Hot Dog Cart News

Steve,
Every time we put onions on a dog, they land in a big clump, we then have to spread them out (which leaves other toppings “tainting” the spoon). We use fresh chopped onions and a plastic spoon. How can we get them to shake off better and not clump?  I know this is an odd and simple question, but it is aggravating. This is our first summer slinging dogs so we are still learning. Any help is appreciated.
Keep up the outstanding job– love the updates/blog!

Brent McKinney
QUICKEE  DOG  HOTDOG CART

*****************

Brent,

I never thought about it before but I realize that I have the same problem. I too am a Clumpy Onion Syndrome sufferer!

I just thought it was normal – something every slinger dealt with. Now I see that I have been living with this for years, unnecessarily. Thank you for giving me hope.

How about it doggers – can someone give us the cure to C.O.S.?

-Steve

 

Hot Dog Cart News reader Jeff Williams sent me these pictures of street food vendors from the early 1940’s. I think they are fascinating. Thanks Jeff – you are awesome!

A portable soft drink and frankfurter stand in New York City on October 1, 1942

As an entrepreneur, I have been involved in many other businesses besides food vending – as I’m sure most of you have been as well. When ever I get involved in a business I like to get a feel for the history behind it.

First, I’m a history and nostalgia buff. I just like (love) old stuff. I’m one of those guys that thinks the old days were better – whether they really were or not 😉

Second, knowing your business’s history can give you a feel for business cycles, trends, and marketing ideas that you can revive and use today. Check out the graphics on the hot dog cart umbrella above for example. Very cool.

Hot sweet potatoes. NYC on October 4, 1942

A call for photos.
HCDN readers – Please email me more pics like these and I’ll add them to this article over time. They can be from any time period up to the late 60’s, early 70’s.

-Steve

I was on the phone the other day with David Jones from Texas. He wanted help naming his business and I agreed to tap the vast collective genius of the HDCN readership.

David is planning on doing a lot of church function gigs with his cart such as catering the men’s ministries events. He is going to build an E-Z Built and cover it with a vinyl wrap (like Glen did with his Hot Curly Wiener cart).

David is going to make his cart look like a church complete with a steeple. Very creative!

David wants to use the word “Manna” in the name of his business but he’s not sure how. Let’s help him come up with a good hook.

In case you aren’t familiar with the term, manna is the food that God sent down to feed his people in the wilderness.

David will pick the winner and send them a $50 gift card to WalMart or a $50 gas card, your choice. This prize is coming from David, not me, so the winner can work it out with David. I’ll put the two of you in touch with each other.

Ready, set, name that business!

-Steve

P.S. Hey… since I’m not awarding the prize, I guess I’m eligible to compete this time. Cool!

 

One of the best hot dog cart paint job I’ve ever seen – I absolutely love it!

Joyce Frederick wrote in to tell me about her hot doggin’ success story, but what grabbed me was the paint scheme on her cart. You MUST check out the pictures below!

The wraparound shelf is nothing short of genius. So is the recessed water heater and the three compartment sink set up.

The Frederick’s cart just oozes quality and attention to detail. I DIG it!

Joyce writes…

Dear Steve,

I’ve been meaning to email you for a couple months now….it took a while due to funding and worker availability, but our hot dog cart got up and running this June.  Just wanted to thank you for providing my family with this great opportunity.  Can’t even remember how we found you, I think we just decided that a hot dog cart was a good business to get in, and found your website through a search.

Your E-Z Built Hot Dog Cart plans were easy to follow, and as you can see, we modified them slightly.  Your plans make it easy for simple modifications.  We had a great health inspector who went through the process with us and got us licensed according to the new health code regulations that will be in force this November.  Thanks for the good tips on that!

For being in business only a few months, we are off to a great start after some minor set-backs.  We live in the Oklahoma City area, and we were hoping to take our cart into the city to set up, but it’s not allowed.  Nevertheless, we got a great gig every Friday & Saturday night at one of the biggest nightclubs in the area.

We also have been to several festivals and other events.  In fact, last weekend, we out-sold the local football team’s booster club!  We do that by following your advice–great presentation, a squeaky-clean cart, and selling quality hot dogs, polish sausages and hot links.

We added a grill, as you can see.  After steaming the hot links and sausages, we throw them on the grill for a crispy crunch, and throw them back in the steam pan to keep them moist.

