By Kaley Kurowski, Special to AZ Big Media
When you think of hot dogs, the first thing that comes to mind might be a picnic or a baseball game.
For Frank. food truck owner Adam Allison, his first thought was of Frank Sinatra.
Frank. food truck hit the streets in October 2013 when Allison, who has worked in restaurants for many years, wanted to try something new and hip as his next business venture.
Food trucks are the culinary rage, so Allison decided to make a go of it. It’s also cheaper and has less overhead involved than a brick-and-mortar restaurant, which he says appealed to him as well.
The menu at Frank’s food truck consists of specialty hot dogs, such as smoked Polish sausage, bratwurst, chicken apple sausage, vegetarian on brioche, pretzel, and gluten-free buns.
The gourmet dogs include options like “The Bandit,” which has smoked Spanish onions, bacon, bourbon BBQ, cheddar cheese and cilantro. The “Distinguished Gentleman” is a delectable delight that includes brie, arugula, apple, crumbled walnut and Queen Creek Olive Mill Olive Oil. All of the combinations are unique and adhere to the Frank Sinatra theme.
The truck also features a create-your-own hot dog option and sides that include chips, garlic knots and lobster mac and cheese. It also serves Grateful Spoon Gelato in one-shovel or two-shovel sizes. Hansen’s All Natural Sodas, Jones Sodas and Coke products are also on the menu.
“I think it’s really creative because Frank Sinatra’s face is a face that draws people in, and it seems to be working for them really well,” said Amanda Luberto, a student at Arizona State University.
The concept of Frank Sinatra being the impetus for this food truck came from Allison wanting to do something timeless paired with the “franks.” The truck’s logo simply says “Frank.” on a black bar covering up Frank Sinatra’s infamous mug shot.
“I wanted to go with something classic, in theme with a hot dog, as well as something memorable,” Allison said.
The Frank. food truck stops at countless locations around the Valley, but among locals it’s most widely known for appearing at music festivals. From the Summer Ends Music Festival in September to the Pot Of Gold Music Festival in March, Frank.’s food truck gets around.
Allison also sells branded T-shirts and stickers.
“When you think of ‘Frank,’ my mind immediately goes to Frank Sinatra, so having a hot dog truck named ‘Frank.’ with Sinatra as their logo is genius to me,” said Deanna Romani, attendee of the Pot Of Gold Music Festival.
