In a society where entrepreneurship is the new wave for young adults, Mason Wright, 14, is looking to carve out his own niche within the movement. Since the age of 11, Georgia native Wright has been business-minded and eager to work. But, there was a roadblock preventing Wright from jumpstarting his business endeavors.
In the state of Georgia, the minimum age requirement to work is 12 years old for employers not subject to federal Fair Labor Standards Act, where the minimum age requirement to work is 14. Due to this stipulation, Wright advised a plan and began raising capital by working multiple jobs, such as car washing and dog walking, in his community.
Along with the help of his mother, he started a GoFundMe page that raised over $6,000. With the capital he was able to accumulate, Wright bought a food cart and launched his business venture Mason’s Super Dogs.
Mason’s Super Dogs consists of 100 percent beef hotdogs and his very own homemade relish. With the intuitiveness to also cater to people that don’t eat meat, Wright also offers an all-natural vegan hot dog as well, which was awarded as the #5 of the top 10 best vegan hot dogs in the United States.
He began selling his hot dogs at birthday parties, festivals, other community events, and in 2018, he began selling his product at the HBCU Morehouse College.
Unfortunately, the progress of his business would be stymied by COVID-19. Wright didn’t let that get him down, but instead adjusted his strategy to the rapid changes occurring in society.
It wouldn’t be long before Wright and his sister realized his vision into a brick-and-mortar restaurant, taking the company to the next level.
Today, the Mason’s Super Dogs restaurant located in Stonecrest, Georgia is known for its “super toppings, super service, and super taste.” The menu includes 10 beef hot dogs, such as The Donatello Dog, FIRE Storm Dog, Justice Dog, Professor Dilly, Ultimate Dog, Incredible Dog, Wonder Dog, Red Tomato, Super Dog, and Mighty Dog.
Vegan menu options consist of three signature hot dogs, the MAD Mango Dog, Don Diablo Dog, and Venus Dog.
During a press conference with a local news channel, Wright expressed how satisfying it has been to be an owner of his own business.
“There is nothing like being in charge of your own destiny,” Wright said.
In a world where people are told to be the change they want to see in the world, Wright hopes his actions will be an inspiration to others. When asked about his hope for others he responds, “to inspire young men to start their own business as soon as they can.”
