YOUR COMMENTS

There are some very telling statements in the quote from the Parkway trustee's letter: "Mr. Datillo, an East Kingston resident, seems to believe that he is entitled to park his cart in Exeter. We feel that this is not the case. Swasey Parkway exists for the benefit of the people, not for the benefit of Mr. Datillo's constantly expanding hot dog business."

First, it seems Mr. Datillo is being taken to task for not being an Exeter resident, even though he is paying the requested fees to Exeter. So, only Exeter residents can have a business in Exeter? Second, if the people who use Swasey Parkway did not patronize Mr. Datillo's business, it wouldn't be "expanding," would it? So apparently the people ARE benefiting from having the hot dog stand on the Parkway.
- Jay, Hampton

An alternative title for this article would be; “The elitist Left-Wing snobs of Exeter NH on small business”.


Who else other than a snobbish town overly populated with far Left out-of-state transplants, would attack a small business (the man’s livelihood) like a hot dog stand in such a pathetic display of “aristocracy” - and, in the middle of economic recession to boot.

One would think that the town of Exeter would be thanking Mr. Datillo for adding more business to the town -nope not these trust fund babies. Apparently, Exeter is too good for a mere hot dog stand.
- Mac, Newmarket

from the Exeter Newsletter (June 30)

"As a small business itself, Jennings said the Farmers' Market supports local, small businesses and wants them to succeed. It is not the market's desire to see Datillo's permit revoked.

"We have no need to see his license revoked. That's up to the town if they want to do that, but we are not pushing for that at all," Jennings said. "We're happy for any small business that can exist, we really want them to succeed."
- Jean, Stratham

Let me first state that I think the hotdog guy deserves to sell his products as long as he is in compliance with laws regarding his permit.

I understand the farmers' dislike of his presence, but I think that they have picked a bad battle to fight. From the local farmers' perspective, one can readily see that their way of live, and the availability of locally-grown food, is very much threatened.

Their issue is not with hotdogs as a meat product, their issue is with the factory farming that the hot-dog vendor likely supports.

I won't go into details in this post, but if you are curious about why local farmers should be supported, you should see the film Food, Inc. that was just released.
- Dan, Auburn

Several points bubble up. First, having a diverse set of vendors will bring more customers for EVERYBODY. Ever notice how fast food places all end up next to each other? If there's a McDonalds next to a Burger King - they bring in more than twice the number of customers.

Second, regarding "historic district" considerations - that's just elitist snobbery.

In the New Orleans French Quarter, they have sidewalk hotdog vendors - called "Lucky Dogs". They have carts that look like giant fiberglass hotdogs in buns. Pretty tacky, and certainly completely different than the 200 year old French style buildings with all the iron work.

With any luck, a snow-cone vendor will open up, and perhaps a little candy cart? The more variety, the more customers for the farmers, too. Everybody wins.

At all the best Saturday markets I've been to - there is something for everybody. The city gets lots of traffic and sales tax.

Don't push him out, embrace him.
- Neil Alexander, Grantham

JC - it's just the typical approach of this Schreiber character, try reading his other "work" and you'll see he's always like this.
- Benny, Epping

Seriously, I didn't know the farmers market existed until I saw it last time I got a dog.

I had no clue this guy was being harassed this bad. I will make it a point to avoid Mr. Jennings products this Thursday.
- J.T., Manchester

1. Why do we have to read this in the Union Leader? Where is the coverage in the Exeter Newsletter?

2. I can probably afford a hot dog. I cannot afford most of the food or goods at the farmers' market. Remember, this is a town that contains all of the faculty from Phillips Exeter Academy, who live on a different pay scale/planet than most of us.

3. Check out the deal with the Exeter Police Chief and Margaritas. It would be an understatement to say he likes to throw his weight around.

4. Why, if it is a park, do they keep the road open most of the time anyway??? It's a lovely place for a picnic, but every day except Farmer's Market day, I have to worry about the kids stepping off the curb in the middle of the park and getting squashed by a car. The main road (Route 88---and for another back story, look into the Save Fort Rock Farm drama) runs parallel to the park, so there's no reason whatsoever to keep the road in the park open. Why no uproar over THAT??

