Meet Ken Baumgarten: The man behind State College’s greatest wieners
‘Just tonight, I’ve seen about a hundred girls dressed as Playboy bunnies’
Drunk food is a staple of any college kid’s diet. Venturing home from various parties and bars at 2am can be pretty exhausting so getting food is a must. Canyon and Taco Bell are the usual go to spots to help ease the drunk munchies, but there is one drunk food stop that is above all the rest.
Ken Baumgarten has been running his hot dog stand, located in the parking lot behind the Lion’s Den since May 2011. You can find Ken working his wieners on the corner on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 10pm-3am.
The Tab got the chance to chat with this local Penn State hot dog connoisseur.
Did you attend Penn State?
No, I didn’t. My daughter attended the university and now works here along with my wife and son-in-law.
Why did you decide to set up shop in this specific parking lot?
This is where the Tigris meets the Euphrates. So many people pass here on their way to parties and to the bars.The beginning hours are kind of like advertising for the place. They see me when they first start their night and come back for a hot dog later in the evening.
When would you say you’re the busiest?
I would say usually from 1.30-2.30. People stop by on their way home from frat parties or when the bars begin kicking people out. There will be a pretty big line between those times. I’m usually in one constant motion making hot dogs until it’s time to close.
What is the craziest experience you’ve ever had? Anything wild?
Well, the craziest thing that has ever happened to me I will not recount to a lady, but being in this location I can say I’ve seen about everything. I’ve seen car accidents, flash mobs, people slipping and falling down the hill.
Just tonight I’ve seen about a hundred girls dressed as Playboy bunnies. Also another time I had to stop a player from the Miami Dolphins from peeing on my truck, that was pretty crazy.
Now for the most important question, what is your dream hot dog?
I’m a simple man. I like just sauerkraut and mustard.
In addition to selling hotdogs, Ken also has some pretty entertaining Tweets. (@KensBestWurst)