HDCN reader (and fellow classic trailer geek) Roger Vandevert sent me a link that sparked my imagination. Now my entrepreneurial ADD has kicked in and I’ve started obsessing about another new hot dog vending idea.
Damn you Roger!
He writes…
Roger
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I’ll show you the pictures of this trailer in a moment, but first I want to explain why this particular trailer could be very valuable from a marketing point of view. Stick with me here…
A case study in word of mouth advertising. When I lived in Chicago I used to go to a pizza place that was housed in part of an old brick building. It was located out in the Cook County forest preserves (where quite a few gangsters disappeared back in the mob days – really).
Here is a picture of the place:
The owner would give tours of the building while the customers waited for their pizza. During prohibition it was a speakeasy, and according to our guide, it was one of many buildings owned by none other than Al Capone.
He took us to the basement and showed us the bullet holes in the bathroom door. Then he took us to the attic where there was a beautiful antique pool table, again supposedly belonging to Big Al.
Maybe it was true, maybe it was all just harmless B.S, but it sure made it fun to eat there – and we DEFINITLEY told all our friends about it.
Now back to our old, old trailer. I’m an incurable nostalgia buff and I keep thinking how awesome it would it be to bring this beauty back to life, fire up the steam table and start slingin’ dogs from it again. Not only would it be wonderful to rescue this piece of history, but…
The marketing angle is powerful. “Eat at a fully restored 1920’s concession trailer.” That in itself is a pretty good hook, but as I always say, you need a gimmick, you need an angle, you need to sell ’em an experience.
You could say something like, “Yeah, this trailer is almost a hundred years old. It came from a boarded up county fair ground in northern California where it sat for all that time. The previous owner said it was supposedly haunted by the ghost of an old carney. I personally don’t believe in ghosts, but one morning I walked in here and all the ketchup bottles had exploded. What a mess! But the mustard was untouched. I can’t quite explain that one…”
The customer eats her hot dog and goes back to work. What do you think is the very first thing she tells her co-workers about? That’s right – your haunted hot dog trailer and where to find it.
Here are the pics and description of the trailer (click for a larger version)…
This is a very rare all aluminum factory made concession trailer. Not sure of the year, everyone where we picked it up was saying late 20’s to mid 30’s. No title, as it was always at an old county fair ground’s, but can give bill of sale. Would need to be up-dated for food sale’s and need’s some TLC. We towed it to seattle from northern california with no problem’s. Still can see the faint word’s on the back that say ” hamburger’s and hot dog’s”.All riveted, has dry ice freezer, ice box, sink, bun warmer (sterno),lot’s of counter space. Has 2 large door’s on each side that open up for sale’s. The entry door is in the rear street side. A very unique trailer that you could put to work. Have more pic’s. Asking $5,000.00. Might be able to deliver for a fee.
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I think this is the coolest thing I’ve seen in a long time!
-Steve
P.S. Can you think of a great gimmick or angle that would generate word of mouth advertising if you were the owner of this old concession trailer? Share it in the comments!
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Quick! Call the Ghost Hunters from the SCI FI channel! They can tell you if it’s really haunted and update the plumbing as well!
Mr Tiki
This is an awesome idea every sales person on this earth that was a success has had a hook and this looks like a great one.Good luck with your idea and you would only have to be afraid of the competitor putting up a Ghostbuster trailer right across the street.
Ok Scary, Do not want to be cleaning up after a ghost!! But very very cool story !!
If you are interested as I was…the owner has about 10 more detailed photos. Just go to the Tin Can Tourist link and email her.
Also, just to add some more misery to Steve’s AD Disorder, just think how simple and cool it would be to have a tiny teardrop trailer which are typically about the size of a hot dog cart. They have rear lifting doors which house a complete kitchen….or hot dog vending area!!! You also sleep in it or use the extra space for lots of storage of supplies or fixtures. Google tear drop trailers and watch all the oldies and newbies pop up. Do I have your attention? Cheers.
It looks to be in very good condition for 80 years old, even on the inside. It shouldn’t take much to restore it.
I grew up showing cattle in the 4-H & FFA at county fairs all during the 1960’s in Northern California. What fair grounds did it come from. Who knows, I may have purchased food from this trailer at one time. Let me know.
You’re killing me Roger!!!
I’ll have a ghost dog please ! Hold the exploding ketchup !
maybe an old actor or musician owned it, or was used in a movie or tv show.
Roger,
Several years ago I researched the idea of using a teardrop trailer as a hot dog cart (Dupage county said no) and here is some of my findings. Combine a teardrop with a Ford Ranger you can safely haul approx fifteen thousand four hundred and fifty two dogs, one jar of mustard, and a knife taped to the door (duct tape or is it duck tape?) in an air conditioned teardrop. The Ranger will be the living qtrs equiped with entertainment devices such as an IPOD or your favorite book. Extra supplies can be stored in the bed of the truck (your choice). The Eccotemp can be mounted on the rear side of the teardrop and can be used for cleaning dishes as well as yourself (not at the same time).
Steve,
The above email is fictitious.
Mr. Tiki
I need to put a Ghost on My Payroll….but the IRS already Scares the BeJesus out of me!