Dear Steve,
I think it’s all finally coming together!
Aside from the rain being a killer in opportunity to get out there, business is exceptional. If I could just get out there more often and the weather would change for the better, I’d be rolling in it by now. Twice now in the last week I’ve had people come in and buy over $50 worth of take-outs by themselves. Large groups are coming in to have lunch and with the beach open it all happens at once. I actually ran out of pulled pork yesterday and had to send my brother home to get another pack.
Now get this; we are located in the parking lot on the town’s private beach. Everyday they put up a sign that says beach patrons only; NOT for biking or running. My cart is the exception, but out of towners don’t know that. A bunch of motorcycles came in yesterday and asked if they could just stop and rest for a minute and stretch their legs. Thinking quickly, I seized the opportunity and told them that I didn’t think anyone would bother them, but if they said they were customers no one would bother them at all.
So one said, OK, we’re customers. He said that at first just to get around it, but having second thoughts, they all started looking over my menu. Then the leader of the pack said, Yeah, we’re customers, lets go buy something from this nice young lady. So they bought a bunch of hot dogs, candy, drinks, chips, etc. I got a few good bucks on that one.
And my first customer of the day came in and bought over $50 worth of take-out by himself! Last week I had a lady come by and do the same thing to take to a get-together at her lake house, and then came back for seconds! She stood in the lot RAVING about my chili dogs and pulled pork and told my present customers they HAD to try it!
Regarding my competition down the road, I’ve been told we are in a class by ourselves and there’s no comparison.
My local meteorologist told me it’s just a pattern we’re in right now, regarding the rain, but things will change on Wed. as high pressure moves in.
Pray for dry for a while here in the Northeast. We need it!
Robin/Lakeside Lunch
***************
Good for you Robin! I think YOU are the leader of the pack 😉
Let’s hear it for Robin in the comments!
-Steve
That is an amazing, and awesome story. Good things happen to special people.
Robin is special indeed. Not many people can look that good in a pink cowboy hat!
Robin That is outstanding! Good Job! While chatting with the motorcycle folks did ya ask them where the next rally was and if they needed a vendor to come out and set up? I bet they would be happy to set you up. Just a thought! Love the story. Sell Em All Ya’ll!
OOOOH, that’s a great idea! But these guys were just a bunch of friends. Next time a club comes in I’ll do that! We get a lot at this time of year.
Great story! Keep up the great work! Best wishes for your future success!
That’s thinking on your feet Robin good on yah with the bikers LOL!
Great story!! Love it when it works; keep up with the following, try loyalty cards too. I depend on repeat business. Keep it fun!!!! DUGGS DOGGS GOOD!!
I’m doing that. Once a week I have A “customer appreciation” drawing. They put their name and number in a jar and once a week I give away a free lunch. It’s a great way to get to know your customers and they get excited to think that anyone gives away anything free! And they always come back with friends.
Way to go girl !! We are getting there also. We are set up at a Menards and things are looking good. Like Duggs dogs said. try the loyalty cards they work. and we have had the same rain pattern here in Indiana. good on ya
WONDERFUL! Keep up the great work! Be consistant! Customers like when they can count on what they like always being there.
Way to go girlfriend !!! Its good to see the ladies being BLESSED !!!
May you have nothing but BLESSINGS in your endever 😉
Nice job on the page, Steve. Folks, check out the website too. http://www.lakesidelunch.com. First page is hot dogs, all the rest is points of interest in our area. I hand out cards with the address on it to people who are up here visiting the area.
By the way, Steve,
YOU are the real leader of the pack! I learned everything I know from you and this forum. You are the greatest!
You go girl !! Everyone’s a customer !!
Gota get out your way someday soon.
Arrrrgggg !!
1St Mate Jim.
Aye, Matey,
I’m hopin to paddle me tail down to your dock one of these days meself! HARRRR HARRRR HARRRRRR! Just look for a bright green kayak that might be trailing the wake of a red one.
AWESOME! Way to go Robin!
In Fruita Colorado, they seem to not want me on public property. I keep getting the run around from different departments. Then I have to have an Ariel view picture of the private lot that I want to use for a location, along with another or two papers all in triplicate for an application that the owner of the business and the property owner both have to sign and it has to be approved by the police department, the city code enforcement officer the town committee and someone else that I can’t remember now.
I also can’t run home to get more pulled pork. I have to drive to town to my commissary or to Sam’s Club. Do any others have it this tough or is it easier. Please tell me if I should just ignore all of the BS they tell me.
Then on top of all these problems if I don’t do well and want to try a different location in a couple of week,s I need to do this all over again plus I forgot to say that it cost me $25 each time I want to move to private property and bug the owners of that property.
It’s like a nightmare!! Man they look like they want me to fail. I can
‘t believe it.
Steve please see what the folks here say about all of this,eh friend?
Boo Hargis
Robin…NICE going. But the truth is: You branded yourself w/ pink hat, people love it. You are very outgoing and reach out to your customers and it shows they LOVE YOU! Never worry about competition, seems like you are doing business based on relationships…good for you
bless
joe
Indeed.
Hi Robin,
I’m a newbie just starting out with Hot Dogs but I am very interested in doing something different. I like your pulled pork menu item. If it’s not confidential, may I ask how you cook it and serve it up?
I don’t cook it. I buy a frozen brand that’s not real easy to find. Where are you located?
Less than 2 months to go till I order your system & plans Steve! I can hardly wait. Already stated planning locations. August 23 is go day!
Cool!
Thanks for all the encouraging comments, and Joe, you’re right. The pink hat started it and I DO base my business on relationships.
Steve against all odds I got the ball rolling, I even sold a ton of hot dogs pre-ordered for an office party for pick up at 11:45 one day- I had the grill fired by 11:30- it has been a fast and furious summer and once it stopped snowing, I have been killing it selling out every day. I look forward to the next couple of days, with the celebrations and my location is right in the middle of it all! despite the gloomy weather forecast, I am buying a thousand dogs for tomorrow and the next day. The grill opens at 11:30- and it’s always warm by my grill!
Greetings from Juneau, Alaska
JB’s Alaskan Sled Dogs
Good for you JB!
What time is the sun setting in Juneau these days JB?
I grew up in Fairbanks and Anchorage, I remember the long summer days.
Do you sell reindeer sausage?
I guess everybody is selling reindeer in Anchorage.
Have a busy summer!
Oh yeah- Happy Independence day everyone!!!
CONGRATULATIONS! I wish I could say I had THAT kind of business! But I sure wouldn’t want to deal with YOUR weather.
seems like the sun never sets on my grills. yesterday i had three grills running from seven pm till three thirty am before during and after the fire works. it was insane. It was literally dumping rain almost the entire time- i sold half my dogs. i only started out with 700. people love it!!! i do them however they want them at five bucks a pop. this is a crazy business. i love it. here it is nine and i am setting up right in the middle of the parade. Happy Independence Day everyone!!!
Super cool JB!!!
Congratulations Robin! Awesome story. It gives those of us just starting out much inspiration! Five months till retirement for me. Steve’s program is “THE” business. I’ve been gathering licensing and permits necessary to have the business ready to go once I officially retire. Enjoying learning the tricks of the website right now!
Take care and stay slinging!!
Dapper D
Dapper Demand Hot Dog Stand
California