Gina and Jeremy Goettee are the owners of the Bear Fam Foods hot dog stand in Cottageville.
Situated next to Genesis Car Sales, the family serves the people of Cottageville hot dogs on Fridays from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The Genesis lot owners allowed them to set their food cart there and the Goettees are very appreciative. The small business is important to the family, especially Gina.
“I started this business because my dad was a chef in the Navy and passed away March 18, 2019. He was my inspiration. On our food cart I have put the inscription ‘In memory of David W. Fish’ to honor my dad. He loved to cook for everyone and enjoyed making others happy. He made me who I am today, his daughter, Gina Marie,” said Goettee. “I love passing on his inspiration to make everyone smile and appreciate all he had to offer.”
After deciding to start the business, they knew they needed a name. “My youngest daughter Marissa bought me a mama bear shirt from Tennessee when we went on vacation. Well, the family was all sitting around one day after talking about starting a food truck and she said, ‘Mom, you have on the mama bear shirt, what about the Bear Fam?’ My husband Jeremy and I looked at each other and thought what a cute name for a small business, and our oldest Adashia loved the idea so we knew we were on to something. We researched it to make sure we could get the LLC for it and it was available. So from there, we had our name,” said Goettee.
Now, the Bear Fam Foods cart is selling hot dogs, pickles and chips, but they plan to offer hamburgers in the near future.
Hot dog and foot-long baskets range from $4-$6 with chips and a drink. They accept cash and cards. They also have mustard, relish, chopped onions, grilled onions, ketchup, sauerkraut, jalapenos, mayo, shredded cheese and chili to top the hot dogs.
The entire family participates and helps with the cart while enjoying the bonding time. “My daughters are amazing at helping with our business. We do hope to grow from a food cart into a food truck one day,” said Goette.
“But my husband Jeremy has always been key to this. He helps any time that he has off from his full-time job. I am blessed to have the family I do,” she said.
“We love what we are doing and are just taking it week by week,” said Goettee.
