Building the Valley: The Hot Dog Guys food truck has been serving the Alle-Kiski Valley for 18 years

The average American eats 70 hot dogs every year, according to hotdog.org.

Hungry customers easily could down that many — and never repeat a mix of toppings — from The Hot Dog Guys, Alle-Kiski Valley’s roving food truck.

“You gotta try the sauerkraut and Potato Stix,” said regular patron Dave McQuade, from the parking lot of First United Presbyterian Church in Tarentum. “Every Tuesday, this is where you’ll find us for lunch.”

Manned by brothers James and Paul Barton, the authentic New York-style hot dog cart (made from ATI metals) is parked Tuesdays in Tarentum and Wednesdays in Lower Burrell at the U-Haul parking lot along Leechburg Road. On other days, the trailer rolls in to festivals and fundraisers from Fox Chapel to Freeport.

The cost is $3 for a hot dog or $4 for the deal that includes chips and a drink.

On-duty law enforcement officers eat for free.

James Barton jokes that he “got my training at Blimpy’s,” but people clamor for whatever he is dishing up.

The lines start forming long before noon, when the scent of steaming hot dogs begins wafting from the trailer. The only thing more tempting for customers is the list of 23 condiments to choose from. There are typical toppings, such as ketchup, chili and onions, but the more daring can dive into options including horseradish, celery salt, bacon and pickled peppers.

Paul Barton said people can pick as many toppings as they want. Some like to wander on the wild side with their mashups.

“I had a guy stop and ask for one ‘all the way,’ ” he said, laughing. “I didn’t know what that meant.”

He learned it’s a popular Southern staple that includes chili, mustard, onion and cole slaw.

On a busy day, the duo can dish up 200 hot dogs in a span of a few hours. The most popular is always the “dog of the month,” which in October was the Zombie Dog, with mac and cheese, bacon and barbecue sauce. There is no additional charge for the dog of the month.

Over the summer, there was the Bee Sting, with cheese, pepperoni, honey and red pepper flakes.

Part of the monthly dog’s popularity is the associated T-shirt. The Bartons began producing clever tops to match the monthly theme, and they’ve taken off with customers.

There also is the draw of notoriety: If they use someone’s idea for dog of the month, they get a plaque.

The brothers, Homestead natives who make their home in New Kensington, didn’t set out to be hot dog aficionados.

They worked together on a morning radio show at Apollo’s WAVL until the station disbanded and they were forced into new careers. Still, a hot dog cart wasn’t the dream.

“We decided to do this as a means to something else, and then this became the thing,” Paul Barton said.

The pair initially used the fast-food truck to fund their work making educational documentaries.

“We needed something flexible, and then we found that we really enjoyed all the people,” James Barton said. “I really like the freedom to be creative.”

They set up shop in a unique spot on the side of Bull Creek Road just off Route 28 and grew their business with the support of passing motorists. The Hot Dog Guys frequented community parades and sponsored local youth softball leagues while their name recognition kept growing.

Nearly 20 years later, the duo is on top of their game.

They left the spot on the side of the expressway in favor of spaces where cars aren’t whizzing by and customers have room to mingle.

The brothers appear to enjoy the back-and-forth with nearly everyone who steps up to order and said they are grateful for the support from the local communities.

Jen-Eva Sack has been a repeat customer for years.

“They have the best hot dogs,” she said. “They’re just the best.”

The Hot Dog Guys are open from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The final day for the season is Nov. 23. The brothers work other jobs during the winter.