One way to keep your dogs warm…
Here comes the cold stuff – and that’s great news for hot dog sales! You’ll sell more hot dogs in January than you do in August, all other things being equal.
Why? Simple – hot food sells better when it’s cold outside. I know when it’s 100 degrees out sales on my cart drop dramatically.I must admit that even though I’m a major hot dog fan, I just don’t want much hot food when I’m sweating my you-know-what off. In fact my favorite hot weather food is a cold braunschweiger (liver sausage) sandwich with raw onions and an icy cold beer. Or three. Yes, I’m German.
However, when it cools down to where you need a jacket, I can sell a LOT more hot dogs. Which brings us to today’s topic:
How do we keep the cart cooking when the mercury falls below 32 degrees?
Buddy Schrader writes…
Steve,
How does everyone ‘winterize’ their carts so they can work in the colder months but not have their water lines, water pump or the EccoTemp L5 lines from freezing, while working a normal daily shift. I have read the instructions on winterizing the L5 when storing your cart, but what about during the working shift? Might be a timely article with the colder weather right around the corner!
Buddy-
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You won’t have problems with water lines freezing inside the cart when the burners are fired up and the steamer is steaming,
Outside lines running to an external water heater might give you trouble, but only if it’s really cold out. There are two solutions for this:
1. Don’t use your sinks when it’s too cold out. Drain all the water from your system and blow out the lines. Make sure the sink faucets are closed tight. Then fill the tank with water but don’t turn on your pump or open any faucets. Your lines should stay dry, but you will still have water in case the inspector pops by. Use hand sanitizer when necessary.
2. Run your cart as you do in the summer, but run a splash of water through your system every 20 minutes or so to keep things from freezing up.
In any case, the biggest problem you will have isn’t keeping your water from freezing. It’s keeping your feet from freezing. The toes are the first to go so be careful out there!
If you have any cold weather tips please share them with us in the comments…
-Steve
P.S. Winter is a great time to build a hot dog cart, either your first one or to expand your fleet for the spring rush. I’ve spoken to several Hot Dog Profits Premium Members who are going to build two or even three hot dog carts at once over the winter. These folks are going to absolutely dominate their markets when they hit the streets with multiple carts after the weather breaks. I think that’s pretty darn exciting!!!
Steve,
I live in Florida, no danger of freezing up. But now I want a liverwurst sandwich and a cold beer! Have you heard of a Bavarian Sandwich? My best friend’s mom used to make them for us when we were kids. She was from Bavaria.
Cold fresh ground chuck, chopped onions, salt and pepper on toast. No beer though…
I’d try it Morgan. Even without a beer!
-Steve
outside food sales are the greatest when the temperature outside is between 60 – 80 degrees as reported by the restaurant industry. living in phoenix tends to spoil us vendors, all we can complain about is the wind mostly, and competition or market saturation by fellow vendors.
joe
next winter i ll be out their, just got me a pop up 12ft trailer now 2 try to build a hatdog trailer out of it. will leave the top up and put ply wood around it then cut out the windows, anyway thats my thinking? bill mi
Hey Bill my husband has been wanting to build one out f a tent trailer for a long time now.everyone keelling him how dumb it wont work. send us pics when you get done with it so we can show these others how dumb they are.we just bought us a concession trailer but we have 2 other carts we can use also. you go sling em and show everyone what its all about
Yessir!
Zum wohl nach braunshweiger!! Auch mit dien bier
Ummm… Yeah, what HE said!
I think he said I’ll have another Braunshweiger, also with a beer, if my German serves me right. Meine Deutsch ist die schlecter!
As for cold weather tips, Steve, I’m a skier! There are toe warming insoles you can get at any ski shop that heat up when you open the pack and they keep your toes nice and toasty all day! You can also get handwarmers to keep in your mittens between serving times.
Toasty toes are happy toes. Thanks Robin!
I think he says he can begrudgingly live without his liverwurst, but not his beer. Senseable man LOL!
Indeed!
Morgan Im also in florida getting ready to send in my papers for the hot cog cart.any advice you can give me ?
Hi steve Papa-Dogs is now Papa-Pancho’s papa-dogs and I just purchased a full service cart from the original papa-dogs himself ,however I am Indepentent now.
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my cart has a griller plate that is 2.5×3.0 in square. and an steamer, have you guys tried a griller in winter ? how would it be in winter months ?
Steve,
Thanks for the posting! I look forward to everyone’s comments.
FYI…I drew my cart design on a bar napkin while enjoying a cocktail last January with a few friends. I started building the cart in April and finished it on September 16 with all the fees and inspections.
I have to tell you and the other bloggers that I was concerned about all the fees and inspections from the Dept of Public Safety and Health Dept., but it went quite easily. I canceled the first Health inspection due to wiring on the pump and scheduled a second. A young lady inspector walked around the cart twice and asked me about 6-7 questions then stood back and crossed her arms and I thought something was wrong and she said “I’ve inspected carts for 6 years and this is the best looking cart I’ve ever inspected.” I was very excited and proud. Thanks for your plans, video, book and software. I did a soccer tournament the next two days and made $900.00 dollars. The next event was a large Car Dealership and worked 3 hours and served 100 combo meals and made $400.00.
