Hot dog stand operators encountering some obstacles

The operators of "All Dogs Go To Heaven," a new hot dog stand that began operation this summer in Decorah, say they are finding some obstacles to getting permission for locations to operate.

The business did get permission to operate on private property across from the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds during the County Fair.  But the owners of Magpie and the Corner Bar have blocked requests for the hot dog stand to operate on public property near their businesses.  The Decorah Parks & Recreation Board has expressed its reservations about allowing the hot dog stand to operate near the swimming pool.  And a request Monday night to the Decorah City Council for permission to operate near the Decorah Public Library and in Baker Park got tabled.

City officials say the hot dog stand operators haven't produced all the paperwork required in order to get permits.  But the hot dog stand operators say they can't spend money on getting the permits until they know they will have several locations from which they can operate.

The issue will be discussed again at the next Decorah City Council meeting.