From chili dogs, to Greek dogs, to a “”special dog”” complete with unique ingredients, students can now choose between several varieties of hot dogs at the new Hebrew National hot dog stand located near the corner of University Boulevard and Park Avenue.

George Markou, the man who sits under the blue and yellow Hebrew National umbrella, is actually the owner of the nearby Fat Greek restaurant, 994 E. University Blvd.

The idea to create a hot dog stand began when he saw less business at the Fat Greek. Markou said he realized that due to the current dismal economy, students were looking for something inexpensive to eat.

The restaurant was not taking a huge financial hit, but Markou said he realized people were spending less.

“”I’m preparing because I think the summer is going to be worse, so I’m just trying to be ahead of the game,”” he said.

Markou said many people are losing jobs, and by working the stand himself, he is actually able to give his employees more hours and was even able to hire someone new.

By keeping both the Fat Greek and his hot dog business as one financial unit, Markou said all transactions could be done inside if someone needs to use a credit card.

For people looking for a late night snack, Markou said he keeps the stand open until around 2 a.m.

Being an owner of a restaurant for six years, Markou has become a familiar face around town and said many people have come to visit the new stand to show their support.

Markou is not the only hot dog vendor around campus, but he said he’s not worried about the competition.

“”What is different is everything comes straight out of the kitchen – everything is fresh,”” Markou said. “”The chili, the sauce and wet onions are all homemade.””

He said he hopes the thousands of students and faculty members that frequent the UA on a daily basis will help him beat the other hot dog competition.

“”If I get 1,000 people a day, I’ll be in trouble,”” he said.