James Davis is the owner of Journeii Doggz, a hotdog stand.
During his research, he wanted to see what other businesses were doing so he could do something different.
“What sets McDonald’s apart from Burger King? What sets Burger King apart from Hardees? Everybody’s got something different about them that you like. So, I had to figure out something that was going to set me apart from everybody,” said Davis.
His concept is grilled hotdogs. His slogan #NoSwampWater comes from his hot dogs not being boiled in water.
He launched Journeii Doggz, named after his younger son, in August 2015.
At first, it was just his new side job.
He used to sell on the weekends or after work when he could.
“Then I had to go full throttle after I lost my job. I remember I set up my little stand. My homeboy gave me $100 to get whatever I needed and that day I made rent. I said forget a job, it’s on and popping,” said Davis.
He started off selling on 46th and Shadeland Ave. His main dishes are a beef hot dog, beef polish sausage and beef hot links.
Customers satisfaction
He quickly gained notoriety and even had customers follow him when he moved his hotdog stand to the corner of 30th and Brouse Ave.
“I’ve been following him since he was over there on Shadeland. I saw him one day and I was hungry, and I like hotdogs. I like the way he does the Italian Polish dog. You can’t find this everywhere,” said Daymond Mason.
Mason said usually he and others don’t get the type of food Davis creates until the Indiana State Fair comes around. He appreciates Davis’s service and menu.
“It’s community and neighborhood every time I see him. He’s like family. We chop it up and have great conversations while he’s working on my food. I tell people to stop by all the time,” said Mason.
He moved to his current location knowing that the area inside Martindale-Brightwood is a food desert.
After every transaction, he tells customers, “Do me one favor. After you eat that good food, come back with a smile and (a) friend who ain’t never been. Journeii Doggz, no swamp water.”
Journeii Doggz is open six days a week from 11 AM to 8:00 PM.
Contact staff writer Jade Jackson at 317-607-5792 or by email JadeJ@IndyRecorder.com. Follow her on Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON
