Atlanta Teen Hot Dog Entrepreneur Gets Big PETA Shout Out

ATLANTA -- As people gear up to celebrate the Fourth of July, PETA has released its list of the Top 10 Vegan Hot Dogs of 2019 for revelers to enjoy at restaurants across the country over the holiday. Atlanta-based Mason's Super Dogs' Vegan Hot Dog has nabbed a spot on the list. The award-winning dish from 13-year-old hot dog stand proprietor Mason Wright is topped with pineapple relish, onions, and chopped peppers and served on a classic American bun.

Mason's Super Dogs will receive a framed certificate. Other winners include the Crispy Cowboy at Phyto's Vegan Eats in Las Vegas; the Banh Mi Dog from Fauxmaha Hot Dogs in Omaha, Nebraska; and the Vegan Chicago Dog at Dirty Frank's Hot Dog Palace in Columbus, Ohio.

Mason began his business career at age 10 by washing his neighbor's car and cutting grass. After a visit to New York and one of the city's hundreds of hot dog stands, he saved his money from washing dogs, raking leaves and cleaning garages, and bought an electric hot dog cart, he told Historic Westside News, for about $400.

"I chose hot dogs because everyone loves hot dogs," Mason told the news outlet. "Also, I want to make hot dogs that have veggies in them, are meatless, and other types of stuff, so I can help other people who can’t really eat hot dogs, as well.

"But I started my business because I wanted to make my own money, and so I could do many things like buy the toys I couldn’t get because we didn’t have enough money, or give to my sister’s anti-gun violence campaign because they need money, or help my family."

In summer 2018, Mason began selling Mason’s Super Dogs on Morehouse College campus, where he one day plans to attend.

“There is nothing like being in charge of your own destiny,” he said. He hopes “to inspire young people to start their own business as soon as they can.”

Mason’s Super Dogs was named Best Hot Dogs in town by Morehouse College students and continues to gain a name for itself all across the country. He has quickly become one of Georgia’s youngest entrepreneurs in the food cart industry and has expanded to candy carts and ice cream carts.