Bradenton Hot Dog Restaurant Owner Releases Children’s Book

BRADENTON, FL — A Bradenton hot dog restaurant and food truck owner has released a children’s book inspired by his son and his business.

Robert Williams, owner of Willy-Ums, recently self-published “Zac and the Magical Hotdog Stand” to celebrate the ninth anniversary of his restaurant.

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“It’s something that I’ve had in my head for a long time,” he told Patch. “Probably a good 10 or 12 years, I’ve had it in my head, even before I opened my restaurant. And after it opened, it was still there.”

He wrote and illustrated the book, aimed at children ages 5 to 10 years old, to help kids feel more confident through the story of a shy, young boy named Zac who discovers a magical hot dog stand run by a kind man named Mr. Rob.

Thanks to Mr. Rob’s friendship, kindness and encouragement, Zac begins to realize his self-worth and his confidence grows.

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“I’m the Mr. Rob,” Williams said. “It’s basically a story of just an average, young, quiet boy who’s given a unique way to come out of his shell, become friends and build something delicious to share with his community.”

He recalls his son, the real-life Zac, now 20, spending time at Willy-Ums, while growing up.

“He’s come to work with me. In the beginning, as a young kid, he was very excited about having to be a part of the restaurant,” Williams said.

Even as Zac grew older, he continued to work at the restaurant to make some extra money.

He’s similar to his literary namesake, his father added. “He’s very shy. He has a job where he doesn’t have to work with people. And he’s not much of a talker. But he’s excited about the book and agreed to come along to events and sign some books with me.”

“Zac and the Magical Hotdog Stand” is available on Amazon and other major online book platforms.

Williams also has copies of it at his restaurant and will plan special events around the book at Willy-Ums in June to celebrate its anniversary.

He’s also planning other community events and will have copies of the book when he goes out with his food truck, especially at local schools.

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