To the editor: I used to be 14 once I obtained a job on the Scorching Canine on a Stick location within the Glendale Galleria, which had not too long ago opened circa 1977 (“Scorching Canine on a Stick comeback highway map: New proprietor, speedy growth and lobster — on a stick,” July 22). Again then, all you can purchase was a corn canine, cheese stick and/or lemonade, every costing solely $1. I pounded contemporary lemons and used an influence drill to combine the cornmeal whereas sporting the quick shorts, tank prime and tall hat that the institution equipped.
There have been solely feminine workers on the time, and we labored in vibrant gentle on a raised platform with mirrored partitions — clearly, we had been on show. We performed modern music that blared throughout the meals courtroom. It was extra enjoyable than work.
I knew founder Dave Barham. He handled the women with respect and kindness and paid us above minimal wage with common, constant raises. There have been Scorching Canine on a Sticks in virtually each mall, so I used to be allowed to work at different shops throughout summer time break (once I wished to be by the seashore).
By the point I used to be a junior in highschool, I used to be making $17.50 an hour. Even in my teenage mind, I understood that Barham noticed that his empire was worthwhile primarily because of the minimal stock, so he invested in paying his workers an excellent wage.
I hope this iconic California “quick meals joint” lives on, even when it’s in Las Vegas and nowhere close to a seashore.
Heidi Simmons, Coachella Valley
