Yellowknife (July 02/04) - They are back for the summer in Yellowknife's downtown core. After months of wrangling at city council, hotdog and French fry vendors have taken up residence and are doing hot business.

"Business has been good and I'm pretty busy," says Gulen Galale, operator of a hotdog/smokie cart at the 50-50 corner of downtown.

In the past, certain restaurants had concerns about losing customers to the vendors.

"Yes, I think that I am losing some of my customers to the vendors on the streets, but what can I do, it's business." said Ngo Hoa, the manager of The Diner, located across 50th Street from the street vendors.

When Yellowknifer checked up on the curb-side fast food action, there was a bit of a split between liking and disliking the vendors.

"I think the vendors are distributing an unhealthy product to children and I would rather eat something good for me," said teenager Elliot Brown.

On the other hand, Pauline Rousselle, manager of Grandma Lees, does not think that she is losing any customers to the vendors.

"The people I see buying from the vendors are not the customers that come in here," said Rousselle.

She has met Galale while flogging his street weenies, however.

"I think he is a nice guy, and I have bought one myself."

Dwight Hickey, owner of L'Atitudes restaurant in Centre Square Mall, also does not think they take away customers and doesn't mind the vendors being there.

Word on the street also supports selling the handy meals.

"I like the vendors because it is quick and easy, but it is not a place I would take a date," said Wesley Douglas.

Of course, everyone has their own style in condiments. Some like a little, some like a lot.

Tawm Foliet thinks the hotdog vendors are great, however does not like the fries from the ChipMan Quarter-Pound Fries truck.

"The fries have too much vinegar and salt on them," said Foliet.

One downtown merchant does not think street food vendors generate traffic to the downtown core.

"I don't think that people come downtown just to get a smokie or some fries," said Stephen Goilliam, manager of Sutherland Drugs.

But he does think they serve the downtown public.

"If I were in a rush I would rather grab something from the vendors then wait for lunch in a restaurant," he said.