how much food to bring to events hot dog cart
Nature writes,

Hi Steve… This winter I have been selling dogs on the side of the road and have been doing pretty good…. BUT… two weeks from now I have my first BIG BIG event 10-15,000 people ..really.

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Promoters are saying 20k people but we all know they lie..lol   Anyway is there any “formula” that one uses to know just how much food to have? This is a Jazz fest and the weather should be great. Just doing dogs and Brats.

There are 3 other food vendors one who sells greek food and two “consessions” .  I will be the only one of my type. I have lots of big events planned this summer but I’m nervous about my first.

Please throw this out for help. I dont want to run outa food or have way to much.
Thanks,
Nature

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Hi Nature,

A good rule of thumb is to estimate that you’ll sell to 4% of the gate (the number of attendees). This can vary wildly of course but it’s a great place to start. Be sure to take into account weather, if there will be other vendors selling the same product as you, etc.

Also keep a notebook and record the details of each festival that you work. Record sales, entry fees, attendance, dates, weather, etc. Then next year you will have some really solid info to refer to.

How about you, slingers? What formulas or strategies do you use to plan for big events? Share them in the comments!

-Steve