s homemade onions and Italian sausage. “Don’s a great man. Everyone knows about him.”
Cusumano’s anniversary special of $1.00 hot dogs will continue through Sept. 1. He said it’s a small way of thanking all those loyal customers that keep his truck going.
Aside from serving his customers, Cusumano shares a helping hand to those less fortunate in the community. He has taken part in events such as Toys for Tots, National Night Out Against Crime and even donated hot dogs to Hurricane Sandy victims.
“I enjoy what I do because I love serving this community,” Cusumano said. “Serving my customers is great. I’ve never thought about leaving this spot.”
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