The superhero theme with comic-like designs covers the food truck in the Big Lots parking lot. Below, Cary Dewitt waits for his regular order — a hot dog with mustard, ketchup and onion.
KINGSPORT — Christina Hall’s kind of wonder dog dons mustard, ketchup and sometimes coleslaw rather than a cape and mask — but that doesn’t mean she wants to settle for anything less than super.
The superhero theme with comic-like designs covers the food truck in the Big Lots parking lot. Below, Cary Dewitt waits for his regular order — a hot dog with mustard, ketchup and onion.
“When you go to restaurants, you know when they have given up on their effort and quality,” Hall said. “I want to replace that.”
Hall is the owner and operator of the blue and red comic-themed food truck that sits in the Big Lots parking lot on Sherwood Drive next to Brain Freeze.
Customers have various topping options, including chili and coleslaw, a Wonder Dogs favorite, said Christina Hall, the owner of the food truck.
Hall, 44, offers all-beef, spiral cut hot dogs that allow an array of toppings offered at the food truck to settle a bit more into the hot dog that barely fits in a bun.
“At first I wanted to have a panini press and offer something kind of different but stay at a lower cost,” Hall explained. “I thought hot dogs were a good option. I want to try to make them stand out from everything else.”
Wonder Dogs offers toppings such as chili, sauerkraut, yellow or brown mustard, jalapenos, coleslaw and more at no extra cost. The menu also includes nachos Hall said are loaded down with cheese.
“There are kids that come after school just to get the nachos,” she said.
Owning and operating a food truck has always been a dream for Hall. Part of that vision includes offering a lunch and dinner option apart from the ordinary.
“People get tired of the same old thing,” Hall said. “I don’t blame them. And then when you go to your favorite places and something happens, either they change management or they’re having to cut their budget because of rising costs, their quality goes down. Some of them have almost given up, to be honest.”
Hall aims for her camper-turned-food-truck to serve as the hero of quality hot dogs, but like most comic book characters, she comes with her own inspiration that keeps her going.
Hall has an 18-year-old daughter and a 24-year-old son who have motivated her to chase after her food truck dream. Her son has Down syndrome and has endured multiple surgeries and struggles throughout his life. But his determination kept him going while also inspiring Hall along the way.
“When my son was real little, he liked a show called ‘Wonder Pets,’ “ Hall said. “I kind of took that name and wanted to do a super hero theme because this kid is absolutely my hero. He’s my little warrior.”
Christina Hall designed the comics on her Wonder Dogs food truck in honor of her son, who she says is her hero.
Hall had her own obstacles to overcome such as her own medical issues and working various other jobs that left her unfulfilled. Now, with the help of her boyfriend, Nicky, who helps operate Brain Freeze and helped Hall with her setup, she’s able to operate the mobile eatery as she sees fit.
“I’m the kind of person who likes to help people,” she said. “I’ve worked for corporations and other companies. I’ve done everything from paint sales to gift shop sales to manufacturing. But the thing I’ve loved most and always wanted to do is cook for people.”
Hall is looking to upgrade her setup to a more mobile operation that would offer the opportunity to travel to various events throughout Kingsport and the region. But for now, she’s ready to get the word out about Wonder Dogs.
Cary Dewitt waits at his favorite new lunch spot, Wonder Dogs, for his regular order — a hot dog with mustard, ketchup and onion.
“I’ve had a lot of good, positive feedback,” Hall said. “And a lot of my customers are from word of mouth referred from other people. Fun Fest was good. I had a lot of people come check it out. There is one gentleman who works around here. He’s here at 11:30 almost on the dot — mustard, ketchup and onion and he’s ready to go.”
When 11:30 a.m. hit, just as she said, that customer, Cary Dewitt, showed up for his regular lunch order.
“I’m trying to get some more people over here for you,” Dewitt told Hall. “I’m glad I stopped the first time. I came through here, got a hot dog and have been coming ever since.”
Wonder Dogs is open from 12 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and is located at 1913 Sherwood Road. For more information, see the Wonder Dogs Facebook page.
Stay Engaged
React to this article and join our community of readers sharing their feedback.