Plenty of small-town politics in this small town.
- Natalie, Exeter

Actually, I hope everyone works this out...just because I come to Exeter to support local growers, does NOT mean I would not also like something from the hot dog vendor, AND, if I happen to visit the hot dog vendor while the farmers market is open, maybe I will grab something from them also!

I think the two are complementary...make it work and make all happy...that's what the planners are for..yes?

The thought that people do not eat steak and salad together is, well, not dumb, but close to it!
- Gary, Stratham

Greg F - Exeter.... I assume you overlooked the part where the farmers did not follow their restrictions either.
"Datillo argues that the town has engaged in a campaign of harassment since he complained a year ago when members of the farmers market began closing the parkway to traffic just after 12 p.m. on Thursdays, which was almost an hour earlier than was allowed under the market's permit."
The hot dog guy is there everyday - the farmers show up once a week and want to take over. When they shut down the street before 1pm they make access by car to the dog stand impossible during our lunch breaks.
Seems like most of the comments here support the guy who is there everyday.
- Eileen, Exeter

Come on now JC, you typed a lot but did not give any details. How does insurance between the farmers and the hot dog man play into this, what are the town "reg's" - some imply the farmers don't want his kind hanging around the good venders with those, those meat products and what about the other issues. Don't throw a bunch of teasers out there, give us the facts. You let the dog slip out of the bun when you said "any other "ism" for a long time" soooo it appears it did start out as a bad dog man slipping into a good people's veggie market.
- J, Loudon

Baseball, hot Dogs, Apple Pie and Chevrolet. The Government owns Chevrolet and is trying to get rid of hot dogs. God help us!!!!
Keep up the good fight Pete.
- Kevin, East Kingston

I'd take a nitrate-laden hot dog with non organic onion and relish any day over the toxic attitude and spirit served up by the 'organic' Farmer's Market.

JC from Newmarket--I hope the rest of the farmers don't have the same attitude as Mr Jennings-maybe you all should rethink who your leader should be.
- Lisa, Exeter

I love how the UL tilts this story and stirs the ire of people commenting. Makes the hot dog guy look like 'woe is me'. Why doesn't he just park up on Water St. where he'd be perfectly visible from those down on the parkway during the farmer's market time. He is not obeying his permit restrictions, therefore, he got in trouble. Plain and simple.
- Greg F, Exeter

Wow !!!!! What the World today, we fight for no new taxes on campground and the problem with hot dog and anything else. Hey State and town Leave Us alone and MInd on your busineess. we pay enough taxes and etc. You guys want more that enough and enough.
- jim, auburn

Is there Yankee Mafia in NH??? This guy has every right to sell hotdogs if he pays his permits. People in this state rather go to chains than support the local small guy. The more choices that a community has, the better. People should only be concerned if he was selling drugs. Get a life!!
- Lilly, Deerfield

Folks, I'm a farmer who sells my produce and meats each week at the Exeter Farmers' Market. I also happen to be an old-school New Hampshire conservative of the Union Leader philosophy, and I can tell you, I don't know too many elitist farmers. Working long hours in the rain has a way of humbling a person.

I get along well with the Hot Dog man. We give each other discounts at our respective stands. However, believe me when I tell you, and I read the UL daily, that this is about the most distorted, poorly researched and one-sided story that I have read in its pages in a long time. We are all just trying to make a living and people have been working hard to resolve this situation (which has more to do with insurance, town regs, and other issues, than it does elitism or any other "ism" for a long time. Don't believe everything you read in the press. There is good being done on both sides of the table. Thanks.
- JC, Newmarket

Thankfully there are still good people running for local office. Matt Quandt appears to remember what the USA is all about. I hope Matt keeps on fighting for the rights of those who need to work to earn a living.
- Bob Clegg, Hudson

To Stephen Bowen, Londonderry

Check the wording in the article again, he was not trying to sell his hot dogs on Water St, it states he parked his cart in Swasey Parkway at "the area closest to busy Water Street ". There was a reason for that!

