Hot Dog Cart News reader Pete McGinnity turned me on to some cool propane tanks from Sam’s Club… Steve I ordered your book and tapes about 2 months ago and they have been extremely helpful. I also find the items people share on your newsletter very interesting as well. I have  an item you may want to get out to everyone.  I was in Sam’s Club recently and saw that they had 20 lb propane tanks on sale.   The interesting thing about these tanks that I really fell in love with is that they have a gauge near  the handle that tells you how much propane is left in the tank.  This is a real help in trying to figure out how much propane is left in your tank .  Thought I would share that with everyone. Pete Pete’s Diggity Dogs **************************** Thanks for a great conversation starter Pete! I always exchange my tanks […]

LA approves inspection ratings for food trucks Posted at 11:37 AM on Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2010 By JOHN ROGERS – Associated Press Writer LOS ANGELES Hungry Southern Californians will soon learn if their favorite food truck makes the grade, after Los Angeles County supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to assign them the same health-board ratings that brick-and-mortar restaurants receive. The vote gives county health inspectors the authority to conduct surprise visits to the trucks twice a year and give them A, B or C ratings, just as they do now with restaurants. Truckers must post their grades prominently for customers to see, just as restaurants do. The new law takes effect in 30 days. Among its supporters were many food-wagon vendors who say they believe it will give people more confidence in the cleanliness of […]

There’s nothing like the feeling of the very first dollar you make with your very own hot dog cart business! Look at that smile – that’s a proud man, and rightly so. I love, love, love it! Jim writes: ********************** Hi Steve, Just wanted to send you my picture of my hot dog cart (JD Dogs).  Been up and running for about a month now.  Having a great time. Thanks for all your help, dvd’s were very […]

Bradley Jacobs just sent me a picture of his second E-Z Built Hot Dog Cart. Hey Steve, Here’s Cart # 2….Thanks, Bradley Jacobs Wholly Cow Hot Dogs, LLC ********************************** The first step to selling is being noticed. You have to think of ways to command attention, ways to stand out in the crowd! Bradley was written up in Hot Dog Cart News a while back when he emailed me pictures of  his “Wholly Cow” the most unique E-Z Built Hot Dog Cart I’ve ever seen. Click the pic for a larger […]

Steve Ead is up and running! He writes: Hello Steve, My E-Z Built cart is built and inspected by the health department.  It passed with out any problems.  I am just putting the finishing touches on the menu and working out the pricing. The last thing will be the website. I have my first hot dog outing this Wednesday night for a local church youth group to get some practice.  Our township has just opened up the park system which includes 20 parks to mobile vendors. A little about me then.  I am a chemical engineer, I have worked in technical sales for the past ten years.  After being let go two times during this recession I am going to […]

David “Franky” Frank is having success with his hot dog business and is wanting to know how to take it to the next level. My answer might surprise you… Hi Steve, I always read your blog with interest and am just getting ready to get your biz & build series! I just got my first cart at the beginning of the summer and have been hot-doggin’ all summer long. Plus, I’ve been partnering with a local restaurant for commercial kitchen, cold & dry goods storage, cooler & freezer, wash up etc. As a result I also added some organics, chowder, and other comfort foods like mac-n’-cheese, franks-‘n-beans and the like. Along the way I quickly became interested in franchising my version of the cart biz and noticed you’re helping a former Wendy’s exec with same… Would you be willing to consult with me […]

Our dog slingin’ brother to the north, Rex Johnson of Canada, owns and operates Hot Dog Heroes. He recently got mentioned in a national publication! Here is the email he sent me… Hey Steve! I just ordered your business course. Really looking forward to getting busy with the program. Although I’m up and running, I am constantly looking for new ways to improve the service. Recently, a few articles were circulated in our local newspaper and a couple of blogs. I’m guessing that this may have started a bit of a snowball effect as we were called by Macleans, Canada’s national magazine ( similiar to LIFE or PEOPLE magazine), for an interview regarding the cart. They were doing a story on the gourmet mobile truck scene across the nation and heard about our business. We were honoured to be […]

Tim at Get Grilled Foods is a student of mine in Indiana. He writes: Steve, I have a question. I am up against a 11% + increase in meat cost this year. Produce is up, chips are up etc. I have heard stated and read, to charge the highest price for a quality product. I [...]

I got an email from Kim who reminded me of a subject we haven’t covered in a while. If you are new here at HDCN you’ll get a kick out of it… Hi Steve, I’m in receipt of your book, and I’m almost finished reading it (and I’ll read it again and again if I need to). I thank you for the world of information on the hot dog cart business.  You are so encouraging for those who […]