When Melissa Rebholz, owner of Midge’s Kitchen, saw a gap in the street food market, she decided to get creative and fill the need with something that was quick, simple, fun, affordable, and universally enjoyed. With all of those considerations in mind, Melissa decided to start a hot dog cart. Midges Kitchen, located at 1413 Eoff Street- the former State Capitol Building, is a solo operating kitchen that offers Wednesday dinner pick up, catering, and occasional in person brunch in the State Cellar.
Along with her other food offerings, Melissa wanted to add some type of mobile food business to her repertoire.
Get to Know Melissa
Melissa has a robust work history of both growing and cooking food in various locations all throughout the country. Her food career began in 2007 when she was working as a Farmer’s Market Manager for GrowNYC in New York City. Following that, she graduated from the Natural Gourmet Institute in Manhattan in 2009, a program that focuses on health supportive seasonal eating utilizing local fresh food. She then spent 12 years working on farms and in kitchens, growing and cooking food in New York, California, Tennessee, and Alabama before moving to Wheeling, West Virginia.
While she was living and working in Alabama, Melissa saw a job posting for Grow Ohio Valley when the Public Market was opening. She applied, received the job and has been working in Wheeling ever since, providing the area with unique flavors, seasonal ingredients, and delicious food.
While she has years of experience and expertise, her love of cooking really began while growing up in a food- centric house. “Growing up, we would always go strawberry picking in the summer, apple picking in the fall. We would drive out to the farm to get fresh corn, whatever was fresh, local, and in season.” Melissa shared about her childhood. Her experiences have certainly helped shape the decisions she makes with creating a dish, a meal, or a menu- always prioritizing whatever is fresh and in season.
Why Hot Dogs
Melissa wanted to add a mobile food business to her repertoire. Food trucks can be costly, and she ultimately wanted to be able to provide a street food option that was quick, easy, affordable, and enjoyable. This led her to opening Midge’s Hot Dog Cart!
Living in New York City, Melissa was accustomed to the ease of street food options that allowed you to walk up, spend only a few dollars, and walk away with your meal in minutes. She wanted to provide that type of food experience here, in downtown Wheeling and local festivals.
“Some of my most popular hot dog orders are probably chili, cheese, onion, or even just plain with ketchup. If I have a special that day, a lot of people will like to try that as well.” Melissa shared.
No matter which way you prefer a hot dog, you’re sure to enjoy whatever you try from Midge’s Hot Dog Cart.
How to Enjoy the Hot Dog Cart This Summer
The best way to stay up to date on when and where Midge’s hot dog cart will be is by following Melissa on social media at @midgeskitchenwheeling on instagram and Midge’s Kitchen on Facebook.
Through social media, Melissa shares updates regarding when she will be out with the Hot Dog Cart, dinner pick ups, and brunch. Melissa also has an email list where she sends out a weekly email regarding her dinner pick up, sign up for her email list here: sign up to receive emails.
Upcoming Festivals to catch Midge’s Hot Dog Cart:
Wheeling Arts Festival on Saturday, August 1st at Wheeling Park
Mountaineer Brew Fest on Saturday, August 15th at Heritage Port
How to Follow, Contact, and Keep Up With Midge’s Kitchen
Interested in Midge’s catering, dinner pick up, brunch, or hot dogs? Here is where you can keep up with her.
Instagram: @midgeskitchenwheeling
Facebook: Midge’s Kitchen
Website: https://www.midgeskitchen.com/
Email List Sign Up: sign up to receive emails
Email: midgeskitchenwheeling@gmail.com
Q&A
Describe your perfect summer day in Wheeling:
I like to wake up and make a cappuccino at home and enjoy it on my porch. Then, I love to check out whatever activity or festival may be happening that day. I love to go to the public pools, or Sarah’s on Main for Saturday brunch. We also recently got a convertible, so I love to take it out for a drive, or for a drive out to Dairy Jean’s. Mostly I love doing free activities and being outdoors- hiking, biking, and thrifting.
What is your favorite hot dog order:
I’m a big ketchup person. I love just a plain hot dog with ketchup or with chili and cheese.
Favorite summer recipe:
Fresh Green beans sauteed with fresh onions from the garden, cherry tomatoes, and corn. When all four of those ingredients are fresh and in season it’s the best vegetable dish sauteed with some salt, pepper, and olive oil.
What do you love about Wheeling:
I live in town so I love how close everything is. I love how all you see downtown are homes, parks, and small businesses- I really like how you don’t see any big box stores unless you drive out of the city center.
Thank you, Melissa Rebholz, for providing so many wonderful ways to enjoy a good meal in Wheeling! Be sure to check out Midge’s Hot Dog Cart, Midge’s weekly dinner pickup, or brunch this summer! Don’t forget- keep her in mind for all of your catering needs, too!
