From Chef to Food Truck Pioneer

Ryan Cohee, the founder of Red Top Hotdogs, started his career in the food industry as a chef. After years of hard work in various kitchens, Ryan realized that while being a chef brought him joy, it didn’t offer the financial rewards he was seeking. Inspired by the food truck trend and fueled by a passion for hot dogs, Ryan took a leap of faith in 2014. He bought a hot dog cart, and the rest is history. Now, 10 years later, Red Top Hotdogs has become a staple in Louisville's mobile food scene.

Quality Ingredients and Unique Flavors

Over the past ten years, Ryan has expanded Red Top Hotdogs from a small venture into a recognized name in Louisville’s food truck community. His journey hasn’t been without its challenges, though. From overcoming city permit hurdles to navigating the complexities of staffing, Ryan had to find ways to make his vision a reality.

One of the keys to Ryan’s success is his focus on quality. He explains how important it was to stand out by offering high-quality ingredients, including premium meats for his hot dogs. “I started buying high-quality meat hot dogs, which you can’t find at the store,” he says. His hot dogs range from classic Coney dogs with a special Michigan-inspired Coney sauce to unique creations like the "Black and Blue," which features blue cheese and blackberry jam.

Challenges and Successes in the Food Truck Business

Like many entrepreneurs, Ryan has faced numerous challenges along the way, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, he made the tough decision to close his brick-and-mortar restaurant and focus solely on his food trucks. The transition wasn't easy, but it allowed him to double down on what worked best for his business—mobile food.

One of the biggest obstacles Ryan faces now is staffing. “Staffing is terrible,” he admits. Finding the right people with the unique skill set needed to run a food truck has been a persistent issue, but Ryan remains committed to growing his team and providing high-quality service to his customers.

Plans for the Future

Ryan is far from finished. He has plans to open a dedicated food truck lot in Louisville, a concept inspired by his travels to other major cities. “I’ve been to every major city and visit every food truck lot, and love it,” he says. Ryan believes the concept could thrive in Louisville, despite the city’s slower adoption of food truck culture compared to other urban centers. He hopes that the lot will attract both locals and food truck operators to create a vibrant community.

Beyond the food truck lot, Ryan is also looking to expand his fleet of food trucks and open more permanent spots around the city. “I would love to open more trucks,” he says, but he acknowledges the challenges of finding the right people to help run them. Ryan is always thinking about new concepts but takes a pragmatic approach: “I’ve learned just to do the next thing.”

Advice for Aspiring Food Truck Owners

For those considering entering the food truck business, Ryan offers valuable advice based on his decade of experience. He emphasizes the importance of starting small and testing your concept before investing heavily. “Start small and cheap, see if your concept works,” he advises. He also highlights the importance of simplicity and quality, saying, “Find one part of a food, do it great. Hot dogs, do it great.”

Finally, he reminds aspiring entrepreneurs that having a pretty truck isn’t the key to success. “My first trailer was so ugly,” he laughs, “but my food was good, so nobody cared.” Focusing on great food, not flashy appearances, is what will ultimately keep customers coming back.

Where to Find Red Top Hotdogs

You can enjoy Red Top Hotdogs at Atrium Brewing in Louisville, where they’re open seven days a week from 11 AM to 9 PM (closing at 8 PM on some days). Ryan also caters private events year-round, bringing his delicious hot dogs to weddings, corporate events, and parties. Follow Red Top Hotdogs on social media to stay updated on their food truck schedule and upcoming events.

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