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Introducing Break Out the Buns

Columbus – Tania Olbeter has found a way to live out her dream and prepare for her future.

If you have not heard of Break Out the Buns, it is a hot dog stand that sits in front of O’ Riley Auto Parts on Mills Street in Columbus. Weather permitting, you can find Olbeter out there Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. She also caters events during the weekend. 

Olbeter moved to the Upstate in 2005 placing roots down in the Greer/Duncan area before moving to Tryon last year. Born in New York and raised in Miami, Olbeter has always been around delicious foods from many diverse backgrounds. Olbeter has worked many years in the customer service and food industry field and has always had a passion for cooking. 

Olbeter was first able to experience running a restaurant on her own in 2003 when her family made the move from Miami to northern New Hampshire. She dreamed of opening a bed and breakfast, which led her to the small town of Lancaster. 

During the process of getting a bed and breakfast prepared she was given the chance to open a small mom and pop diner. Olbeter said, “I went in blindly and had never cooked for so many people but this mom and pop diner was when I discovered I love cooking and interacting with people just as much.”  

 Due to the cold New Hampshire winters, the family decided to move back south. Olbeter said, “we packed it up and moved South and immediately fell in love with the Carolinas – we had the four seasons without the extreme temperatures, diversity, great schools, friendly neighbors and of course, that Southern charm.”

As they placed roots in South Carolina, Olbeter began working for major food chains in the surrounding area. She claimed she enjoyed the flexibility that came with the job and how she was quickly able to learn how to run a successful restaurant, which was her main goal. 

Fast forward to today. Olbeter always knew she wanted to reignite that dream of owning her own shop but unfortunately was financially unable to do it. “I thought about owning and operating a food truck and introducing a bit of my Cuban culture to the area slowly. I make incredible Cuban sandwiches and empanadas (meat pastry) and other Cuban dishes.” 

“I know it will take time and money and eventually I will get there, but in the meantime, I opted for a more affordable way to finance my dream and that was through a smaller venture – selling hot dogs!!!” Olbeter knew everyone enjoys a good hot dog which is how Break Out the Buns was created. 

At the stand customers will find Nathan’s all-beef hot dogs and there are 14 different toppings for all the taste pallets. Olbeter shared her tricks; “I grill them instead of boiling them because they hold their flavor better that way.” Customers will also find that she serves them up on a Nathan’s steamed bun. If you are not in the mood for a hot dog do not worry. There are also mild smoked pork sausages available.

“Vending is not for everyone, there is a lot of planning and prepping that is involved and of course dealing with the outside elements can sometimes be rough” says Olbeter. “The money isn’t always reliable either, but I am passionate, and I love meeting and talking to people and running my own business as small as it may be, but in the end, I love it, and I wouldn’t change a thing!”

By Carson Parnell