This just in from HDCN reader Martial Purdy:
On the Fly, Washington, D.C.
On the Fly offers quick healthy bites served from SmartKarts — zero-emissions, plug-in, American-made trucks. The menu features a wide variety of natural, organic locally produced food for $5 or less including veggie tacos, turkey chili and mac and cheese. Find the trucks at top tourist destinations like on the National Mall or near the Washington Nationals’ stadium.
Thanks Martial!
So – what do you think? Is a Smart Kart in your future? Let us know in the comments…
original story at mnn
{ 34 comments… read them below or add one }
This is so funny cause I was just studying the smart cars to come up with an idea for a cart, now I see I wasn’t the only one, but sure wished I would’ve came up with it first. The healthy food option will be a hit, as I’m getting ready to convert to an all organic & natural hot dog cart, I have been asking folks opinions and everybody seems to get excited about it. So by next year I’m hoping to have a few healthy dog carts around the state, it may not be the smart cars, but whatever carts I go with I think it will be a smart choice.
I really like this cart!!!!! How much? If you don’t mind my askin’… It really is Awesome!
Wow, this looks really cool. I want to go on a road trip selling dogs. I wonder if this would be practical.
I was doing some reading on these, and with the concession rear end they only have a top speed of 30 – 35mph. So, it looks like it would still need to be trailered to your location. Something to keep in mind.
It would play well in my area.
You know this could be the next big hit for the hot dog carts, I love the idea, I was looking into the golf cart and making that into a cart but this is a whole new approach to making money on the road.
Tony
I want one, please!!!
American ingenuity at its finest. And, serving All-American meals.
It looks great.
Very expensive and not allowed in many areas. Not street legal in many areas…. great looking carts though!
That set-up has to cost a lot of buns. It looks fun to work, definite attention getter. Don’t know if they would let you park it on the sidewalk though.
Still wonder how much…..$15,000 maybe?
Just a Great Great Idea.Love this web site.
Do you sell complete carts? I am interested in just a simple hot dog cart,, selling dogs, chips and drinks. Second question is how do you cook the dogs? Grill, boil, ?
Great Cart! God Bless You!
Wanda
@Sam,
I don’t sell complete carts but I can show you how to build your own for under 800 bones at http://www.BuildAHotDogCart.com.
If you would rather buy a manufactured cart, check out my advertisers at http://www.HotDogProfits.com/newcarts. They all accept my $100 off coupon which you get as part of my http://www.HotDogBiz101.com course. That is the course which shows you how to do this whole crazy fun business, from steaming the buns to keeping your books. Let me know how I can help you Sam!
-Steve
Hi All. these things are not cheap. Here in Norfolk, Granby Pizza uses ones for delivers. talked with him and base price without doors is 12,300 dollars. Doors are an addition 200-500 dollas each. The custom body is
dependant on what you want set up in it. He gets about 35 mph out of it and says he recharges once a day. It is
fine looking machine. You could probably pay for it in a year worth of sales. Would be great for events if it is
street legal where you are. It is here.
Don’t think it is a good idea if your just starting out. Steve’s E-Z Built is
by far the best way to get started and then move on.
That is a great business to have these days! Selling the Healthy Way is something that has been growing very fast over the last couple years. Even most Grocery Stores out here in Chicago have a health food or Organic Section. Only thing is, most times it cost twice as much as the regular stuff. If you can make it affordable, Taste great and do it quickly, its a certain winner in any big city! “On the fly” I am sure is soon to be the big buzz of D.C!
I wish them great success!
Jimmy.
It’s a nice novelty for Tennessee, but would not work here. Tennessee H.D. is very strict on meat chili and other meats on open carts.
It’s a nice looking cart. There are already units you can buy to put in the back if golf carts though which, to me is the same thing. You just have to let the builder know what you want.
look good like to have one, will get one with the great one.!!!!
looking good like to one , the color green is the age.!!! http://hotdiggitywebs.com/0075xx
WOW…very kool
I, like many of us hot doggers w/ carts, think that we have out grown our carts. During idle times behind a cart we are in constant thought of where could we be other than here generating more sales than what we presently have. One of the many thoughts that I have is operating a different venue, ie; mobile food tuck or trailer. Dreaming of the big bucks associated with a different venue than the present cart I own and operate, I have failed to process the debt service associated with such glitz and glamore.
joe
I have been asked to offer a veggie dog or turkey dog for those that don’t eat beef. I’ve looked in grocery stores and can’t seem to find veggie dogs. Does anyone have any suggestions? Would turkey dogs hold up in a steamer? Is there a particular brand that’s better than others? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanx
Wow great looking vehicle and idea.Talked to them today about looking into getting one in my area and there about 50-75 k depending on what you want in them.Think I will stick to the hot dog cart for now.Really nice people I might have to check on doing something like that down the road if I dont open a little hot dog stand here in town.
The cart is much better cost wise and in some areas you are not allowed to move from spot to spot. Here in Columbia, SC you have a permit and designated spot to set up in. The good old cart is here to stay for street vending (my opinion).
I would entertain a mobile cart for festivals and concerts though. Not at thousands of dollars though.
I have thought of an older VW bus or a small ‘modified’ Airstream to sell dogs or something else out of.
Oh! Oh! Hand waving! I want one!
This is just tooo kewl! On the other hand, the price tag probably isn’t.
Thanks for the show and tell!
Nice looking vehicle. Call me old school but I’ll take an awsome looking old fashioned hot dog cart anyday. The classic hot dog cart(just like the ones that many of you have posted on this great website) is what made this great industry what it is today. The nostalgia that comes from buying a great tasting hot dog from a professional cart and vendor is part of the experience. Fads come and go, I’ll stick with the classic stainless steal nickel plated cart with the umbrella that screams “open for business” anyday. just my two cents.
Man that is awesome!! Go Green is the cutting edge right now! I definately see something like this in my future and have been planning a Go Green method since I started building. I am think a vehicle like this run on some solar power! Its a great draw for customers and they feel they are contributing to those who are environmentally concious!
Awesome!
THIS TOTALLY ROCKS!!! GREAT IMAGINATION ;0) AWSOME!!
MAKE A GOLF CART INTO OR PART OF A H.D C TREMENDIOUS I’MM GLAD I THOUGHT OF IT DAVE THE HOT DOG DUDE
Steve:
Please, help me find who makes the slide in hot dog cooking system. The one that you can place in the bed of a small pick-up and drive anywhere.
Thank you,
George
Hey George,
You could build your own slide in hot dog cooker based on my E-Z Built Plans.
Check it out at http://www.BuildAHotDogCart.com
-Steve
I have an older half ton Silverado that would easily handle an adapted version of Steve’s plans. I think tailgatin dawgs would do well in some venues.
DOES ANY REPAIR HOT DOG CARTS IN BALTIMORE/DC