The selectman have been telling him he has to move the location of his cart in the park whenever he gets new permits. At first he could locate his cart anywhere, now I believe they expect him way down the park.
Meanwhile the permit the Farmers Market gets states they can close the parkway to vehicles at 1PM- it's a long parkway for those unfamiliar - but they have been closing the parkway to vehicles before NOON.
Not all of us can walk all the way through the park and back again during our lunch breaks. They have no right to deny us access in violation of their permit and then complain if he sets up where we can get to him. I used to be a fan of the Farmers but not if they are trying to play dirty. There's enough elitism in town!
- Joe, Exeter

I hope the powers that be get alook at the comments this has generated. Being a dog consisour I will be stopping by to support the dog cart not the elitist farmer's. Just have to buy my veggies at another Farmers market. There are alot more then Exeter around.
- BuddyL, Kingston

We have a hot dog vendor at lunch time on Commercial St near the statue. He also has excellent sausages as well. People in Manchester should check this guy out.
- Peter, Manchester

"We just want to keep the farmers market the farmers market,' insisted Josh Jennings, an organic farmer from Stratham who manages the market."

You gotta love a guy from Stratham complaining about property use in Exeter.
- Jeff, Concord

To all the Manchester residents,
There is a hot dog vendor on Commercial St just outside of Arms Park. You need to get out more.
- Jeff, Concord

I feel the hot guy and the farmers should be able to coexistence peacefully. In fact, this Thursday, I think I will get a hot dog and stroll over to the farmers market for some organic antacids.
- Steve R, Exeter

I believe that the Mr. Datillo has the right to sell his hot dogs anywhere his permit allows him to. Since his permit does not allow him to sell them on Water Street in Exeter, than he has no right to sell them there. If he is able to obtain a permit to to sell his product in that area than he has the right to sell his product at a farmers market just as any other person wishing to sell their product at that market does.
- Stephen Bowen, Londonderry

Jay Perkins, who is the pres. of the swasey pkwy trustees, will handle this just fine. He's a fair man.
These Hot dogs are not your run of the mill dogs. They are great and he has hot sauces and hot saucage"s too.
Exeter is lucky to have him. If Exeter kicks him out I would love to see him in Stratham but the Stratham selectman work for the S.V.F.D.A. and Peter Datillo
would not put up with the politics in that town!
- Ellery Deane, Stratham,n.h.

Looks like the $20.00 a week I set aside to support my local Farmer's Market (most of these farmers are also not Exeter residents) will now be going to the Hot Dog guy. We don't like elitist bullies around here!
- Deborah, Exeter

From the article..."'Our customers expect a certain kind of thing when they come to a farmers market. What Peter offers is a different product. We just want to keep the farmers market the farmers market,' insisted Josh Jennings, an organic farmer from Stratham who manages the market."

- yup, there's your root cause. The hotdog vendor is adding to the problem for himself by not following the stipulations of his permit, but the quote from Josh Jennings leaves me with the impression that this is more about the elitist, smarmy attitude of the organic farmers who run the market. He should have just come out and said "we don't want your kind here!" At least it would have been more honest and direct. You know what, Josh, if I go to a farmer's market and I see a hotdog stand, my skin is thick enough to not get offended at the dastardly sight. I'm sure most other normal people feel the same way. Maybe you need a backbone and a chill pill.
- Mike, Temple

Puh-leeze, what's up with Exeter's faux prudery? Horror of horrors, a hot dog wagon has apparently interfered with some people's sense of...themselves. Exeter already has more than enough on its social climbing plate without having to deal with the likes of a dastardly hot dog man's presence at their weekly organic tea parties. right? After all, inhaling whiffs from boiling wieners as one rifles through all that healthy organic produce is such a buzz kill. Maybe it's time to leave town. That's right, move...to Rye or New Castle (if you can afford it).

I frequently travel to Exeter and will make it a point from now on to support the local hot dog man.
- Andre, Manchester

At the Manchester Farmers Market you have all these people walking around with WIC vouchers. The regular joe using cash pays one price, but the WIC people pay reduced prices (even though they already get it for "free" via good ole welfare). Can't stand most of those snobby "organic" vendors. However I do love the fact that they're relegated to a cramped parking lot without shade. You can hear the vegetables cook from the heat.
- Paul B, Manchester NH

What the heck is wrong with a hot dog vendor in the park? He paid his fees but is still getting hasseled? It's like the tourist are dictating what the residents should do. Oh, right, we do that a lot in New Hampshire. Well, this native New Hampshire citizen is getting sick of it.

