By Beacon Staff
Bo Haubrich, 14, of Danville, could have spent his summer goofing off, indulging in his favorite hobbies like archery and riding four-wheelers. Instead, he started his own business — a concession stand called Updog, which has become a familiar sight at the Jefferson Street Farmers Market.
Haubrich, who displays the temperament and politeness of any seasoned businessman, is honest about his monetary motivation. He’s a teenager, and teenagers always need money.
“I recently just bought a new car, and I need to refill my savings account,” he said.
Haubrich got the idea while visiting the Dutchman’s Store in Cantril where he saw soft-serve ice cream for sale. He figured he could sell ice cream as well.
“My parents own the storage units in Danville, and we figured it would be a good idea for us to have an ice cream machine there,” he said.
After looking into the matter, Haubrich decided on a mobile stand, since it would cost about the same amount of money. Instead of selling ice cream, Haubrich started selling nachos, chili dogs, and snow cones.
Though Haubrich has plenty of experience selling concessions as a volunteer at Danville School sporting events, he didn’t start selling from his mobile Updog concession stand until May.
“It’s actually been quite nice and fun,” he said.
The mobile stand is actually constructed from the remains of a pop-up camper. Installing equipment and painting the stand took about a month.
“I’m proud of him,” his mother, Laura Haubrich said. “He’s always eager to try new things, and this definitely falls under a new thing.”
Laura came up with the name of the concession stand, Updog, hoping it would serve as an easy ice breaker. Inevitably, a customer will ask, “What’s up dog?”
To which Bo answers, “Not much, what’s up with you?”
Running a concession stand is more work than most realize. While Haubrich may only be out selling for a couple of hours of time, it takes him most of the day to prep for each sale. He and his parents use their garage, which is outfitted with a kitchen, to warm up the hot dogs and the chili.
Of course, the temperature usually dictates what sells the most.
“The hotter days we don’t sell as much nachos and hot dogs, but we still sell water and snow cones,” he said.
Haubrich’s youth is nearly as much of an attraction as his food. Customers are impressed to see a 14-year-old taking on such a responsibility.
“I hope he sticks with it,” Laura Haubrich said. “It’s just an example to other kids that you can do anything.”
While strangers may be surprised to see a 14-year-old operating his own business, Bo’s friends and family are not surprised. He’s always been a motivated youngster and wants to eventually become a lawyer.
“That’s just Bo,” Laura Haubrich said.