Today we’d like to introduce you to Austin and Jan Underwood.
Austin and Jan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It is quite the journey raising a son with down syndrome. In Austin’s case, his speech and limited academics left us worrying about his future. Would he be self-sufficient, live on his own, have a job….or be one of the millions of adults with an Intellectual Developmental disability who are unemployed. We did not want that for Austin. We wanted him to have meaningful employment. Thus, Austin’s Underdawgs was born. Our quick success with Underdawgs got me to thinking. There must be 100 other families like our who want the same success for their son or daughter. We realized selling a franchise could be an affordable option for families who want to own their own business but don’t know where to begin. This is where we come in the Underdawgs Franchise includes the design, on-site training and continued support for the life of the franchise. Our options customize the Underdawg’s franchise to fit the finances and personal schedule for each family. In 3 ½ years, we have sold over 32,000 dawgs. Our menu continues to gain popularity for the unique tastes, not to mention we serve a complete meal for under $10 per person. Our success can now be your success too. We are Austin’s underdawgs! Join us as. We sell meals with a meaning and a mission.
Has it been a smooth road?
The first hurdle was realizing that the little bundle of joy you gave birth to was not exactly what you had in mind. My husband and I made a pact to do and give him every opportunity we could, including treating him the same as our other children. Having expectations are the most difficult to come to grips with. Those expectations had to be slightly modified due to available services and we had to take on schools, doctors, sport teams, child care and summer camps to have our expectations met in the least restrictive way. Struggles with starting a business were minimal due to my business background, Austin’s drive to be his own boss and just waiting for opportunities to unfold.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Austin’s Underdawgs story. Tell us more about the business.
Hi, my name is Austin Underwood. I am 41 years old and I have down syndrome. I own my own food truck with help from my mother, Jan. I want to buy a new food truck so I can travel across the US and sell my hotdogs to show people everywhere that anyone can accomplish their dreams with hard work and determination.
Like his older sister Sara and younger brother Anthony, Austin always wanted to go to college. He also wanted to become a chef and own his own restaurant. His mother, Jan Underwood, found the solution to both dreams, first with the discovery of a vocational college program which allowed Austin to gain knowledge and experience and become certified as a prep chef. The second solution, and more difficult one, was creating a restaurant. Jan decided on a food truck catering service named Austin’s Underdawgs serving up Austin’s unique take on his favorite food, HOT DOGS!
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
We would like to have 100 franchises all across the country. We have found a niche providing catering for small or large groups in a fun way. Our franchise is for family’s who have a special needs family member. Family’s who want to provide meaningful self-employment at living wage without the high entry cost of a typical brick and mortar business.
Pricing:
- Book a Party-minimum 35 guests at $9 each for a complete meal.
- An Underdawg’s Franchise is available now. The franchise fee is $10,000.
- Choose a vehicle to fit your budget. Outdoor carts are priced as low as $5,000, turnkey and ready to roll.
- We are actively searching for a Dallas area franchise!
Contact Info:
- Address: 2900 Marquita Dr.
- Fort Worth, Texas 76116
- Website: www.
austinsunderdawgs.com - Phone: 8173008418
- Email: austin@
austinsunderdawgs.com - Instagram: @austinsunderdawgs
- Facebook: @austinsunderdawgs
- Twitter: @aunderdawgs
Image Credit:
Jill Johnson Photograhy
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Laine McCandless of DFW Kid’s Directory is hosting a Summer Camp & Activities Expo on February 22nd and 29th. There will be over 40 vendors at the event, parents can meet one on one and get information about so many amazing camps all in one spot. It’s an extraordinary event and one that makes us very proud of our city. Tickets are free. Info and RSVP here: Dallas & Frisco