And a quick BTW - I echo the sentiments of several of my fellow Manchester residents. A hot dog vendor set up in one of our parks would be nice. You are welcome in the Queen City any time!
- Alison, Manchester

Yep, I support the hot dog guy! He's trying to do the same thing as the farmers, make a living! It reminds me of two kids on a playground that are arguing over the same swing and then the bully knocks out the less fortunate one cause he can. Children- respect each other and learn to get along! The bully might win now, but certainly won't have any friends now or later!
- JJS, Concord

It sounds like the hot dog vendor is overstepping the boundaries of his permit by locating in the prime space in the park on the one day a week that the farmer's market is there, likely his busiest day. I do not live in Exeter, but I shop there frequently as I prefer to support the local businesses over the box stores and the malls and because I like the selection and uniqueness of the products. I also shop the farmer's market on Thursday afternoons in the summer. I have nothing against the hot dog vendor but he's not the one who brings me to town to shop.
- catmom, chester

yay for the hotdog guy!
- Donna, Manchester

I visit the Exeter Farmers' Market every week. As a customer, perhaps I can offer an unbisased view. The Farmers' Market has been in Exeter for over 10 years. I believe they lease the Parkway from the town on Thursdays. As I walk around, I see 9 out of 10 farmers driving vehicles upwards of 15 years old. I don't think too many of those guys have trust funds as one writer mentioned. What I do see are hundreds of people who come out each week who enjoy chatting and purchasing good food. I buy some organic and some not, and it is often cheaper than the supermarket and a heck of a lot fresher. I also buy Italian sausage from Peter. So I am unbiased. I don't understand why Peter is angry as the market brings tons of customers past his truck. Perhaps the farmers and the hot dogs should each stick to their permitted areas. Then everyone wins. I'd like to see the UL visit the market and talk to some farmers and customers too.
- Pete Plastron, Newmarket

Maybe if he sold organic hot dogs on granola buns he would be more popular with the farmers. yum yum.
- Tom W, Candia

He complained about the farmers market not adhering strictly to their permit but now he feels harassed because they are trying to make him adhere strictly to his permit. What a hypocrite. If he didn't want officials there enforcing permit restrictions, then he shouldn't have called them in in the first place. He made his bed, now it time for him to lay in it.
- Jeff, Manchester

I have been to the hotdog stand myself. Mr.Datillo has a great stand and product. He meets the town permit requirments and should be aloud to continue. Mr.Ditillo I return from Afghanistan next spring and will stop by for a hotdog. MSG Michael Cawley 82nd AB DIV Bagram Afghanistan!
- michael cawley, Bagram Afghanistan

I have been to Ian's many times over the past few years and will be very disappointed if Pete is forced out of the parkway. I don't understand how the trustees can say "he seems to believe he is entitled to park his cart in Exeter" well folks , he pays to do that. As someone who was born and raised in Exeter I have seen many changes over the years. I'm betting that the Exeter natives like the idea of Pete being there. I understand that this town has a lot of new people and maybe they prefer to go to an expensive restaurant for lunch, they can do that on Water St. Let Ian's stay in the parkway. Think of the folks at 277 Water St., I have seen many of them stop at Ian's for a hot dog, I have also noticed that Pete makes a point of remembering their names, that alone can make someone's day better, especially an older person living alone.I also see young parents with their children stop for hot dogs. As someone has already pointed out Pete also sells local soft drinks. I would like to thank Matt Quandt (another Exeter native) for standing up for something he believes in.
- Mabel Cummings, Exeter

I don't eat hot dogs, but I may come buy one anyway. We need to encourage guys like him, not discourage them.

