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Cliffside Park Police Officer Hits The Streets With 'Dirty Dogs'

CLIFFSIDE PARK, N.J. -- Mobile Cliffside Park vendor Rodney Telleri calls them "dirty dogs" -- at least the ones Jenna's Franks has been heating up on local streets since 2006.

Jenna's Franks hot dog vendor Rodney Telleri opened his business in 2006.

Jenna's Franks hot dog vendor Rodney Telleri opened his business in 2006.

Photo Credit: Rodney Telleri
Jenna's Franks owner Rodney Telleri is a police officer in Cliffside Park.

Jenna's Franks owner Rodney Telleri is a police officer in Cliffside Park.

Photo Credit: Anthony Locicero
Jenna's Franks hot dog vendor Rodney Telleri cooks in Cliffside Park.

Jenna's Franks hot dog vendor Rodney Telleri cooks in Cliffside Park.

Photo Credit: Anthony Locicero

Anyone who loves a good dog will recognize the traditional flavor of Jenna's Franks, said Telleri, who's also been a borough police officer for 22 years. He offers them with an array of toppings, including homemade chili.

Named for his kids -- daughter, Jenna and son, Frank -- the dogs are available at Telleri's cart from 5 to 9 p.m. outside Grantwood Park near School No. 6.

Telleri says his presence at the popular location offers an extra measure of security to the locals -- more so now that a spray park opened outside the Oakdene Avenue school.

"Parents like that I'm here when they take their kids to the park," he said.

The only thing hurting business is the heat wave.

"That's why I (work) the evening hours -- when the sun is down, people stroll through the park with their kids," Telleri said. "Parents are very appreciative of it. It's a place to get a snack for their kids and a drink."

"I'm famous for my chili dogs," he added. "It's a special recipe j[that] everyone seems to enjoy."

Telleri said he learned to make chili from a friend who owned a restaurant for many years.

"I told him I would be dealing with kids mostly, so I needed to make it to their liking.," he said. "If I made it to spicy, I don't think the kids would enjoy them."

His hot dogs are Sabrett, said Telleri.

The brand is a "fan favorite from the start," he said. "Many people who come to my cart tell me it reminds them of the New York City dogs that they used to get as a kid.

"I think it's a great compliment that when a family comes to the cart and says they have been waiting for my dogs all day, makes me feel that all my hard work is appreciated."

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