UPDATE 5-6-10: Hey everyone, I found veggie dogs tonight at Minute Maid! They are located in section 125 at the Dining Car Grill. They have them listed on the menu board, so you should be able to find them. Thank you to everyone who searched the park, wrote in and offered support. And thank you to Minute Maid for offering fans a healthier alternative to the common hotdog. Go ‘Stros!
I was looking forward to two American classics last night: A baseball game and a veggie hotdog at Minute Maid Park. I looked on the Internet and found the soyhappy site that lists vegetarian options at ballparks. The site said Minute Maid sold veggie dogs in section 134 at the Dining Car. I ditched my seat during the second inning and headed to section 134. No veggie dogs. I trekked around the entire stadium, searching high and low. No veggie dogs. Needless to say, the regular hotdog vendors were not particularly helpful. Most had no idea what I was talking about and treated me like a Martian. I was prepared to write a negative post about Minute Maid’s decision to stop selling veggie dogs. After all, the ballpark has received local and national attention for being veggie friendly, primarily because they served vegetarian hotdogs. But before I sat down to write, I thought I’d give the ballpark a call.
After being transferred numerous times, I got on the line with a woman in guest services. I was told the ballpark no longer sold veggie dogs. After peppering her with questions, I was put on hold again. She came back and said she was mistaken and that the veggie dogs had been moved to the park’s food court in section 125. I can’t remember if I checked there. So, if any of you get to a game soon and see them, let me know. If we can’t confirm a veggie dog sighting before then, I’ll report back the next time I go to a game. I hope they do still have them. Veggie dogs and baseball can’t be beat. I wish I could say the same for the Astros.
I saw President Bush at the game. I should have asked him if he’d heard anything about the veggie dogs. Maybe his secret service agent could have found them.
Filed under: Musings Tagged: | Minute Maid Park, Veggie hotdogs
You are a fabulous example of consumer empowerment. Too many people feel complacent; they don’t realize the power of their voice and their feedback. You didn’t just go back to your seat and feel disappointment after finding out the veggie dogs weren’t where they used to be. You asked questions of the concession staff, you asked guest services, and you also followed up with a call. By doing all these things, you brought attention to this menu item in a way that was necessary. Especially if this item is going to SELL. How will other fans even know it’s available if it’s been moved and concession staff doesn’t know anything?
Unfortunately, it’s a common problem often experienced by MLB fans, that concession staff are not aware of the veggie dog’s availability. That’s why it’s important to outreach to local organizations, local media and other fans, to help ensure that awareness. Especially while the item is new on the menu or in considered tentative.
Check that reference guide on our site (linked in the post) for other ballparks, and as Rhea did, please let us know if you find any changes. We can’t verify that the information is the same in all the ballparks personally, so we rely on fans to keep us updated.
My husband and I went to Minute Maid Park on Sunday April 11. I too was sent from one hot dog stand to another on my quest to find a veggie dog. For the past three years, we have been able to get veggie dogs at Minute Maid at section 125.
I did have a thought. I know that Morning Star Farms has stopped producing the veggie weiner in the past year. I’m thinking the restaurants or parks that offered veg dogs previously used this nationally known brand. I’m betting that the vendors just have not gotten enough demand for veg dogs to pursue a different producer of veg weiners like lightlife smart dogs. It is a pity.
Lesa, thanks so much for the comment. I’m still holding out hope, although the fact that you couldn’t find them either makes me a little more skeptical. I’ll post an update when I figure out what’s up.
Hi Lesa, I just wanted to let you know I found veggie dogs at Minute Maid tonight! They are in section 125 at the Dining Car Grill. They have them up on the menu board, so you should be able to see them. Enjoy!!!
I’m going to the game tonight. I will check section 125 for the veggie dogs. I’m a new vegetarian and this is my first game since I stopped eating meat so I was worried about what to eat tonight.
I’ll report back with my findings!
Thank you so much!!!! Please do let us know. I haven’t been able to get to another game. I’ve enjoyed veggie dogs at Minute Maid for the last few seasons and was sad I couldn’t find them this year. If they aren’t available tonight, I’ll make some more calls and figure out what’s going on. Enjoy the game!
-Rhea
Well, I struck out at Minute Maid Park. I asked an employee who was directing lines in the food court in section 125 and she said they sold veggie hotdogs when she worked at the Dining Car Grill but I asked there and was told they didn’t sell them.
So the mystery continues!
De, thanks so much for the update. Not the outcome I was hoping for, but I’ll keep working. I’m going to talk to a guest services manager today and post an update soon. If I confirm they no longer sell veggie dogs, I’m going to start a “bring veggie dogs back to Minute Maid campaign. Thanks again for letting us know. I hope you enjoyed the game despite the veggie dog fail.
I will join your campaign. I ended up eating popcorn for dinner last night! LOL
Hey De! Great news. I went to an Astros game tonight and found veggie dogs! They are located in section 125 at the Dining Car Grill. They are posted on the menu board, so you should be able to find them. No more popcorn!!! Thanks for all you help. Go ‘Stros!
This is great news! I’m going on Saturday so I will definitely be having a veggie dog!!