Wiener Guy's Rise to Culinary Stardom: A Portage County Food Truck Phenomenon

In the summer of 2020, Ravenna resident Cory Rabatin embarked on a culinary journey, launching his new food business, The Wiener Guy, with just a hot dog cart, two tables, and a tent. Four years later, this once-humble operation has blossomed into one of the most sought-after food trucks in Portage County, captivating the hearts and taste buds of the local community.

Bringing Joy and Flavor to Portage County

A Fun and Engaging Experience

Cory Rabatin's passion for food and his desire to create a memorable experience have been the driving forces behind The Wiener Guy's success. "I get told all of the time we make hot dogs fun," Rabatin shared with The Weekly Villager on June 27. "I can tell just by the way people come up and interact with us; it is just a fun environment. Everyone is happy." Even the occasional "grumpy people" are quickly won over by the infectious energy and delightful offerings of The Wiener Guy.

Expanding the Culinary Horizons

While hot dogs remain the cornerstone of The Wiener Guy's menu, Rabatin has ambitious plans to expand his culinary offerings. In addition to the beloved hot dogs, the food truck also sells tacos and sausages, and Rabatin is already making preparations to launch a dedicated taco food truck next spring. "I have already come up with several new ideas on how to prepare tacos because I have not seen a lot of street tacos available around Portage County," he revealed, showcasing his commitment to bringing unique and innovative culinary experiences to the local community.

A Lifelong Passion for Food

Rabatin's love for food was cultivated from a young age, as he fondly recalls following his mother into the kitchen and helping her prepare the family's big meals for special occasions. This early exposure to the art of cooking laid the foundation for his future culinary pursuits. "When I was 19, I was working three jobs in three different restaurants working in the dining room and in the kitchen," Rabatin shared, further honing his skills and developing a deep understanding of the industry.

Turning Adversity into Opportunity

Rabatin's journey to entrepreneurship was not without its challenges. After being laid off from one of his restaurant jobs in the winter of 2019, the 2010 Ravenna graduate decided it was time to take the leap and start his own food business. Drawing inspiration from his son, he came up with the memorable name "The Wiener Guy" and set out to create a unique and memorable hot dog experience.

Bringing Innovation to the Hot Dog Scene

Rabatin's vision for The Wiener Guy was to offer a level of customization and creativity that was lacking in the local hot dog market. "I knew I wanted to do hot dogs," he said. "I already had the menu made and I knew I had to make it funny. You were either going to get offended by that or you would be happy or laugh at it, but you would probably always remember that and that is what I wanted to do." With a menu boasting 30 different condiments and 20 different types of hot dogs, Rabatin set out to redefine the humble hot dog experience in Portage County.

Pandemic-Proof Success

Despite launching The Wiener Guy in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the food truck quickly became an instant hit in Portage County. "They were just pumped because you could not go anywhere or do anything and you had to wear a mask, that was one place you did not have to wear a mask," Rabatin noted. The Wiener Guy's unique offerings and fun atmosphere provided a much-needed respite for the community during a challenging time, and the business has continued to thrive ever since.

Spreading Joy and Giving Back

The Wiener Guy's success has not only brought joy to the residents of Portage County but has also inspired Rabatin to give back to the community. "We are always trying to give back and that is why we have a buy 10, get one free thing and a lot of times we will just give people stuff here and there too," he added. The food truck has become a central part of the Ravenna community and has also gained popularity in neighboring towns like Streetsboro, Garrettsville, and Kent.

Building a Legacy for the Future

Rabatin's ultimate motivation in growing The Wiener Guy is to create a lasting legacy for his four children. "I am building this for them so they hopefully don't have to work for anyone else and hopefully they want to do it with me," he said. With a thriving business and a commitment to innovation and community, Rabatin is paving the way for his children to potentially continue the Wiener Guy legacy and inspire the next generation of culinary entrepreneurs.