Students start local food business serving outside Kilroy’s

Beer and pizza are staples of almost every college community. At IU, several students are trying to add another food to that list: hot dogs.

Sophomores Zak Mirkowski, Dan Mehay and Jordan Zotos are the owners and operators of Famous Franks of Bloomington. Mirkowski is a family friend of the creator of Famous Franks, who operates his business at Purdue.

Since starting on Sept. 23, the three students have devoted their weekends to serving the hungry – and often intoxicated – people outside Kilroy’s Bar and Grill on Kirkwood Avenue.

In addition to their work with Famous Franks, all three are full-time students who developed the idea during their freshman year.

“It started in the dorms last year with us just talking about it, but we got the ball rolling at the beginning of this year,” Mehay said.

The business already has a strong customer base, many of whom are fellow students. With food items such as Philly cheesesteaks, chili dogs, Chicago dogs and hot dogs, almost anyone can find something on the menu to enjoy.

“I’m from Chicago,” senior Colin Phillips said. “I love getting a Chicago-style hot dog in the middle of nowhere. It’s delicious.”

Though the students run a business, they try to enjoy themselves when working.

“We’re hanging out with new friends while working,” Mirkowski said. “It’s so much fun. The kids can take a break from the bar and come get some food.”

There never seems to be a dull moment at Famous Franks. Customers are usually interacting with the owners in conversation or competing for free food.

Competitions such as “Dance for a Dog” and “Freestyle for a Freebie”  are sometimes offered to a customer who doesn’t have the money but still wants some food. The contestants are chosen under specific circumstances, so not everyone can expect to receive free food.

The three students particularly enjoy a customer who simply goes by Mo. They said he’s one of many people that make weekends enjoyable for the business owners.

“This is the best late-night food in the area,” senior Zach Stein said. “This stuff is better than pizza. It’s so filling, and it’s a pretty good deal.”