In the last few days, it’s smelled as if someone was having a little barbecue somewhere on Central Campus.

But students shouldn’t let the aroma of smoky brats fool them – it’s just a sign that the Dog Wagon is open for business.

The Dog Wagon, located at the Hub, serves bratwursts, gyros and other tasty treats every day. The Dog Wagon is now operated by the Maintenance Shop of the Memorial Union. And, with a staff of less than 15 people, the Dog Wagon manages to serve more than 100 students each day.

“Out here we can serve probably between 100 and 200 people,” said Ross Helgevold, junior in English, who works at the Dog Wagon and the M-Shop.

Dozens of students crowd around the tented grill, each submitting an order from the menu.

Mary Yagla, junior in psychology, has been working at the Dog Wagon since last fall. She tosses meat and veggies on the grill at a hectic pace, fanning smoke away from her face.

“We go through brats like none other,” Yagla said.

Helgevold said the busiest time of day is usually noon. The staff at the Dog Wagon tries to prepare for the crowd by making food ahead of time.

“We only have so much capacity for a reserve at noon,” he said.

Yagla said she tries not to let the crowd get to her when she’s working the grill.

“We always have fun,” she said. “We’re goofing off, making life entertaining.”

Cale Thompson, senior in electrical engineering, has been a customer of the Dog Wagon for five years. He said his favorite item on the menu is bratwurst, and he likes the location of the stand.

“It’s convenient,” Thompson said. “I spend a lot of my time in this area of campus.”

Steven Cornelius, sophomore in electrical engineering, grabbed a gyro from the Dog Wagon Tuesday morning.

“They taste pretty good,” Cornelius said. It was only his second visit to the Dog Wagon, but he said he plans to return.

Both Thompson and Cornelius said the prices at the Dog Wagon are another plus, with most hovering around $4 to $5.

The menu also features options for vegetarians, such as the veggie gyro and the portobello mushroom sandwich.