Just signed up for the newsletter, can’t wait to get more involved in the hot dog community.  Feel free to post my pix on your page–we’re proud of our little cart!!

Thanks again,
Joyce Frederick
Freedom Franks

************************

The red, white, and blue paint job on your E-Z Built cart really got to me. What a great idea Joyce! I was truly moved when I opened your email and saw the photos.

Maybe it’s because of my love for this great country of ours. Maybe it’s the fact that we can start our own business and earn our daily bread the way WE want to. Maybe it’s because…

We have the choice to be self sufficient and make our own living – without the boot of THE  MAN on our necks.

Great, great job Fredericks! You should be very proud. You did it!

Readers – let’s all help Joyce by sharing this on Facebook. Just click the blue button at the left.

-Steve

P.S. I’m seriously thinking of re-painting my own cart after seeing this.

 

Click the picture for a larger version.

 

The following is a guest post by Tim Van Dusen of Get Grilled Foods…

You have your cart built or bought, the health department has checked it out, and now you are ready to go.

You have a colorful cart. It attracts attention. Your sidewalk signs are ready.

But deciding where to sling dogs can be a real challenge.

Should you concentrate on festivals, fairs, town events or street gigs? Or do you want to do all of them? Here are some of the tactics that I have used in my hot dog business. Some work better than others, but I have used all of these with success at one time or another in my own hot dog cart business, Get Grilled Foods.

Street gigs are the bread and butter of hot dog carts. Finding the right street location can set you up for retirement fast. (One of the goals I work on is to build the street business in order to sell it for a profit, then start another one.)

Research your spots keeping in mind population, public access, and best set up times. If you’re in a downtown area and all the business people go home at 5pm do you really want to be set up after 6? Maybe you do – when does the downtown night life start? Bars can be a huge money maker.

Here is how I get my street gigs. Once i find a good spot, usually in front of a business, I drive up with my cart in tow and ask to see the owner or manager. I never go in cold without my cart. Seeing the cart puts them at ease and erases any doubts about your professionalism.

Let them know that you would like to set up there and offer to fix them lunch at no cost. Always, always, always step into the business like you already own the place.

Remember to explain the advantage of increasing sales for them too. Mention that you attract a lot of people and ask them if they would mind if you funneled more shoppers into their place of business?

Offer them and their employees free lunches, within reason, during the time you set up.

Confidence can go a long way to getting the door open. Be ready to be told no, but expect to be told yes. If you stop looking for a good spot after your first no then you really don’t want it that bad.

I have also flooded the area with flyers about “the local hot dog vendor”. After a week or two of everyone looking for it, walk into the business you have targeted. They will have heard the buzz about this new hot dog guy too. Just introduce yourself and explain that you are looking for a better spot to set up.

The people you know can be a great way to find a spot also. Ask your friends if they know any business owners. Then you have an introduction and you don’t have to go in cold. This will really increase your chances of success.

These are not the only ways to get a street spot but they have worked for me.

Events like fairs and town events can be a real money maker too. Event homework is most important.

How many vendors are already booked? What is the estimated attendance? Is it free to the public or is it paid admission? How many years has the event been going on?

I do one event that is 39 years old. The take is over $1,000 dollars a day and we can not keep up no matter how hard we try. We’re leaving money on the table.

I also have one event that is only four years old in a town with a population of 800. It is a one day town event and last year we took in $900.00. But the money makes the sore feet and back well worth it.

Use the chambers. There is no guarantee of a good profit so the more you know the better you can make an educated decision about which event to book. I use local chambers of commerce to book events. That is an extremely good place to go.

They usually have an event calander on their chamber website. I have booked events as short as one week away by finding the right chamber. I also use the website Festival Network Online. It has more then enough contact and event information to fill a seasons schedule.

Make sure you know what the local health department requires. Event coordinators usually have that info.

Also chat up your street customers. I have booked a few gems by checking out what they tell me. Also check out the local fairground websites. The bigger ones have events going on all year, not just the yearly fair.

All of these methods are tried and true. They have worked for Get Grilled Foods. I hope you find them helpful, and keep doggin’!

Tim

Tommy  Dogs!

“I have a sign that says free chips tomorrow. They all come back and ask where’s my free chips the next day. I ask them to please read the sign again slowly. The smile breaks out!!! And there dog is ready with the coke and chips. I got my $5.00 and a smile…”

Hilarious, and effective. I love it!

