We hot dog cart owners many advantages over brick and mortar restaurants. Lower overhead is usually the first thing that comes to mind, but I contend there are two far greater.
They’re round. They’re black. They’re our WHEELS.
I don’t know about you, but one of the biggest things that drew me to the hot dog cart biz is the freedom. I can’t stand to be tied to one place very long. Maybe it’s because my Dad moved us around so much when I was a kid.
We moved so often that I ended up attending 14 different schools by the time I was finished, and now if stay in one place too long my feet start itching.
I’m also the kind of guy who thinks that no matter how good things are, I should be able to do something to make them even better.
I guess I’m a weird cross between type-A overachiever and gypsy. A business on wheels feels good, right, and very natural to me. I bet you feel the same way.
You get it.
Our wheels are wonderful. They make us mobile. They make us adaptable. They allow us to go anywhere at a moment’s notice.
And most importantly, unlike the person who opens a brick and mortar restaurant – we don’t have to bet the whole enchilada on picking a good location the first time. Those guys only have one shot at getting it right.
We get as many chances as we need.
Just listen to Dave. He sent me an email this morning and I thought you might get some encouragement from it…
++++++++++++++++++++++
Steve,
After suffering at three locations that turned out to be dogs, my
“Lunch Under the Umbrella” has landed in a great location. I’m in a shopping
center directly across from a Northern Tool and Equipment store, a
Babies ‘R Us and an Office Depot. There are approximately 15 other
smaller stores and a very busy bank in the center. We’ve only been open
twelve days and we already have customers cashing in their “Buy five
Combos and get the sixth free” punch cards. Finally the cash is coming
in at a consistent pace. NOW IT’S FUN!
I’ve attached some photos….
Regards,
Dave Baker
LUNCH UNDER THE UMBRELLA
++++++++++++++++++++++++
Great job Dave! Way to stick it out and find that money spot!
The brick and mortar guys have to nail it on the first try. With us, it’s a completely different strategy – it’s just a numbers game. Try enough different locations and eventually you will find a winner.
We don’t need to be rocket surgeons with a God given gift for choosing profitable locations. We just have to be willing to use those round, rubber assets of ours.
-Steve
Check out Dave’s money spot… click the pictures for a larger version.
I just cant wait to get started…Freedom to be your onw boss, and not to be laid off ever again!! thanks for the tips and the information..Dogging for life…..ziggy
I like the set up you have. I have a couple questions. Where did u get your sign made up? Was it expensive ? Also, when u contacted the mall about your space, how receptive were they? Thanks and good luck!
If at first you don’t succeed….
Good luck.
wow, that looks like a really busy spot! how did you get that one and how much are you paying for it? Good Luck and Have Fun!
I too am always looking to better my hot dog business. This past year could have been much better, part due to time of for medical reasons, time off to nurse my son back to health after a bad car accident and trying to find a spot to set up. I am already putting down on paper the changes I’d like to make to my hot dog business when I reopen come warmer weather. Some things we can’t change or have no control over but there are so many things we can improve on. Good luck to all.
Now that’s what i’m talking about.
Dude, You are on your way!!! I love the setup. I’ve just bought a cart through Ebay and I’m very excited!! When I read stories such as this, it makes me more determined than ever to do this..
Much Success in the new year my friend..
That is SO good to hear. We’re going on our third year, and after some setbacks, waiting for that one place that will bring us happiness. We could have it, if only the cities inBrevard County here in Melbourne FL would simply let us! For now, it’s nightclubs and special events, and we keep going!
I wish you the best 🙂
Debi
Good job! Your set up looks great. I’m planning on opening my cart in May, as soon as tax season finishes.
Have a cart, location, and collecting items to go with it. Bob
Dave love the set up how long did you give the 3 dog stops to pick up before you found this gold mine?
Chris Sarakas
The Menu was made up at a local quick sign company. The most expensive part is the actual A-frame. The Menu Chloroplast faces are about $40 a side. The entire sign was $150. The Shopping Center owner, located in Cincinatti, was very receptive. Good Luck .
Steve…!!! Everytime I read about someone starting out and having Great sucsess… Just MAKES me smile…. I love being in the HotDog Biz. He has a Great setup,Great Location,Great Product!!! If he has the winning Personality… He Has ALL what he needs in the Cart biz… Or any Biz for that Matter… You know, The more Doggers I see out there, The Better it Makes MINE.. I take there ideals and run with them… I could sit back and say the State of Georgia is a Hard State to be in the cart Biz..!! But when you find a way to Put it all together…… Like Dave did….. Let me say.. I’m proud ..PROUD to be a Dogger…. What else could you do for a living and Smile each day.. The funny part is … THEY pay us each and everyday we are out there…Thanks to all our Customers…
Tom From Georgia
Great set-up Dave, wish you all the best.
Hey Dave great job at perservering. ! I wish the best of business to you. I was wondering is there any other restaurants or food places in the mall area, that your in competition with ?
Janet
Hi Steve
Just read After 3 Dogs, Dave Finds A Winner – Lunch Under The Umbrella
Does Dave have an email address..I am in the Tampa area and would like to ask him for information on how he got started and what I should look for to get into the Hot Dog Cart business
Thanks
Frank
We are in the best game on the planet, i’m an ex-engineer, now full time hot dogger. Just be smart and stay the course, serve people with a winning smile and happiness…and listen to Steve.
Once against well said Steve!
Looking for good spot to start.good luck.
Keep making the$$$ !!!!
Fantastic! Congratulations! My cart should arrive in a week or two and I am worried about picking a good location. If I make a mistake on my first..or second or…third try I am showing this article to my wife! On a side note, Your the canopy looks sharp. I am looking at getting a 10×10 canopy and saw an Ozark one for $89 at Walmart that appears fairly sturdy in the picture but pictures don’t always tell the truth. Do you have advice on one that sets up easy and works well in rainy, windy weather for a reasonable price?
The more expensive ones may last longer but for $89 that canopy should make you happy.
Hi, do the canopy need to be fire rated to serve under?
Check with your local health inspector if you are wondering. Codes vary greatly from place to place. However, be careful. If you ask too many questions someone will probably tell you “no”.
That is awesome….we are looking for a location now, I know we will fine one with our ROUND BLACK THINGS CALLED TIRES….thank u for your story….I’m going to love this!!!!
Right on Augusta!
-Steve