Located behind the Guelph Humber building, next to the Humber Express Eatery; you’ll find Tamin Ralfi. Carrying on his father’s family business, Ralfi is in charge of GH’s hot dog stand.
Operating the stand for nearly a year and a half; Tamin has garnered a consistent flow of customers.
“I love Tamin! I go to his stand all the time, especially in between classes and after school. He’s a really nice guy.” said Humber student, Middy R.
“The food is fantastic and the conversations are even better. He’s a genuine guy and I’m glad we have him on campus.” said GH student, Will Shoukri.
Ralfi approaches each day on the job with a contagious energy; but why?
“Honestly it’s been a family business, so it’s kinda something that’s been with me since childhood. I see my father go ahead and start the business and you know what? There are great opportunities.” said Ralfi.
While his role at this university is serving tasty hot dogs, Tamin has already completed his post-secondary education.
“I have a degree in accounting and finance; I went out there and I tried it. Nowadays, I see that establishing a business that is already there is more worth it for me.”, said Ralfi.
Whether the campus is covered in snow or soaked by rain, Ralfi shows up for his customers.
“I enjoy it, I love it here. I see the students and I get to relate with them because I’ve been in their shoes. It gives me a chance to give back, one hundred percent.”
Ralfi’s hot dog stand is one of the various halal options available on campus. We asked him, what’s the significance of having a safe and halal alternative to enjoy hot dogs on campus?
“Absolutely, it means big for me. I’m a Muslim myself; Alhamdulillah (praise be to God). To offer that kind of service is very important. I’m very proud to come over here and serve the halal option for the students.” said Ralfi.
Positioned in the middle of two busy schools, Tamin is well-stationed for consistent business. He doesn’t need to go out of his way to connect with students; and yet he seemingly does so anyway. We asked where his desire to connect with students comes from.
“Whenever you go somewhere, you expect the same kind of respect and the same kind of service. They’re obviously coming and spending their hard earned money to come over here and have this food compared to any other food. So I want to give them something.” said Ralfi.
“I want to really make them feel appreciated for coming to my stand. And I think it has to be like that.” said Ralfi.
Tamin Ralfi is a constant in an ever-changing environment. Classes are temporary and semesters eventually conclude, but the hot dog stand (up until this point) is always there.
If you find yourself on campus with a few minutes to spare, head over and say hello to Mr. Ralfi.
FYI, the hot dogs are $5 instead of $6 if you pay with cash.