Thank you Ed in Sandown for laying it out nicely.
- Cathleen, Center Barnstead

I have been a resident of Exeter since the early 60's. A steady stream of people who liked Exeter's quaintness have moved to town but keep trying to change us. Used to be we could get the time from the chiming clock towers but they were deemed to be too distracting and they wanted them stopped. All of our stores we actually used left town in favor of "boutiques". Now they are harrassing the only vendor we can use in the parkway because of a Farmers Market that is only there one day a week, several weeks a year. Seems to me there are 2 totally different products and the childish behavior of the Farmer Market people should stop. He is there, and has customers, far more often than you are so make room for him and get along! He ALSO provides a service we want to use so stop your whining or those of us who are mobile will go elsewhere. There are farmers markets is many area towns and as much as I have enjoyed visiting yours I won't support bullies!
- Catherine, Exeter

Leave the Hot Dog guy alone! I, for one, will be going to the Farmer's Market only to buy hot dogs, and not buy a single thing from the obnoxious farmers!!
- Bob, Exeter

its a sticky situation. as a small 'casual vender' a hot dog guy is usually a small 3' x 5' cart. in this case its a big set up with not only his large trailer, but a tent and tables.

i too side with the hot dog guy, based on this article.

but as a business owner, and someone who appreciates and understands business, his $250 a year for the permit and $100 a year health permit doesnt justify the type of business he has grown to. the park would probably feel different if they were getting a reasonable monthly vendors rent...which could in turn give mr. datillo more rights too. it all comes down to the money!
- josh, manchester

I think the question to look at is this : is the hot dog guy's trailer, picnic tables and signs permanent, or does he set and remove them each day?

If they are permanent, then, he's a restaurant, if not, he's a vendor, and the town needs to comply with the terms of the permit that they issued.

Farmers - this article is hurting your business a bit more then the hot dog guy. I would be less inclined to shop from you knowing you are pushing out a fellow vendor.
- CW, Concord

Yet another reason to boycott the crappy farmers market. Over priced food, produced by elitist snobs and subsidized by trust funds. What a joke. When it comes to buying local I will stick with the hotdog vendor.
- mike, cornish

Leave the poor guy alone. Here is a guy out there making a living for his family. It's been alright for 4 years and all of a sudden there's a problem. Go fix the bigger problems that most of the cities have. All the counslers should get together and have an outdoor meeting at his stand and chill.
- Pat, Spring Hill, Fl

It's a simple concept: if you choose not to do business with him, it's no different than any other business. Walk by and go elsewhere. I would not be surprised anyhow if some of the same people who visit the Farmer's market are also his customers. Are they saying that all people who visit the market are vegetarians?
- Tom, Derry

I never even knew there was a hot-dog cart in Exeter, I hope all this hullabaloo over nothing gives the hot dog vendor a boost in sales.
- Chris, Dover, NH

Give the hot dog guy a break. He is following the rules that the town set out for him. The organic guy is stuck in his own idealism and needs to get an open mind. Elitism and snobbery are what ruin the organic movement.
- Liane, Merritt Island, FL

Must really fry your "buns" when this guy runs a restaurant business and he does not pay property taxes. How would you like to be a main street business. Look at the signs! And a picnic table? Who is this guy kidding. Kick his rather large obnoxious bun out of town.
- tom, Manchester, NH

Some people are rule followers, and some people think rules don't apply to them. It's hard to earn this much disrespect from a very large group of people with whom you have to work just one day a week. Evaluate the guy on how he sells, not on what he sells.
- Skip M, Ossipee

i'll have mine with ketchup, onions, relish and mustard - grown in Mexico, packaged in California, shipped to a distribution center in Atlanta GA, and bought from a store in Manchester!
- james sharon, richmond

I too wish Manchester had a hot dog cart on a walking trail, maybe down by the river walk bridge.
- JAC, Manchester

Portland, Maine has a weekly farmers market. As crunchy granola as that town is, the hot-dog guy seems to co-exist just fine with the vendors. Seems to me there's an issue over lifestyle choices at play here. Plus, it bothers some to no end that someone could conceivably make a profit while using public land (see: Mt. Sunapee).
- L William, West Lebanon, NH

I don't understand the problem here. I go to Farmers Markets all around the state in support of the local buisness. What is the difference between this guy selling a hot dog and the vendor's selling wine or baked goods. Personally I think haveing something like a hot dog vendor at the FM's is a great idea. Maybe he could fry up some of the meat sold at these FM's and help push that product.
- JM, Manchester

Seems Selectman Quandt is the only official making any sense here. Datillo has permits and has a great product. Too bad the organic people have to be so selfish and narrow minded because their little crunchy market has to give a few square feet to the terrible hot dog.
- Steve, Franconia

Based only on the above article, I side with Peter Datillo the hot dog guy.

