TAMPA – These days, people are looking to save money — and that’s leading to new opportunities in an old-fashioned business.

From Coney Island to the streets of Chicago, and now to a sidewalk near you: Thousands of people across the country are making money selling hot dogs.

It’s a value lunch at Kurt Horlacher’s hot dog cart.

“It’s still a recession-proof business. Two dollars for a hotdog. Most people can afford,” he said.

Kurt is a former sheet metal worker. But two years ago, when the economy scuttled new construction business, the hot dog business was heating up.

“My wife and I currently have four locations,” he continued.

It’s a growth industry for the free-spirited who have a driving will for free enterprise.

“First of all, the product sells. Second, it’s personality, who’s working behind the stand,” Horlacher explained.

Cart operators say they can make $100 to $400 a day. Workers build new hot dog carts as fast as they can.

“The numbers are off the chart. People from all walks of life are getting into it. They’re supporting their families,” Horlacher said.

Joel Goetz owns Dreamaker Hot Dog Carts with eight different models, priced from $2,500 to $30,000. They’re headed for entrepreneurs all over the nation.

“They’re realizing that people can’t spend $20 or 25 for lunch anymore. Things are changing and we have to change with the times,” Goetz said.

It’s a change that’s paying the bills for Kurt, and serving up a quick, cheap lunch for his customers.

Different cities and states have different regulations, but you can bet people everywhere like hotdogs, and thousands of vendors are cashing in with hot dog carts.

original story at MyFox Tampa Bay Report