STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Depending on the season, downtown State College has had as many as 3 hot dog stands operating. For years Johnnie’s Hot Dogs at The Corner was the leading purveyor of frankfurters (specifically, tasty Nittany Lion franks), but it has been closed since John Cocolin Sr. died this spring. Dee’s Texas Hot Dogs, next to Fetterolf’s Barber Shop, has occasionally put a cart out as well. I was a regular at the former and occasionally stopped by the other after a haircut. It wasn’t open this time.

Up until last week, I hadn’t stopped at the stand by A Got Used Bookstore (nee University Book Centre), the only stand operating this summer. Since I like hot dog stands a whole on general principle, I made sure to offer my support. I was quite pleased to see he had a Sabrett sign up and complimented the vendor on his choice of dogs. He then proceeded to tell me that Sabrett’s parent company made it a real hassle to reorder and he almost had to switch brands. Finally, he played some hardball with them and they agreed to sell him hot dogs. I’m glad he stuck it out, hopefully he won’t have to fight with Sabrett again. It would be unfortunate if he had to switch to an inferior brand or if he quit selling hot dogs altogether and left Happy Valley without my favorite street food.