meta_pixel
Tapesearch Logo
Log in
Proof

The Hot Dog King: An Episode from The Sporkful Podcast

Proof

America's Test Kitchen

Society & Culture, Food, Arts

4.41.8K Ratings

🗓️ 30 October 2025

⏱️ 29 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Today’s story, from Dan Pashman and The Sporkful, is about the people behind New York’s hot dog carts, and one man’s fight to keep his spot. From street corners to museum steps, street vending is a grind that is shaped by city politics, impossible permits, and everyday hustle. In this episode, we meet Dan Rossi, a Marine vet who’s spent nearly 20 years guarding his cart outside The Met, the most coveted location for selling a hot dog in New York City, and fighting for his right to stay. Listen to and learn more from The Sporkful on their website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

I'm Jessica Badalana, staff editor at King Arthur Baking Company.

0:06.0

And I'm David Tamarkin, King Arthur's editorial director.

0:09.1

And this is Things Bakers Know, a new podcast from King Arthur where we explore every corner of the baking world.

0:14.9

Every episode of Things Bakers Know dives deep into a different bake good. It's history and lore.

0:20.4

Trends, takes, and opinions. A lot of opinions. And plenty of tips and tricks. Plus, we'll always leave time to answer your home baking questions. Along the way, we break bread with the best bakers, historians, and restaurant tours in America. And we always get their expert advice. So join us at King Arthur as we celebrate the wide world of baking on things bakers know.

0:38.8

Out now wherever you listen. Subscribe now so you won't miss an episode.

0:43.5

Head to kingArthurbaking.com slash podcast to learn more. That's king Arthurbaking.com

0:48.7

slash podcast. And until then, please people, remember to follow the recipe.

0:56.3

Hey, proof listeners, it's Jack Bishop.

0:59.3

This week, we're bringing you a story from our friends at the Sporkful podcast.

1:04.1

And all new season of Proof will be back next week, so make sure to listen until the end to find out what that first episode will be about.

1:14.0

New York City is filled with over 20,000 street vendors selling foods ranging from pretzels to

1:19.6

gobbas. Vendor carts have long been the path to upward mobility for new immigrants in the

1:24.7

city, but location is everything,

1:29.1

and the competition among vendors to secure the most coveted spots is fierce.

1:34.7

In this episode,

1:36.3

the Sporkful host and friend of ATK,

1:39.0

Dan Pashman, embeds himself with New York's Hot Dog King.

1:43.0

For the last 20 years,

1:45.7

Dan Rossi has been vending in what the New York Times once described as the most coveted location

1:49.5

for selling hot dogs in New York.

1:52.0

So how does he do it?

...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from America's Test Kitchen, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of America's Test Kitchen and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.

Copyright © Tapesearch 2026.