Legendary Dutchess County hot dog truck that exploded is back in business
When the engine exploded last year, the business was put on pause and Alessi found herself in the hospital due to smoke inhalation that worsened her other health issues.
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A Hyde Park woman whose hot dog truck exploded, jeopardizing her business and her health, is rebounding in a big way thanks largely to her customers, who rallied behind her.
Lynne Alessi's family started Carole's Hot Dogs in 1988 - named for her mother.
The business is back at its usual place off Route 9 in Hyde Park. The same New York-style hot dogs are back, as is the same hot dog truck that exploded in April 2025.
Customers and strangers alike have followed Alessi's story on Facebook and have been anticipating her comeback.
"We've had lines of people," Alessi said, "and I can't thank anyone enough."
When the engine exploded last year, the business was put on pause and Alessi found herself in the hospital due to smoke inhalation that worsened her other health issues.
While she recovered, bedridden at times, her customers helped fix her truck and handle the repermitting process.
Her story got around and the legend grew.
"The business is busier than ever," Alessi said Thursday, in between lunch customers. "They've been a great support. I think they found out about us. Now we've got a lot more people."
"I would see it on Facebook, but I never came," Annette Lawless, of Hyde Park, said. "Then, when I saw the truck caught fire, I followed her [on Facebook]. Then I was here on the first day back."
In this next era of Carole's Hot Dogs, Alessi is not planning to bring the truck to any special events. It will remain off Route 9 each Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday to catch lunch crowds from local businesses and construction projects.
"I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to do it," Alessi said, "but all the people reaching out and all the people helping. That's what made a difference, to tell you the truth."
