Seemingly isolated spot on SR 347 draws a micro-bazaar

Surrounded by desert and miles from anything, a sand covered lot hardly seems the ideal location to operate a business.

However, the micro-bazaar on the northwest corner of State Route 347 and Riggs Road houses a variety of vendors most days of the week.

While some only operate their stands occasionally, it’s almost a guarantee that drivers and passengers using the main drag in and out or Maricopa any day Tuesday through Saturday will see AJ’s Hot Dog’s and the Kettle Corn stands.

Out of all the cities, businesses and parks in greater Phoenix that might seem a better fit, why this somewhat isolated patch to set up shop?

“Because 30,000 people drive this freeway every day,” said James Bridgford, who hawks kettle corn.

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation the highway averages 34,000 vehicles a day and every semi-truck, van or car is a potential customer.

“It’s a great place to set up because there is nothing south until you get to Maricopa, nothing west until you hit 51st Street,” said Joe Cugliari, owner/operator of AJ’s. “There’s just really nothing around. You can’t get the truckers to stop in Maricopa.”

And truckers, both Bridgford and Cugliari said, make up a large part of their business.

“A lot of my customers are regulars. We get the fire department, police and regular people. I get a mixture of everyone, but primarily I get the truckers,” Cugliari said.

Another great perk for the location is that it’s on the Gila River Indian Community with its less restrictive permit regulations.

Bridgford said it can be difficult to get certified by a county. “They want everything to be connected; the washing stations, the sifters, everything and I don’t have that kind of a setup. But I am able to meet the requirements of the reservation.”

Both Maricopa and Phoenix’s lengthy and strict vendors rules and regulations can be complicated and time consuming, and are accompanied by numerous fees that can add up to more than $400.

“I used to work events in Pacana Park and the Salsa Festival but getting my permit for three or four events a year wasn’t worth it,” said Cugliari, who lives in Maricopa.

On a good day, AJ’s Hot Dogs will bring in 40 to 50 customers, and Bridgford can make upwards of $350 with his kettle corn. Both work pretty standard 9-to-5 schedules and are able to support themselves and their families.

“I got into the business because I’m a single dad and I needed to be there for my kids. I used to be a car salesman, but I couldn’t keep doing it because when you’re selling cars you basically live at work,” Cugliari said.

The two said they have a friendly working relationship with each other, as well as the other vendors.

“We all get along, it’s nice,” said Bridgford, who lives in Mesa. “We really don’t compete. I can’t tell you how many times someone has stopped to get a hot dog or a hat and then come over to get some kettle corn.”

On a highway that gets busier every year and a growing group of customers, the two vendors said they are happy with their little parcel off Riggs Road and have no plans to go anywhere else.

“I really credit and thank God for letting me work for myself and support my family. For me it is all about God,” Bridgford said.