Hot dogs are a career for one Syracuse man, no matter the conditions. Bob Barker has been selling them in and around the city for more than decades. He's out when the weather is warm and even when it's not. Our Iris St. Meran introduces us to Barker, who some consider to be 'The Hot Dog King.'

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- "I've always loved hot dogs," recalled Hot Dog Vendor Bob Barker.

Barker turned that love into a career in 1980. Before this he was a construction worker, but a car accident left him unable to work.
Shortly after, he was in Downtown Syracuse during the lunch hour and that changed everything.

"And I saw people bagging their lunches. So I went to Sears and Roebuck, bought a grill, made myself a cart and the rest is history," said Barker.

Barker says he was the first hot dog vendor in the city. But now, it's not unusual to see a hot dog stand. What makes him different is he's out in this red trailer even when you wouldn't expect him.

"If it's really, snowing and bad and icy, I don't like to drive this in the weather like that because it'll fishtail,” Barker said, “If it's 25 (degrees), I'll come out with this, if the people will stop for a hot dog."

And they do, regardless of what Mother Nature has planned. He says the best part about his job is the people, and it's because of their loyalty he's been able to do this for 32 years.

Barker said, "People know me. They like my hot dogs. They trust my food and the price is right."

Reporter asked, “Do people mistake you for that other guy named Bob?

“Some do, yes. I say, no, that's my dad,” Barker said laughing.

But he's been able to make a name and a career for himself. Aside from the hot dogs, his cowboy hat has become his trademark. In addition to the condiments, there's also a lesson that comes with this quick meal in a bun: Do what you love.