I’ll send pics soon! Cart is finished in White Fiberglas reinforced paneling (FRP) that the health dept. loves.
Thanks again Steve!
Buddy-
The big thing to remember is that if you keep your heart warm, (the center of your chest) your whole body will be warm. (Toes and all, Steve)
We actually opened our steam table up a little in the winter months to let some of the heat out so that it can get to us! We just cut the vent holes a bit larger and folded the metal back. Worked like a charm.
If you put a bottle of alcohol into your fresh water tank, it will act like antifreeze and keep your lines and your tank from freezing. Just don’t drink it. Safe for handwashing, though.
and be really careful that you drain the L5, I had to replace mine when the water in the pump part froze and make the housing split!
Happy Doggin’!
Wanda Swan, Dixie Kitchen
the problem I have not figured out is how i am going to keep my buns that arent in the steamer from being completely frozen solid. the area where i park is about 100 feet away from my cart, and i cant keep making trips back and forth and leave the cart unattended.
Try keeping the buns in an insulated cooler with warm packs.
You can warm them back up in the steamer !!
Coolers work for cold & warm !!
Me timbers shiver in the winter !!
Arrrrgg….
Aye!
Sorry…I also wanted to say that there are 2 types of carts allowed here and they are the right-of-way carts (allowed on sidewalks and municipal property) and private property carts (allowed only on private property with written permission from the property owner-must be in writing on cart).
Because the HF trailer is 5″ too wide with the fenders and tires, I was not allowed to file for a right-of-way permit. They have rejected other vendors for being 1″ over!! They say that it impedes pedestrian traffic on a sidewalk…whatever! Make sure your readers follow your instructions PRIOR to building their cart and learn the requirements and talk with the necessary depts. prior to building (as you stipulate in your book and video).
I followed those instructions and elected to be a private property cart because of the custom tailgate parties and Human Resource events we do.
Again thanks for all your help and I hope this info helps the others.
Buddy-
Rick,
Schlecht für den Atem!
-Steve
Here’s my thought on approaching this guys… as someone stated, alcohol, a bottle of Isoprep alcohol will work, get it at the drug store. I do not know the ratio to mix with the water, but it is weather (temp.) dependent. I use a ater injector on my truck to increase milage and I use about 1/2 of a store bought bottle (16 oz.) to a quart of water to prevent it from freezing. What I plan to do is this… I carry a 5 gallon poly water container with a spigot that I let sit on my front floor by the heater in my truck, for winter, this works just fine and I don’t have to reinvent anything.
The alcohol idea is great, but remember you should always use a good Irish whiskey just open the faucet poor into cup and now you have anti-freeze for the cart and the operator.
one way I keep them from freezing, is living in Arizona!
Steve’s right sells are good from now to next summer.
I live and learn, last year I lost my L5 due to not draining it, lesson learned, when I replaced it I added a drain (pet cock) to completely drain all the lines. Still have events booked thru November and should be doing a few in December. I hate the cold but love the money….
Duggs Doggs
Good!! Good!!
Steve,
Dies ist wo kommen die Furz-Witze?
WAS ist die Furz-witze?
Hey Steve!
Thanks for the info! I’m here in NH and I’m just opening up next week. I’m starting VERY late in the season and I was hoping I could survive the winter. You gave me hope!
Julia Turgeon
Granite State Hot Doggers
Julia, I am a dogger in Maine, I started last Oct. and went all winter. I am going into my my second winter. Just stay committed to keeping regular hours and keep them.
My cart is a self contained type ( I work inside the cart.) I am up 30% over last year at this time. Best of Luck on your dog cart.
Mr C’s Dog House
John Callina
Nice! Congrats on your success John!!!
hi julia i live here in pennsylvania just outside from philly and i may be starting in another week as well. BEST OF LUCK.
Aloha,
Not much need to winterize here in Hawaii, but back on the mainland(Colorado), the best and safest material to put in you water lines and drains is RV Antifreeze (NOT CAR ANTIFREEZE). It is safe to use in water drinking lines and can be bought at any places the sells/service RV’s or camping trailers.
A side note, if you are shutting down for the season use at full strength…pour in your water tank and run the faucet(hot & cold) till the blue liquid comes out(a gallon should cover it), also make sure you run the fluid through the water heater as well. You’re then good to go as to the water system.
I usually spray a little WD-40 on my burners…yes they are turned off:-). This coating of light oil will minimize the surface rust that comes from storing as well. Because the can is out I also shoot all joints, connections, etc anything that you might like still moving in the spring…mahalo
This will be my first winter and I’m gonna try to stick it out for the entire time.
I’m working on cart #3 that will have a small detachable “shelter”. This cart will also feature the water heater on the inside. Get’s kinda cold up here come February.
The menu will also change to include soup and chili. No soup for you!
