june 9, 2025
Debbie Jones, a small business owner, tells me,
I own Deb's Hot Dogs, which operates mainly Downtown St. Paul at Rice Park (Rice Park is my favorite spot, so beautiful with the surrounding buildings and history) and 5th and Wabasha Street.
I also do other events such as Twin Cities Jazz Festival and various events at Union Depot. I have been a part of the Hot Dogs Stands since 1996 with my ex-husband and I bought him out in 2015. I also am a Medical Assistant at a clinic in St. Paul full time.
There was a legacy created in the 1980s by my ex-husband and his brother-in-law George. We bought George's Cart in 2009 before he passed away. Due to health issues, my ex-husband can no longer run the business. So for years now, I'm carrying on the legacy and creating my own.
I asked Debbie what she likes about her work and how being located in Saint Paul ties to that,
“I love history and am always interested in the history of St. Paul. I like working with all of the people in St. Paul. Everyone from visitors to the famous, workers, people being sworn in for their citizenship. I really appreciate how everyone tries to get to know each other in St. Paul!❤”
When I asked Debbie how Downtown can be better, she had this to say,
"For various reasons, bathrooms in businesses Downtown have been closed off to the public, customers only. I challenge businesses to become more welcoming. Smaller shops would be nice, and a grocery store."
When asked about the future of Downtown, Debbie was enthusiastic,
"St. Paul is looking up! Streets are cleaner and people behaving better. I grew up on the West Side of St. Paul, and I operate a business in St. Paul. It is special to me because we have welcoming officers, officials, neighbors, and business owners. I will continue to operate Downtown. Downtowns will always need a Hot Dog Vendor!"
Debbie❤️ Thank You for sharing your Saint Paul Story with me and the BAT community! We're all connected by a 🧵