Edwin Padilla (center) with Bubba Smith (right) wearing the hot dog man t-shirt. Photo by Alison Leigh.

There is something rather interesting going on in Bethlehem right now. No, it’s not the casino. No, a new boutique has not opened. But, in fact, a hot dog cart has stirred up quite a controversy among South Side business owners thus creating local media frenzy and an outpour of community support.

It was only several days ago when a Facebook group called “Save the Bethlehem Hot Dog Man” was created, and by Wednesday afternoon there were 1,815 members and 304 wall posts commenting on the new entrepreneur. Clearly, the group was established to support Edwin Padilla, the man whose name has made headlines in various Valley news outlets since he originally took to the Bethlehem streets to sell his cheap eats, yet some are voicing opinions to the contrary.

Now, from what I know and according to The Morning Call, Edwin was laid off from his construction job and, instead of moping around, used his creativity and purchased a $10 permit to park his cart on the corner of 4th and New Streets to serve delicious hot dog combos like the Spanish Hot Dog and dogs with sauerkraut and potato chips to hungry residents. Evidently, this has angered some local eateries because the new competition was taking away business. Tough! That’s the name of the game.

Edwin’s permit has since expired, however, the cart still remains on the corner. He uses quarters to pay the meter and will fork up the cash needed to cover any other fines and tickets. City officials have not found any ordinance preventing Edwin from parking his cart in the spot as long as it is attached to a vehicle. Not surprisingly, a petition–signed by surrounding local businesses–was formed.

Italian restaurant and pizza place Sotto Santi has also created some controversy by teaming up with another cart parked directly in front of the restaurant and in close proximity to Edwin’s. Although the cart is supposedly not affiliated with Sotto Santi, the cart’s owner is a friend with Sotto Santi’s owner Anthony Spagnola. Anthony has signed the petition but now promotes free enterprise and healthy competition.

All that said, here is my opinion: I think it is awesome so many citizens have come together to support a guy, who, in these tough economic times, has a positive outlook, entrepreneurial spirit, and some delicious cooking skills, to boot. This is what community is all about–supporting one another. I’m tired of the naysayers. In fact, I think after writing this I just might make my way down to Edwin’s cart and show him my patronage. Why don’t you do the same? This guy just wants to be happy and make a living like the rest of us. Also, check out Eskandalo and Homebase on 4th Street for hot dog man shirts. Proceeds will go toward Edwin’s fines–if he accepts the donation, of course.