Arnold Zandi, who attended UT during 1944–51, assumed his vendor role at UT football and basketball games in 1945. Over the years, he developed names for his products: large carbonated drinks were “burpsies” and small ones were “erpsies.” When Zandi added hot dogs to his vending line, he called them “yummies for the tummy.” His record for hot dog sales in a football game was 480. He worked for the US Postal Service from 1951 to 1974 and then retired to pursue other interests—stepping up vending and waging unsuccessful political campaigns against Governor Ray Blanton, US Senator James Sasser, and Knoxville Mayor Randy Tyree, among others. In 1986 he won a car given away at the Lady Vols basketball game during a promotion for the Airport Motor Mile Sales Association, in which nine used cars were given away. The car, a 1974 orange Ford Maverick donated by King Ford, turned out to need about $200 in repairs, including brakes (it had none). King Ford said at first it was not responsible for the repairs, but the company then agreed to repair the brakes because of Zandi’s “special service” to UT athletics.
Recent News
More News- Middle School and High School Students Will Display Their Data Artistry
- Henry Luce Foundation Grant to Fund Programs Highlighting Beauford Delaney Papers
- Writing Blitz, March 29
- Do you know where your next meal is coming from?
- A Conversation with Appalachian Filmmakers
- Early Printed Bibles on View during Shakespeare Symposium
- Accessible to All — Resources to Learn More About Disabilities
- Financial Hardship and Food Insecurity on Campus: Panel Discussion, March 9
Upcoming Events
More Events-
Barbara Dombrowski - “Tropic Ice” Exhibit, Screening and Lecture at Hodges Library
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Barbara Dombrowski - “Tropic Ice” Exhibit, Screening and Lecture at Hodges Library
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Barbara Dombrowski - “Tropic Ice” Exhibit, Screening and Lecture at Hodges Library