Auburn has one of the first hot dog carts in its history operating downtown.

Lisa Harmon officially opened her Girl Dog, Inc., stand to a host of welcoming civic and business leaders Tuesday morning. The cart stands out under its yellow umbrella.

The stand is open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday at the corner of B Street Northeast and Main Street. The official address is 137 Main St.

Harmon’s menu includes a variety of hot dogs, chips and drinks.

She hopes to serve customers at weekend fairs and festivals in the area.

“Auburn is revamping its Main Street and downtown areas, and I thought adding a hot dog cart would create more of that walkability you see in Portland and, of course, Seattle,” Harmon said. “So I did some research, presented my case to the City Council, and it was just my luck they were ready to try something new.”

Harmon wanted to go into business for herself after getting laid off from her job as a receptionist.

“I decided the best defense against layoffs in the future is to work for myself,” Harmon said. “I was previously a receptionist in Seattle, and worked as a waitress during my college years, so I am hoping those two skills will merge for success running the hot dog cart.”

Merchants came out this week to welcome her.

Harmon and her husband, Tom, are longtime Auburnites. They have an adopted son, 15-month-old Jackson.