'A Fixture In Summit': Community Rallies Behind Local 'Hot Dog Man'

SUMMIT, NJ — Chi Shan Yang, a beloved Summit resident who is also known as the local "hot dog man," expressed he was in need of help at a recent council meeting, the community quickly rallied behind him.

Mr. Chi, as he is referred to in the community, has been running a popular hot dog stand in Summit for many years. He recently spoke at a Summit Common Council meeting on Sept. 20 after receiving a hefty fine from the Westfield Health Department.

He said he recently failed his very first inspection with the Health Department and was brought to court where he was fined $1,000.

Mr. Chi said normally the first time one fails a health inspection, they should be fined $100, and if one fails a second time, they are fined $250.

Patch emailed the Westfield health inspector to verify this information but has yet to receive a response.

Since he does not own restaurant, Mr. Chi said it's difficult to fill all of the Health Department's requirements, which he said changes often.

He said he also does not have all the proper equipment to fill the requirements and feels that other vendors have not been inspected as much as he has recently.

After passing another inspection in June, Mr. Chi said he was asked to sell hot dogs at the Summit Car Show and was told by Summit Downtown Inc. that he needed to install a hand washing station. Mr. Chi said he already had one, but the inspector wanted him to purchase more expensive equipment.

"I don't think I've been treated equally," Mr. Chi said. "I told my friends ... I think if I was white maybe I wouldn't be experiencing this."

Mayor Nora Radest told Mr. Chi that she would meet with him privately to try to help his situation.

Resident Dorrie Gagnon decided to launch a GoFundMe for Mr. Chi, describing him as a "fixture in town." As of Oct. 12, the GoFundMe has raised $2,290 for Mr. Chi to help pay off his fines and buy new equipment.

Last week, Gagnon gave him a check for $1,000, as well as a new water jug for a hand washing station, new coolers and a few other items.

Gagnon said Chi is always at fundraisers, street fairs and sporting events. She said one mom told her that Mr. Chi once stayed to watch her son as she was over an hour late to pick him up from a practice.

"I work with many underserved people in the Summit and surrounding areas of NJ, as a Registered Dental Hygienist and advocate for people who need help," Gagnon said. "I provide children access to dental care when they have little to no means to pay. So, within seconds of hearing him speak I knew I had to help him."

You can support Mr. Chi by visiting his hot dog stand on Summit Avenue near Mabie Playground. You can also check out the GoFundMe page here.

Read more about Mr. Chi here: It's Winter, But Their Dogs Are Hot

Have a news tip? Email remy.samuels@patch.com.