Dan Rossi, the Marine veteran known as the “Hot Dog King,” has become an emblem of New York resilience. Stationed outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rossi, who sleeps in his van to secure his spot, has sold out hot dogs for nearly two decades. Despite setbacks including the foreclosure of his home and losing almost all his cart permits due to city regulations, Rossi perseveres. He’s also a staunch advocate for veteran street vendors, using a century-old law to secure their right to work.
“My home is in front of the Met,” he said. “I’m doing what I have to do. I could leave the spot and go do something else, but then I lose. And I can’t lose, I can’t let these people win over me. I just can’t do it”
Rossi’s daughter, Elizabeth, who served in Iraq, owns the cart along with him. Legal disputes have marked Rossi’s life; he faced arrest in 2009 during a vendor crackdown and amassed substantial fines in 2012. A 2013 court victory for disabled vets vindicated Rossi’s stance, allowing him to continue vending.
His story, from managing a fleet of 499 carts to defending a single permit, touches on the grit required to navigate New York’s competitive street vending scene. Despite financial setbacks, Rossi and his daughter cherish the role they play in New York’s daily life, providing an experience to city dwellers and tourists alike who come for the Met and take a seat on the iconic steps, hot dogs in hand. Rossi’s serves hot dogs 364 days a year, only taking a break for the Met Gala.
