Hot Diggity Dog: Providing Jobs for Seniors and Disabled Workers in Texas (1988)

Hot Diggity Dog's Mission and Growth

• 🎯 Hot Diggity Dog, founded by Scarlett Rabela, began with a single cart and a mission to employ disabled and senior citizens.
• 🚀 Within one year, the company expanded to 14 carts across seven Texas cities, employing 40 people.
• 📈 The business operates carts primarily at Sam's wholesale warehouses, with most locations now profitable.

Impact on Employees' Lives

• 💡 The job provides essential income for medication and fosters a sense of independence for employees like Dale Garland.
• 🚶‍♂️ Dale Garland, who has epilepsy, demonstrated his commitment by walking 22 miles daily to work before moving closer.
• 💰 Retired painter Ray Yates found purpose and extra income, allowing him to enjoy activities he couldn't afford before.

Recognition and Future Aspirations

• 🏆 Hot Diggity Dog was recognized as the small employer of the year in Dallas by the mayor's committee for employment of the disabled.
• 🌟 Scarlett Rabela expresses surprise and pleasure at the company's rapid success in helping 40 people.
• 🌐 The company plans to expand into four more Texas cities within 90 days and aims to eventually employ 600 hard-to-employ individuals.
• ✨ Rabela hopes to give these individuals a chance to celebrate their own independence.