If you’re fortunate enough to visit The Family Farm on Avent Ferry and see a graffiti-laden hot dog cart onsite, you can witness the magic happen.
Holly Springs High School students are totally aware. Same for first responders, moms with toddlers, and blue-collar workers with grease stains on their shirts. As the saying goes, if you know, you know.
Perhaps you’re not clued in yet, so allow us to introduce you to Frankie Frankk’s Hot Dog Cart. This tube-steak-on-a-bun utopia provides some of the most affordable eats you’ll find anywhere. But what’s even more notable than the cart is the man standing behind it: owner Frank McGoldrick.
“I appreciate you, man,” the 35-year-old Long Island, New York, native says to a regular patron who stopped by to get his weekly hot dog fix.
Hang out with Frank for 10 minutes or so, and you’ll quickly discover how much he values his devotees.
Long Island native Frank McGoldrick operates the colorful Frankie Frankk’s hot dog stand at The Family Farm on Avent Ferry.
“I treat everyone with respect and appreciation, and I consider them as much more than just customers,” says Frank, who’s lived in North Carolina since 2008. “I want to know their name, how their day is going, and how their grandmother’s back surgery went.”
It’s not uncommon for the bearded entrepreneur to provide free hot dogs for first responders, schoolteachers, and other public servants in the community.
Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and onion sauce top the Underdog.
Frank’s professional ethos involves giving back and showing gratitude to those who serve others.
“I believe the more you give, the more you get back,” he says.
This kind of graciousness and altruism has endeared Frank to virtually everyone he’s encountered. In March, Frankie Frankk’s received 2026 Business of the Year honors from the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce. It was recognized for fostering local connections, lifting the community, and for adding “a little extra spark” to the town’s everyday life.
Prior to rolling out his NYC-style hot dog cart in mid-2024, Frank worked in graphic design, T-shirt printing, logo branding, and as a manager at a now defunct mom-and-pop restaurant in Fuquay-Varina. He and his wife, Chloe, recently welcomed their first child, Frankie V, and they live in Holly Springs.
“I didn’t know if the town wanted or needed a hot dog guy, but ultimately I decided just to go for it,” Frank explains, adding that early on he ran the business from a tiny downtown parking lot but then upgraded to a more accessible location with ample parking.
Frankie Frankk’s serves all-beef Sabrett hot dogs, which have a natural casing with a distinctive snap, as well as spicy sausage dogs. The frankfurters are boiled in what’s peculiarly referred to as “dirty water,” but only because they are seasoned in a special blend of spices to enhance flavor. And here’s one more factor that gives the cart extra street cred: The dogs are served on Martin potato rolls.
Service-oriented proprietor Frank McGoldrick
“When people see the iconic Sabrett umbrella, they know we’ve got the real deal (from New York),” Frank says with passion.
Nowadays he’s zealous about slinging the standard fare you’d expect to find plus wildly creative specialty concoctions you won’t see elsewhere.
Consider, for example, the Lou Dog with chili, whipped pimento cheese, and Mike’s Hot Honey, a multisensory creation that will make your taste buds rejoice. Or go for the Underdog composed of mayo, mustard, onion sauce, and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Just for good measure, try the Joey-D featuring spicy mustard, chili, slaw, onion sauce, and crushed Fritos.
Individuals who aren’t from the Tar Heel State tend to gravitate toward the City Dog with onion sauce, sauerkraut, and spicy mustard. Meanwhile, many NC natives appreciate the Carolina Dog, which includes chili, slaw, raw onions, and yellow mustard.
The iconic Sabrett umbrella marks the location of Frankie Frankk’s on Avent Ferry Road.
“I stop by about once a week and usually order a Carolina Dog and a spicy sausage dog as well,” says Holly Springs resident Jason Roberson. “I like supporting Frank because he’s always friendly and helpful, which are big reasons for me coming back each time.”
When it comes to the unusual toppings, Frank says he likes offering people a variety of items that they wouldn’t expect from a typical hot dog cart.
Menu options include all-beef hot dogs and spicy sausage dogs
“We even have something called a Mama No Dog that comes with just a bun and any of our 20 toppings,” he says with a laugh. “There’s also a secret-menu Toddler Dog with cheese, ketchup, and Utz Potato Stix.”
Pro tip: Be sure to try the house-special bottled hot sauce, which is available for purchase in limited quantities.
Frank’s right-hand man behind the cart is Mike McGoldrick, his youngest brother, who quietly makes each hot dog with precision and pride.
In addition to hot dogs, Frankie Frankk’s sells Deep River brand bagged chips and an assortment of canned beverages ranging from Coke products to Arizona Arnold Palmer Lite to Monster Energy drinks.
Frank delivers big energy, infectious smiles, and punchy declarations on his popular TikTok videos. He’s especially known for catchphrases like “Good morning, Holly Springs” and “Come by and say, ‘what’s up,’” always finishing with a one-word closer — “Peace” — and a two-fingered V-sign.
Keith Propes, one of Frank’s most loyal enthusiasts, lives on the Avent Ferry farm with his wife, who grew up there.
“We’re really happy to have Frank here, because he and his entire family are great people,” Keith says. “We always feel like he’s looking out for our best interests.”
The Lou Dog with chili, whipped pimento cheese, and Mike’s Hot Honey
Frank chimes in: “I’m beyond grateful for the folks here at the Family Farm for allowing me to be here.”
Frankie Frankk’s is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The business provides catering and special event services. Online ordering is also available.
When you visit, be sure to pick up a “Pay It Forward” card to pass along to someone so they can enjoy a free regular hot dog.
“I envision Frankie Frankk’s becoming the water-cooler area for Holly Springs,” Frank says. “This is a place where people can come and hang out, and I’m always here to talk.”
frankks.com
@frankiefrankks
- Perfect Summer Pairs
- Chronicles of an HOA: The Enclave at Sunset Lake
- Small Business Spotlight: Frankie Frankk’s Hot Dog Cart
- Recipes from Readers: Cake in a Cloud
- Strawberry Season
- Dig In & Drink Up: Larry The Cucumber
- Meet & Greet: Sim Ogburn
- See & Do: May to June 2026
- Made for Shade
- Crazy for Collectibles
