In the bustling streets of May Pen, a young entrepreneur turned a small food hustle into a thriving business. Ryan Simmonds, the co-founder of Thriving Yutes, never imagined that his early days of selling hot dogs on foot would one day lead to a multi-location food enterprise. His journey, marked by resilience, strategic reinvestment, and an unrelenting work ethic, has made him a standout figure in Clarendon’s small business scene.
Starting from Scratch
Simmonds’ story began in 2014, a time of uncertainty when he found himself unemployed and struggling to make ends meet. Instead of waiting for an opportunity, he created his own. With nothing but a tray and a willingness to put in the miles, he began selling hot dogs on the streets of May Pen. Each day, he prepared just 24 hot dogs, navigating the town on foot, offering his products to anyone willing to buy.
“It wasn’t easy,” he recalled. “I walked miles every day just to sell enough to keep going.”
As demand grew, so did his vision. Instead of merely selling hot dogs, he started refining the business, testing new offerings, and investing in better quality products. Eventually, he moved from sandwiches to specialized hot dog buns, setting the stage for an expansion that would redefine his career.
The First Big Leap
Recognizing the limitations of his mobility, Simmonds took a calculated risk. He pooled together $100,000 to build a mobile food cart, a major upgrade from the tray he once carried. Though unable to afford the standard $300,000 models, he got creative—constructing his own wooden cart equipped with running water and a handwashing station. This move gave him more stability and allowed him to secure a loyal customer base, particularly among students at May Pen Primary and Central High School.
His decision paid off. Simmonds was soon selling over 200 hot dogs per school visit, sometimes making as much as $60,000 per day. As he gained traction, he knew he had outgrown the mobile cart model. It was time to set up shop.
From Mobile Cart to Storefront
By 2017, Simmonds was ready to take the next step. A friend introduced him to an empty lot that he could lease, and he immediately saw the potential. Starting with just a tent and a simple counter, he gradually transformed the space into a 200-square-foot food shop. Over the years, he reinvested his earnings, expanding the location and improving its infrastructure. By 2022, he had invested over $500,000 into the space, creating a more permanent and professional operation.
With the shop serving as his headquarters, he saw another opportunity—stationary hot dog stands. Inspired by the success of branded vendors like Bad Dawgs, he launched two additional fixed-location carts, allowing him to reach more customers without having to be physically present at each spot.
Scaling Up
As business continued to grow, Simmonds faced a new challenge—balancing work and family life. He and his wife found themselves working late nights, waking up before dawn to prep food, and barely having time to rest. The solution? Hiring employees to help run operations.
“We realized we couldn’t do everything ourselves. It was exhausting,” Simmonds shared. “That’s when we started building a team.”
With a stable workforce, Thriving Yutes expanded its menu, introducing full meals and loaded fries while maintaining its signature hot dogs as the flagship product. The business has become a staple in May Pen, with customers regularly lining up for his famous hot dogs.
Next Stop: Mandeville
Simmonds has no plans of slowing down. With three locations already running successfully in Clarendon, he’s eyeing Mandeville as the next destination. The goal is to replicate the shop model in a new town, bringing his signature menu to an even larger audience.
Despite the growth, he remains connected to his roots. He still serves hundreds of students daily, and his mobile cart continues to be a key part of the business. His story serves as a testament to what’s possible with persistence, smart reinvestment, and a deep understanding of customer demand.
“I always believed in what I was doing,” he said. “I didn’t know it would grow this much, but I knew if I kept pushing, it would work out.”
From a man selling hot dogs on a tray to a business owner running multiple locations, Ryan Simmonds’ journey proves that no start is too small when paired with determination and vision.
