You gotta see these pics of Jay Alber’s Side Serve E-Z Built Hot Dog Cart. He did a really nice job with it and sent me some photos. Jay writes…
************************
Froze my butt off this winter building it, but its done. I still have to put my decals on so please don’t post the pics ( if you decide to) until then. I want it to look the best it can. I’ll send more. Passed inspection no problem. Quick question, I want to put a griddle in. Any suggestions on the best one? I was thinking going Camfire Grills way, with the harbor freight grill with the Griddle Q on top. That’s about $240 all together. That’s a little steep. Do you know of some other way to go that will work well? I’ll spend the$240 if that’s the best option.
Thanks Steve,
Jay
***********************
I couldn’t wait any longer for Jay’s decal pictures. I’m so proud of him and the cart he built for himself and I just had to share it with my HDCN readers. Please don’t be mad at me Jay!
As you know, the E-Z Built Hot Dog Cart was designed from the beginning to be customized. You start with the basic plans, watch the videos, and then you can easily modify it to build the cart of your dreams -just like Jay did. You can click here get some great custom hot dog cart ideas.
Just stretch the cart body by a foot or so to accommodate the extra cooking station, and rearrange things for a side serve version. Go ahead and get your plans here, watch the videos and see for yourself. Like I said, once you watch the videos it will be crystal clear.
As far as the flat top grill goes, I too love what Jason Thurston did with his E-Z Built Hot Dog Cart, the famous Campfire Grill (you can see pictures of it here). I would suggest going that route (camp stove with a Griddle Q) if you have the money. Think of it as an investment – because that’s exactly what it is. You’ll have it for years and the flexibility it adds to your menu will pay for it many times over.
If you need to stick to a tighter budget, I have had success using a portable camp stove with a regular old frying pan to do my grilled onions. They turn out just great. I set up the stove on one of the wing shelves on my own E-Z Built Hot Dog Cart.
In fact, I’ll be using that set up tonight. I’m doing a gig at a local school. They’re showing a movie on the gym wall and all the kids bring their sleeping bags and pillows. They spread them out on the gym floor to watch the show (A Bugs Life), the parents get to sit in the bleachers (thankfully), and I’m serving the dogs from my cart. Dinner and a movie, I can’t wait!
Anyone have any other suggestions for Jay as far as flat top grilling is concerned? Let us know in the comments!
All you other E-Z Builders, send your pics to steve@HotDogProfits.com. I really love seeing what you clever folks are doing with my plans.
Again, awesome job Jay!!!
-Steve
Click the pictures below for a larger version.
Very Nice Jay, Bet your excited to put it to work!!
The Daily Dawg find me on facebook
Jay,
The grill setup on Camfire grill, as pretty as it is, isn’t necessary. That burner costs $79 at Harbor Freight, but the burner Steve uses in his EZ built plans is only $39. Link
Use a Sizzle Q on top (about $60) and you are all set for about $100.
nice, just the idea i was looking for, think ill do 2 steamers,wallie dogs
Great looking Jay good luck!!
WEBstaurantStore.com
try these guys. They rock.
great looking cart sure hope I do not have to compete against you sometime i think I would lose on sales. Where did you get your umbrella best of luck
Looks really Great,but also looks very cold……………..
Outstanding cart, great paint too. Now make money!!!
Wow ! Great cart. Looks like there’s lots of counter space & room to work. Nice job.
1st mate Jim.
Looks great. Good luck.
Great winter project, Jay; you’ll be glad you spent those hours when the cold cash starts coming in!
A grill suggestion – We use a Solaire infrared grill called Solaire Everywere about $259. Infrared. The flames do not blow out in the wind and the food cooks fast! Can’t wash the ceramic plate part in water though so just remove it and clean up i s easy. BEST grill we have used. Cart looks great – Have fun!
Love the cart Jay! Looks Great!