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Bergenfield Hotdog Man's Sales Strong Through December

BERGENFIELD, N.J — A 71-year-old Bergenfield hotdog vendor is going strong at his usual Portlane Avenue location as warm weather lingers through the last week of autumn.

A regular customer waits for his hotdog order in Bergenfield at Mark's Hot Dogs.

A regular customer waits for his hotdog order in Bergenfield at Mark's Hot Dogs.

Photo Credit: Melissa Heule
Beverly Allen of New Milford purchases lunch from Mark Butlter at his Bergenfield-parked hotdog truck.

Beverly Allen of New Milford purchases lunch from Mark Butlter at his Bergenfield-parked hotdog truck.

Photo Credit: Melissa Heule
Mark Butler parks his Bergenfield hotdog truck on Portland Ave. throughout the year.

Mark Butler parks his Bergenfield hotdog truck on Portland Ave. throughout the year.

Photo Credit: Melissa Heule

Mark Butler, of Ridgefield Park, has been perched at the business window of Mark's Hot Dogs truck on most business days since 1981.

“I like to joke around with people, and get them to talk,” said Butler, who's memorized the orders of dozens of regular customers. “Some of my friends are retired, but I have too keep moving.”

Butler — a U.S. Army veteran — started off selling breakfast items from his truck, but found that the extra-long, deep fried dogs were more profitable.

He used to position the truck in different locations around Bergen County. Dogs were selling by the dozen at his Bergenfield sweet spot.

“He knows my order," said Beverly Allen, of New Milford, while ordering her weekly meal from Mark.

Butler's two knee replacement surgeries didn't keep him from bagging sandwiches and serving fries — and doesn't plan on stopping.

“Sales are best in the spring and fall,” he said. “But as long as I can get my truck out, I’m here.” 

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