The Dawgfather Has an Offer That Can’t Be Refused

September has arrived once again, and students are returning to class with thirsty minds and hungry bellies. While classes and busy schedules will fill the minds of students, the notorious Dawgfather aims to fill their growling stomachs.

A man of many names, Gerry Reddick a.k.a Ibrihim Ali Mahmmad has been a vendor at the base of the DAL sub for many seasons. Reddick, upon his return from the west, set up a hotdog stand in Uniacke Square. He then moved to the Palace, where his profit increased dramatically, he relocated a third time, drawn by additional profit, to his current location.

Reddick enthusiastically speaks of the self-fulfillment he gets from his job every day. “I like to give the students credit,” he says, “I don’t want them to go to class hungry.”

Reddick became known as the Dawgfather after the suggestion of a student, “the student said, the Godfather made an offer no one could refuse, and you offer a dog no one can refuse.”

It is not hard to see the appeal. To go with the table full of conventional and more adventurous condiments the Dawgfather offers three basic meaty treats, the classic "Phat Boys," akin to a jumbo sized hot dog, a “Giant Sausage,” which is fairly self explanatory, and of course for the vegetarians in the crowd, a “Veggie Dawg” each toping off at $3 a piece.

When asked why he chooses the Dawgfather for his lunch, Justin Simard, a fourth year music and theatre student responds between bites. “It’s cheap, and he puts students first. Two years ago I was broke and he offered to spot me one.”

It is clear that the legendary Dawgfather loves his job. “I have the best customers in the world.”

For my journalism class.