In October 2023, long-time South Philadelphia vendor Gus, announced his retirement after 45 years, writes Ali Mohsen for Billy Penn at WHYY.

Since 1978, Gus has been serving up hotdogs from a food cart on South Street, developing a long list of regular customers and friendships throughout the years.

Upon his retirement, Gus’ friends, former customers, South Street residents, and fellow business owners are making an effort to honor his legacy.

Namely, an online petition has surfaced to rename the southeast quadrant of 5th and South streets to “Gus’ Corner.”

Both long-time business owners and newer ones have come to see the impact Gus has had on the community. 

This is especially true for Robert Perry, owner of Tattooed Mom, a block away from where Gus’ cart stood. 

Upon moving to Philadelphia in the early 1990s, Perry relied heavily on the food from that cart.

“I think it just speaks to how one person, one small business, can impact so many people … across generations and all over the city,” Perry said. 

Rob Windfelder, owner of Crash Bang Boom, said of Gus, “he’s who people should aspire to want to be like.”

Read more about Gus’ impact and the community’s hopes to honor him in Billy Penn at WHYY.

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