27 years and counting: Georgetown’s oldest hot-dog vendor blazes the trail

If you are passing along Vlissengen Road during the rush hour morning traffic, you may recognise him with his hot-dog cart, portly demeanor and businesslike appearance. And at age 69, Bruce Brebner says he still has many years ahead of him, as he plies his trade daily.

Brebner sells his hot-dogs from Monday to Saturday in front of the Rubis Gas Station on Vlissengen Road, and he noted during an interview on Friday morning that all his hot-dogs are usually sold out by 8:30am. He said he lives in West Demerara, but his cart is usually parked near Vlissengen Road, making it easier for him to travel to and from home.
“I’m doing this 27 years now. When I started out selling these hot-dogs, I was the only one here around town selling,” the perfectionist said. He said he prepares his sauces, sausages and bread before he leaves home. How he started out selling is too long a story to tell, Brebner said, but he noted that he always had a knack for cooking and selling.
In fact, he started his trade while living in neighbouring Venezuela. He then remigrated to Guyana around 1995, and at that time he recognised that there was no one selling hot-dogs around town. He said he made his own bike, and during his earlier days, he would ply his trade in the busy downtown area.
These days a number of hot-dog vendors have popped up around town, and while they may be selling the same product as Brebner, he noted that he has his own way of preparing his product. “All of us got to live. I am finished selling now, and I am going home. All who want to come and sell now can come out and do their thing,” he said as he looked up at the 8:30am sun above.
These days, the prices for commodities have been rising, and Brebner noted that, as the prices rise, he has to adjust, but he said he has to ensure he keeps his product at a high standard. “When things go up, you have to raise maybe by a $20,” he said. He said he also sells fruit juices.
As he packed up his stand in preparation to leave for home, he prepared the last of his hot dogs to deliver to a customer. He said persons would usually call ahead and request his hot dogs, and he would make the deliveries whenever he is leaving the location for the day.
Brebner is a father of 3, and he noted that, through his hot-dog business, he has been able to raise his children and take care of his family. “I have two boys and a girl. They are all big and on their own,” he added.
He said that he sold all across town, but in recent years he has been at the same location on Vlissengen Road. During his time as a vendor, he has witnessed a number of events play out in the city. “I passed through all those things. I was never scared or anything, because I have to live,” he said.
Brebner said there are days when he would take a day off, noting that he always ensures he gets good rest. “Well, as long as I have health and strength, I am going to work,” he said. Brebner said he would continue plying his trade, adding that he has to continue making a living.