Jesse Glauberg is not your average student. For the last year and a half, he has owned and operated Arctic Dog Food Truck, a food truck based out of Randolph, New Jersey.
Glauberg has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. At the age of 12, he spent weekends grilling burgers for his friend’s father’s food truck. By 13, he ran his own business called Dough Boy, selling edible cookie dough from a tent. He quickly realized that sales dropped when rainy weather hit, so he began researching trailers. Shortly after, Glauberg purchased his first and transitioned from selling cookie dough to shaved ice.
Despite his success, he felt he could do more. In May of 2020, he purchased a truck already outfitted for serving hot dogs. “The truck came with a propane tank, freezer and steam cable,” he said. “It needed a little work, but it definitely had potential.” So, he sold his trailer and used the proceeds to fix the truck.
In July of 2020, Arctic Dog Food Truck was officially launched. The signature turquoise-colored food truck offers a menu of gourmet hot dogs and shaved ice. Customers line up for tasty dogs like the “Spicy Sally” made with buffalo sauce, blue cheese dressing and crunchy potato sticks or the “Texas Tom” covered with barbecue sauce and crispy fried onions.
Arctic Dog caters to food truck festivals, weddings, private parties and other gatherings. “Over the years I have made so many contacts with other food trucks and promoters who do this full-time,” Glauberg said. “In April of 2021, I attended a food truck festival in Springfield, and it was the first time I sold out halfway through the event.”
Although Arctic Dog is based in New Jersey, Glauberg can be found traveling to various counties in the state – that is, with the help of his parents. “I don’t have a license yet, so my parents drive me to events,” he said.
The food truck operates from March through mid-December. During the winter months, Arctic Dog occasionally offers hot chocolate, but the primary menu remains hot dogs and shaved ice.
As to what’s in store for the future, Glauberg plans to attend college and pursue a business degree. He hopes to continue operating Arctic Dog on the weekends (after obtaining his own license, of course).
AUTHOR
Nicolette Degrassi is a Boston based food and travel blogger. When she's not traveling the world, you can find her reading the latest Book of the Month novel or trying to perfect her sticky toffee pudding recipe. Follow her adventures on Instagram @nadegrassi.
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