Your chip clips are on the way Tommy.

Thanks for playing everyone. These contests are a lot of fun and I love reading all of your comments.

As my way of saying “Thanks” I’m offering a discount on my E-Z Built Hot Dog Cart Video and Plans package. Enter coupon code CHIPS in the box at checkout. This coupon code expires on Thursday so don’t snooze on it.

-Steve

 

Michael Ricchetti writes…

Steve – question: Having a hard time finding large enough potato chip bags to sell for a dollar each, all 1.5 oz size, don’t think people will buy. What do you say?
Thanks, Mike in Ohio

*********************

Hey Mike,

I sell the 1.5 oz size for a buck on my cart.  I agree a dollar is a bit pricey but it’s part of a bigger strategy…

My dogs are three dollars, drinks are a dollar, and chips are a dollar. That’s five bucks total.

I offer a meal deal for $4.75 and that is what moves the chips.

OK readers – let’s hear your answer to Mike’s question in the comments. The most helpful tip wins a two pack of chip clips (see the theme here?).

Let’s hear your answers folks!

-Steve

P.S. Please share this on your Facebook by clicking that little blue button. You know the one. Let’s get everyone’s input on this. Thanks!

 

HCDN Reader Dale Schroeder Makes The News.

Dale let me know about a local news paper story that featured him and his hot dog cart business, “Lucky Dawg Hot Dogs”.

Dale writes…

Steve,
We had a newspaper article done about us last year. It is great publicity. Check it out!
Dale

******************************

Hot Dogger Dale Schroeder

By Sean Mazner
Photo By SEAN MAZNER

The retirement of beloved hot dog vendor/cartoonist Woody Barlettani (“View from a hot dog cart,” June 21, 2007) does not mean the downtown is devoid of hot dog carts. Dale Schroeder, 47, leads a sort of double life. By night, he slings cards as a dealer at one of the local casinos. By day, many know him as the mild-mannered hot dog vendor who has set up his cart on the corner of South Virginia and Court streets. Everything from chili dogs to Polish sausage to German bratwurst can be ordered. His business, Lucky Dawg Hot Dogs, also caters and can be reached at (775) 338-3113 or at www.luckydawghotdogs.com.

How did you end up becoming a hot dog vendor?

Well, I’ve been in Reno here for 15 years, originally from Alaska, so I really enjoy all the sunshine and warmth here. Casino dealer by trade, but I thought I’d try something different. I know people love hot dogs, and here I am.

How long have you been at this location and why here?

This is my second year, actually. It’s my second year with the business. I come out here for lunch, serve a lot of the 9-to-5 workers around this area. There’s seating here, and I have people that pull up in the parking lot and order.

About how long does it take to set up?

It takes about half an hour to set up and break down. I get off [casino] work at 10 a.m. and I can usually get set up by 10:30 am and will stick around till about 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Any regulars that stop by?

I have a lot of regulars, actually. At one point, I usually get all the sheriffs from the courthouse and come over here. I get some security guards that work the banks. People from the IRS building, as well. I have one in particular that pulls up, never gets out of his car, but I know exactly what he wants and run it up to him.

Are there other people you come across?

Every once in a while, I’ll see a homeless person walking by and ask them if they’re hungry. They’ll usually say, “Yes,” and then I’ll give them a hot dog. I’ll usually go to Tent City on Record Street and hand out all the hot dogs I don’t sell during the day to the people there. It’s a good way to get rid of all the hot dogs that don’t sell, and they appreciate it.

Other information about the business?

I have a lot of people that ask me how did I get into this and tell me that they’d love to do it. I’m hoping down the road to have a sort of commercial kitchen of about 10 carts and have people that can either rent them out or lease to buy them. It’s a cheap and easy way for a person to start their own business.

Any upcoming events you’ll be catering?

I’ll be at the Blockbuster grand opening at the Northtowne Center July 8th from 12 p.m.-3 p.m. handing out free hot dogs for them. July 18th there’s Shout Out Loud, a big concert out at Wingfield Park, and I’ll be serving hot dogs there, but those you have to pay for [laughs].

*****************************

Way to go Dale – they did a real nice article on you. Keep up the good work!

Let’s help Dale get some more mileage out of this. Click the blue fShare button on the left to share Dale’s story on your Facebook.

-Steve

 

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

*************************

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.

************************

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!