To help keep your feet warmer in the winter, try using a cusioned floor mat, you can finf them at harbor freight. they come in a four pack 2’x2′ sections, helps your legs and back too.
We do not have a big issue with freezing cold here in Stockton, CA, We are still in our 80’s yet. But the rain will become an issue in the near future. What advice do you have for us River Rats here on the Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta Region.
I am really trying to beat the cold weather here in Ohio. I thought I would be done by now but I have run into some problems with the commissary. The Health department had a work around for me. Add a 12 volt Fridge/Freezer and be considered self contained. That is what I did and it has put a kink in my progress. Looks like we may be starting out in the winter weather. Still excited though. Check out my progress and let me know what you think.
Hi Lee,
Whereabouts are you in Ohio..still working on my cart so won’t be starting anytime soon, and not thrilled about winter, but glad to hear you are progressing
here in colorado there is only one answer for cold feet…..snowboarding boots. mmmmmm toasty!
Hey, does anybody know if Windshield washer would work in the cart lines. Doesn’t it have antifrieeze in it?Or would it not be safe ?
Windshield washer is a bad idea. For almost the same price you can get camper antifreeze,(usually pink), which can be pumped through the system. Usually will hold up to -50 degrees. It’s better than just blowing out the system in case water stays in low spots or in the pump or water heater, though blowing out the lines first helps even more.
Thanks Gary ,
I’m in Portland Oregon; funny when the rain comes my business slows; no one wants to get out of the car. I’m thinking of just going seasonal. I show up but the customers are a no-show, especially that I am beside Lowes, West Marine and Dicks many of the customers are Spring Summer Fall.
Rain can be tricky. I put a sign out by my cart that said “Drive Through”. They would pull up by my cart and I’d serve them in their car. It worked.
Steve try some potato chips on the cold braunschweiger sandwich. I put a heap of them on and then push down on the bread to smash the chips a little. WOW you talk about crazy good!
Mmmmm!!!!
Here in Connecticut the river freezes over solid !!
Since we are Weiners On Water the ice won’t work for us. Arrrrgg !!
With that said, we close for the season & use the alcohol to winterize ourselves !!!
Har har harrrrrr !!
1st mate Jim..
Aye, yer no good all froze up mate. If it works fer the head, it’ll work fer me!
Tommy Brooklyn…that scares me that your business drops off so much when it rains. I just started a month ago and we’re enjoying an amazing October up here in Bellingham (north of Seattle about 90 miles) I have a 10×10 pop up tent ready to throw up when the rain comes and I’m hoping my biz won’t go dead….ugh. This is full time for me now…..
No worries Kevin, you’ll do fine!
Steve,
I guess you guy’s are talking about what they call liverwurst here in Colorado? Back in New Orleans the folks there called it liver cheese.
Sometimes the only way I want it is on white bread with mustard. Then other times I want it with mayo. It’s amazing how many people say yuck at this wonder sandwich.
When my son and his friend were at the house at 8 or 9 years old, I told them I was going to make them something special if they were really hungry. They said yes.
I made the sandwiches and cut off all of the crust. Then I cut them into triangles. Then I stuck a toothpick in each piece. Man they wanted another one. When they had their fill, I said, I bet you guys didn’t know you like liver cheese huh? I wish I had taken a picture of their faces then. My son is 34 now and liver cheese is still a special treat for him.
Thanks for the post and the person that reminded me of snowmobile boots. Here in Colorado in the snow they are great. I used them laying brick. A good pair of Texas Steer brand (sold at Kmart) insulated work boots worked good too even walking in snow next to the house we were brick veneering.
Doesn’t anyone use a 10X10 tent with sides and a construction type propane heater at a profitable location?
You’re a good dad Boo. A lot of kids wish they had that.
No comments on the cold weather problems but I did want to let Ken know I am diligently checking Craig’s List here in Orlando and Daytona for his stolen carts. Nothing so far remotely resembles yours. I hope your fellow doggers (especially along the east coast) are taking the time to check their areas. It’s just the right thing to do.
Kenny got his carts back. The police found everything! Thanks Richard!
And a great time to wear crazeee hats.Got my coon skin ready to go!Use the foil bags to keep your weiner warmer.
Dan’l Boone!
I don’t understand a word you guys said but suddenly have a craving for saurkraut!
LOL!
I have a small trailer I want to run in the winter but afraid of lines freezing. I will have to try some of the ideas
Make the inside insulated, and make enough room for a tiny heater. Just make the heater so it keeps the inside to 50 degrees. Have water tanks inside the cart with water heater, all lines inside cart and you will be fine.
What I’m doing, is putting my sinks at the end, but with a counter that goes over the sinks except the hand washing one. That way you got the table top room, and when it comes time to dishes, you got the room to do that too.
Nice!
If you go propane and not electric, just make a vent on top. Make a frame like a picture around the vent, that way if you spill it doesn’t go inside and all the fumes can escape so you don’t build anything up inside.
Good tip Bill.