Hot dog vending at night outside bars and night clubs is an often overlooked way to make big money. If you love the nightlife, you might want to consider it.
It’s a known fact that party people crave food like hot dogs. And they’re willing to pay more for it.
But sometimes you have to be persistent…
Mark Balch owns a hot dog cart business in Keene, New Hampshire. During the day he sells hot dogs on Main Street, but his ultimate plan is to set up in the bar district at night. However, Keene city ordinances didn’t allow street vendors to stay open past 9 pm. So Mark gathered support from his customers and petitioned city hall to amend the ordinance.
It looks like Mark got his wish. The planning, licenses and development committee voted 5-0 to recommend the City Council allow hot dog vendors to sell their tubular treats downtown at selected spots between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.
After hearing the decision, Mark was overjoyed. He says the bar scene is very profitable. “In three nights, it will be twice what I do in six days on Main Street.”
The City Council’s decision came just in time, as his wife was eight months pregnant with their fourth child at the time!
Congratulations Mark!
The moral of the story. When someone tells you “no”, it doesn’t always mean that you can’t. With the right support and polite persistence, it’s possible to set up a hot dog cart in places you never thought possible. Go for it!!!
-Steve
I did this in Portland, OR a few years back and I made a more money on Halloween night then I did all week. Drinkers love to eat ! A couple of hot dogs were perfect for thier journey home after a night out!
Just towed my new (used) cart back from Texas, 500 miles, back to Cajun country. Lafayette is the fourth biggest city in the state, and is home to the University of Louisiana. For $125 a year for the site permit, I get a great location downtown.
My plan is to serve the downtown lunch crowd 11-2 weekdays, and the “college kids out on the street to party” crowd Friday and Saturdays 6 p.m. to midnight (required closing time).
The only eateries downtown are sit down dining establishments. There is only one other licensed HDC vendor downtown, and she only comes out for special events.
Today I submitted all my paperwork and documents to the parish authorities, and yesterday my cart was approved by state Health and Sanitation. By the grace of a benificent hot dog loving God, we will be out on the street the weekend after next.
A month ago, I did a little recon, and visited nearly every merchant downtown, and asked them what they thought of my plan. Each and every one was supportive and enthusiastic about my HDC plan. Along with the dogs, I will be grilling sausage po boys, which are very popular down here. My 2 youngest sons and me are going to get our official hot dog dude badges Monday from the parish (with our photos on the badge).
I now see why there is only one HDC vendor in this town, as the bureaucratic hoops to jump through have been intimidating. But I hope to discover soon that it has been worth the effort!!
I live in Flagstaff, AZ. Another great college town. I’m gonna be doing the same thing with only two places that are open after 11 p.m. and me, soon to be down there after a cart inspection in the very near future. Thursday nights are the Saturday nights here!
Yes, Thursdays are getting to be a popular night to go out. I’ve noticed that for a few years now.
Way to go Russ, Being a fellow slinger I think the persistence does pay off, but, Im a bit intimidated by the bar scene or any night time event without my husband with me. The extra income the night life vending will provide for you and your family will be awesome. Congrats.
Fellow Slinger-Ette,
Carrie Lawton
Safety first. But you shouldn’t have any problems if you are in a decent area.
Great story matey.
Just goes to show that we can make it happen!
What ever it is.
Inspiring fer sure matey !
1St Mate Jim.
A very $$ PROFITABLE $$ Late Nite Location Must have an eye catching TIP Bucket of some sort that cannot be stolen, but is on the side of your cart where the transaction takes place. You will always make more $$ TIPS $$ if the transaction is done by a female. Thjis is true because 80 % of your customers will be males. Having some experience with dealing with drunk people will also improve your spot. Protecting Company assets must be talked about as well. Add alcohol and people loose there inhibitions which ean they will unknowingly break things and you must be prepared for this to happen. Late nite business will get loud and voices will travel at nite beware of nearby housing / apartments. In your neck of the woods I recomend wearing a mascot type uniform so when the temps. drop a bit you can layer clothing underneath and extend your season. Never let anyone person carry all the cash, routinely transfer the cash to a safe place(s). Important Fact ! Signage Nothing over $20 Bill. Have fun make $$ but the customer is the customerjoe
Agreed.
Fri and Sat nights rock w/the late night party crowds! I used to set up 1130-2am… Even on slow nights, was still fun times! As a reminder to all, of you are not using a tip jar yet, THAT IS MUST have late night. Those who have enjoyed numerous adult bevererages during the night, seem to be a bit more generous with tips, plus the young bucks trying to impress their dates by tipping heavy. I remember one late Friday night, I only sold about a 75 hotdogs in those three hours, grossed a little over $200, but had $120 in tips! Fun times, made some net profit, and extra $$$ in tips! This business is a blast!
Thanks for the tip tip Mike!
I’ve been doing a monthly twilight event but mainly seem to draw adults with kids. Any suggestions on bringing more adults in as customers?