If you attend St. Bonaventure University, you know that the night life on the weekends is like no other. Going out in the town of Allegany, NY is always a fun time, but something was always missing: a late night snack.
In March of 2023, Tim Butler solved this problem, and moreover, Cart City was born. With it being open from 10:30pm-2am, Bona students and even some residents of Allegany, can enjoy a late night hot dog now. As someone who gets VERY hungry after a long night hanging out with friends, this was the perfect addition to our community.
My friend, Mary Quinn, and I recently got the chance to work there and will continue to because, honestly, we had the most fun experiencing what it was like to step into Tim’s shoes for a night. This week, I got the pleasure to interview him and understand the business a little more.
How did the Creation of Cart City Come To Be?
TB: I attended an SBU NIT basketball game in New York City in March 2022 with 4 Bona ’22 grads. We had a phenomenal trip and started discussing was was missing in Allegany. All 4 of the students immediately said late night food. Then began the concept of Cart City!
what significance does the st. Bonaventure Community have to you?
TB: I am a 1988 SBU Alumni, which gave me a deeper connection to the school itself. It’s truly enjoyable being a smart part of the fabric of the community.
what is the funniest interaction you’ve had the car so far?
TB: Now that’s a good one! You absolutely never know what will happen on any given night. There’s too many to even mention. There’s always so many kids running around and dancing. People watching is the funniest part of the whole thing.
Do you have any new plans in the works for cart city as of right now?
TB: Cart City is currently working on a bigger mobile unit to allow more choices for the students. Even though we already have sausage, vegan sausage, hot dogs – of course – and fried Oreos, it would be nice to maybe add some burgers in there. We also have a new Tik Tok page because I know how much you guys are into that now.
In your opinion, what is the Best condiment to put on a sahlen’s hot dog?
TB: Great question! I’m a mustard guy myself, but I see people mixing it up and trying many different options which is cool. We have a big variety of condiments too, like Mayochup (mayo and ketchup), Buffranch (buffalo sauce and ranch), and some more. We got something’ for everybody!
If you’re out on the town on Fridays and Saturdays and get a little hungry, make sure to check out Cart City, “THE late nite Allegany destination.”
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecartcity/