Heavenly Hot Dogs is open again with another Miller brother behind the cart

Four years have passed since a 10-year-old boy kickstarted his own hot dog cart in Newton, and this year he is passing down the responsibility to his brother.

River Miller, 14, founded Heavenly Hot Dogs in 2019 as a way to raise money for mission trips in Africa. The hot dog cart continues to give back to worshipful causes with Harrison Miller, 12, taking over the summer business, and this time the funds are going toward sending kids to a church camp.

Specifically, the Fire Youth Teen Camps located at the Crooked Creek Christian Campground in Washington, Iowa. The teen camp for ages 13 to 19 runs from July 23 to July 28 this year. Formerly known as High Adventure Youth Camp, the camp has served youth for more than 35 years.

According to the Fire Youth Teen Camp website, the camp “builds a strong foundation and has seen many lives completely changed for the better.”

Newton News previously reported that James Miller, the father of River and Harrison, likes to let his children grow up with what they are naturally gifted in and does what he can to help facilitate those skills. Initially, River wanted to start his own taco truck but found it to be too expensive to operate.

Heavenly Hot Dogs has only been open a few times this year. Typically serving from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. most days, the Miller boys say there is no set schedule. Instead, residents or passersby will have to keep an eye open as they drive past Integrity Cleaning & Restoration — their father’s business — along First Avenue.

For passing motorists, the cart is easy to spot with its red and yellow umbrella hovering above Harrison’s work station. The community has always shown its support for the little hot dog cart, and this year is no different. Harrison said the cart sold out just before the Fourth of July.

“It’s been busy,” Harrison said, noting the cart is usually equipped to sell about 50 hot dogs per day, with the most popular variety being the Chicago-style hot dog. “During lunch rush it’s kind of difficult because it’s in and out, in and out. But I like seeing the smiles on people’s faces.”