Noriki Tamura and his wife came to Vancouver from Tochigi, Japan with almost nothing but a dream of creating a world-class food stand. Together, they opened JAPADOG in 2005 serving Japanese-style hot dogs. They worked cold mornings and nights and slowly gained recognition from Vancouverites by word of mouth.

Now in their 10th anniversary and boasting 10 locations in Vancouver and Los Angeles, I got a chance to catch up with JAPADOG's Noriki Tamura.

JAPADOG has been expanding to many different locations, congratulations! What are your current expansion plans?

The goal is to expand to 100 locations. We are currently focusing in Vancouver and Los Angeles.

What do you like most about Los Angeles?

The climate is perfect.

I guess that's something L.A. has that's better than Vancouver! Recently the New York location closed, what was the reason for this?

The rent in New York was quite expensive but we want to go back to New York and do it again in the future.

Tell us about having your first child during the early days of JAPADOG.

We didn't have a babysitter, so we took the baby everywhere - shopping, and during work at the hot dog stand too!

What separates JAPADOG from other food vendors and restaurants?

The mindset.

What is the mindset?

We love our food and we deliver that passion.

What has been the most memorable moment since opening JAPADOG in 2005?

Every moment has been memorable. I remember in 2005, my wife was in Japan delivering our baby so I was completely alone from morning to night at the stand.

Tell us about your life before coming to Canada. How did you come about creating JAPADOG?

I wanted to become a baseball player. I spent a lot of time playing baseball and reading books. I was working for an advertising company and studied economics.

Who has been your most memorable customer?

Ice Cube (O'Shea Jackson). During one of his trips to Vancouver, he came to JAPADOG everyday.

When not eating JAPADOG, what do you and your family enjoy eating at home?

I enjoy yakiniku!

Describe JAPADOG in 3 words.

Exciting. Love. Happiness.

Lastly, anything else you would like us to know?

I want to organize and do something very fun with the local community soon.

Special thank you to Noriki Tamura! Also thank you Rie T. for helping to translate this interview.