Government at any level should never never never get so deeply involved with nuances like the precise spot a permit allows a vendor to operate, what articles may be sold, how many picnic tables, or whether his sign "clashes" with the historic nature of the neighborhood.

The permit should merely state the days/times, some linear foot dimension (not to block driveways or fire hydrants) and some range of street addresses over which the permittee can operate. If there are more applications than spots available, hold a drawing/lottery once every month/year for the spots. Thereafter, the early bird permit holders get the "best" spot on any given morning.

If farmers so desire, they are welcome to protest and picket the hog dog stand under the First Amendment. Such is the nature of Liberty in America.

Everybody should stop demanding government solution to every little conflict (and this is a little one), and just enjoy Liberty and the consequences of it. Otherwise, we slide into government micro-management of everything which is indistinguishable from tyranny.

ps. Ultimately where do those hotdogs come from? A farmer.
- Ed Holdgate, Sandown, NH

So, is there not enough area for the dog vendor to set up his wares? Is the hot dog trailer offensive to the eye?
Give me a break!
Have we adults of a certain generation become so sensitive that ifsomething is not exactly like something else, we drive it out?!.
Lighten Up farmers! You're there once a week and seasonaly at that. Mr. Datillo is there all week. You have no beef with him.
- Dan, Manchester

Exeter has gone to the dogs! Actually, this is yet but another classic example of the class elitism that some of that town's elected officials and snobbish residents are famous for. You know what, this week, in between showers, I am going to barge right down there, sit proudly at one of those TWO picnic tables, get a couple of 'kraut dogs and look down my nose at the zucchini vendor!
- Thomas Thorpe, Portsmouth, NH

lol - Jack Alex, finally you've written a comment on this site that I can completely agree with! Hey Hot Dog Guy, how about moving your business to the city? Seems like Exeter doesn't appreciate fine cuisine. Jack & I will be your first, best customers!
- Kathy, Manchester

Let the guy earn a living by selling his hot dogs. And just what are the veggie vendors squawking about when they say a hot dog vendor doesn't belong in the area with a farmers market? Where do they think beef comes from if not from farmers? Seems to me that the veggie vendors and Exeter town officials need something to better occupy their time instead of creating problems out of non-issues.
- Brian, Farmington

I wish Manchester had a hot dog vendor at a park. Maybe they could get me out for a stroll and tempt me with a hot dog at least it would be somewhat healthy.
- Jack Alex, Manchester

Where's the beef in all of this? Does the town of Exeter not have anything better to do with my tax dollars, then to worry about a hot dog vendor? Frank's hot dogs is something that you can look forward to when you go to Swasey Park. I am wondering why there were complaints about the 2 picnic benches, a tent for cover of the patrons when it rains. These benches allow for retention of patrons in the park to eat goodies that they have purchased, and for the possibility of more sales. Without these picnic benches there is not place to sit and munch, and the patrons move on.

In regards to the type of product that is offered by Mr Datillo, he is supporting a local company by selling Squamscot beverages of Newmarket, NH, and he also sells vegetarian/tofu hot dogs.

I do have to agree with the statement by Mr Datillo about the time of the closing of Swasey Parkway. Just last week on Thursday, myself and my boyfriend went to Swasey Park to take in a little lunch. When we were walking around after eating, which was about 12:30, the back entrance on was closed, and only the exit was open. Later in the day, I returned to the farmers market to see what was there in the hopes of getting some fresh produce, and a hot dog from Frank's for dinner. But Frank's was not there. How can they be a menace if they are not there? or was he pushed out?

Could all this resentment towards a simple all American food, be that the frugal American is not spending there money on the farmers market organic foods because supermarkets have caught on to this growing trend and the consumers are now shopping there at a lower price?
- Holly Gearhart, Exeter

Now, this is one dog of a problem!
- Fred, MANCHESTER