The O’Brien business building isn’t the only new addition to the corner of 16th and Wisconsin Ave. Oz Doggz, a hot dog and sausage stand, is new to campus this year and so far Oz Becklund, the owner, is loving the Marquette community.
“Just everyone being really embracing and really friendly — like really, really friendly. Even in passing by, and not eating anything, people will say ‘Hey Oz!’ it’s been amazing, I really, really look forward to coming down here now,” Becklund said.
When it comes to pricing, Becklund said he has deals that other stands can’t beat. A sausage is only $4 compared to his competitors who price the same product at $6.
“My prices are more than fair, my buddy at the Chase building, he’s $6 a sausage and we’re selling the same product,” Becklund said.
In addition to the sausages and hot dogs, he also offers classic toppings such as relish, onion and sauerkraut. Along with the choice of ketchup, mustard and his secret stadium sauce.
“It’s a sweet and tangy sauce that’s a little thinner than a barbecue sauce, they serve it at the ball park,” Becklund said.
Although it is usually a one-man operation, sometimes Becklund’s son, Bubz can be seen in a hotdog costume greeting customers and making them laugh.
“He gives me so much joy and when he puts on that costume and to watch the way he interacts with people is just incredible and it warms my heart,” Becklund said.
Oz Doggz’ Facebook and Twitter are also platforms where Becklund promotes his stand as well as post lots of content of his son on the job alongside him.
Megan Rotter, a sophomore in the College of Communication, said she loves Oz Doggz and enjoys his all–beef classic hot dog.
“He’s super friendly and bubbly, outgoing and he sometimes brings his son which I love. He’s super cute, if you get lucky he’ll be dressed in a hot dog suit,” Rotter said.
Becklund said he finds that running the stand on his own does not feel like working a typical job.
“This job is more of a love for me like I said being an extrovert you know I used to live in Vegas, I used to dance at a dance bar and we were in a band so I was always out doing stuff,” Becklund said.
Oz, the Greenfield native was originally known as Oscar, his aunt gave him the nickname, Oz, when he was a kid which he was held onto ever since.
After assisting his friend at their stand for almost two summers, he was told he would be the perfect person to start a stand of his own, so he did. Though he has been in the business for nine years now, it was only recently he made the move to MU.
Becklund said he also owes the success of his business to Usinger products — the brand in which he uses for his sausages.
Looking ahead into the future, he said he hopes to expand his stand and invest in a big yellow food truck.
“That would be a dream for me because then I could expand my toppings. I could have a flat top to make brat patties, but everything will stay Usingers because the quality is just phenomenal and that’s why I’m still in business,” Becklund said.
Through rain or shine, the stand is here to stay as Oz Doggz will remain on campus even as it gets colder.
“I am going to be here all winter, I will jump in and out of the van as much as I can to stay warm,” Becklund said.
He said the love of the stand goes back to how much he enjoys interacting with people.
“The people, that’s what it is. The easy part is being around the people, and I like to try to make people happy — I don’t force it but, I like being part of it,” Becklund said.
This story was written by Mimi Sinotte, she can be reached at [email protected]
