A new hall of famer? I think so. HDCN reader and HotDogProfits.com customer Cory Lawrence sent me some pics of his newly finished hot dog cart that really blew me away. There are a few side serve E-Z Builts that have become reader favorites, most notably Jason Thurston’s Campfire Grill, Lee Vestal’s Checkers Street Grill, and of course Larry Helveston’s Dogs on the Run. You can check out photos of these “E-Z Built Hall of Famers” in the photo gallery. I’m sure Cory will be joining the ranks of these famous EZ builders as soon as you see his pictures below.
Cory writes…
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Hello Steve,
I finished up my cart last week, and wanted to pass along the results to you. I must stress, that I am not a carpenter, plumber, or electrician, so the fact that this cart turned out the way it did is a testament to your video instructions. A friend and I had purchased a Carts of Colorado cart (complete with soda fountain) last fall. We use it for church events in the community. I started researching hot dog carts to help us figure out the best way to use our cart. In the process, I learned about the E-Z Built plans that you offer, and decided that I would give it a try. I have included pictures for you to share as you please.
As it turns out, as soon as the components for the cart began to be delivered, my place of employment decided to downsize. I along with a few others lost our jobs when they decided to eliminate the aerospace division. Now what do I do? Finish that cart! I’ve been behind a desk for over ten years, and I am so ready to be out in the community with PEOPLE! My start date is Monday June 18th. Wish me luck.
My friend and I have also decided to sell the Carts of Colorado cart so that I can have a way to help supplement our start-up costs and support my family. I am sending some pictures of this cart as well. We’ve already used it a couple of times this year, and it is licensed by the Missouri State HD. As you can see in one of the pictures, we had quite a crowd at Wal-Mart. This may be exactly what someone is looking for. Let me know if you would post this in the “Used Carts” section Steve. I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks again for the support and easy to understand instructions. Next time you are down my way, stop in for a free O’Doggy’s Dog.
Cory
O’Doggy’s
P.S. I am amazed at the dogger community! Everyone has been incredibly helpful and encouraging.
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Wow Cory – you did a totally awesome job on your E-Z Built Hot Dog Cart. I’m glad you found it so E-Z to build 🙂
Attention to detail really makes the difference between a nice cart and a super nice cart. It’s worth spending a little extra time making sure everything is just right because a super nice cart sells more hot dogs. It just makes you look that much more polished and professional when you hit the streets. Good job on that!
Sounds like your timing couldn’t have been better. Sorry to hear of your layoff, but everything happens for a reason. I am 100 percent confident that you will love your new career and the lifestyle of freedom that comes with it. That’s why I call hot dog vending the “funnest” job in the world. It truly is.
Electric cart for sale. I’m also including the photos of your electric Carts of Colorado rig. I’m sure one of my readers will be interested in it. We’ll also put it in our used hot dog cart classified section. I’ll have Alyssa contact you to get the details.
Good luck on your opening day Cory. Not that you’ll need it with a cart like that!!!
-Steve
P.S. By the way, if any of you readers are moving up (maybe you’ll be building a side serve E-Z Built Hot Dog Cart after seeing Cory’s) and have a used hot dog cart for sale, we can list it for free.
O’man Alive ! These carts are getting more beautiful all the time! I hope someone will let us know where to get the graphics they are using on these carts. Good Luck Cory with your new cart- I’m sure you’ll find it was a blessing, your company downsizing- (btw- just re-watched dvd’s how to build a cart, my question Steve, where do I get a fancy-schmancy workbench, lol 🙂
They really do get better and better. Glad you like my DVDs Robert. I got my workbench at Fancy Schmancy R Us. 😉 Still looking for some spray on hair…
A friend of mine designed the logo, and the vinyl graphics were done by my nephew’s business. I’d be happy to share that info if anyone is interested.
Please do Cory!
Well today is the 18th! I hope it goes well!!!
I’m sure Cory appreciates that Garvin. He’s probably out there right now making his first dollars as a slinger. Thanks for the encouraging words! It helps us all.
very nice paint job and graphics, contrasting trim is a nice touch. thought I would like a side serve, very tempting.
Side serve carts are nice. I’ve worked from both side serve and stand behind models of my E-Z Built. I like them both.
I think the side serve carts are the bomb! and good luck to you Cory.
🙂
How do you set up at Wal Mart other than charity event?
You can’t. Walmart corporate policy states that only charitable or non-profit organizations can get permission to vend on their property for the purpose of fund raising. However, if you team up with a church or charity and do a fund raiser for them at your local Walmart, it’s a great chance to hand out fliers and business cards. You can generate a ton of future gigs this way.
Cool color choice. I did an event at Walmart a few years ago but it was through United Way. I made a donation to United Way and had a good time. I really did not like the spot because of the heat off of the asphalt and I do better in town in the shade. I hear people say if the could only get in front of Walmart. I don’t agree but now if you can get near that would be different. I’m down the street and I get them comming and going.
But Corry, the story should be about you. You did a great job on the cart. Always remember to make it fun….
Duggs Doggs
Good!! Good!!
Great points Michael. As usual. Thanks!
Okay Cory, today is the 18th…how did it go? We are all wishing you the best..Judy
That’s a great looking cart and VERY professional looking. Good Luck with your endeavor.
Great looking cart!
Cory: That is an amazingly awesome cart. My cart is a side built cart, and I love it. Great choice of colors, and your graphics give it a top shelf appearance. I would see it, and come over to it ifI saw it. Be ready for the crowds, the business and the blessings that they will bring you
Blessings
Chappy
Hot Diggidy Dog
Chappy’s cart is certainly a side serve hall of fame contender! It’s a thing of beauty.
Really nice cart. I love the finish work. Good luck slinging dogs.
The finish work makes all the difference. Right on Barb!
So, today is indeed the 18th… First, thanks Steve for sharing my story and cart pictures. Second, thanks to all of you that comment, and share your advice and tips… It’s what makes the difference between failure (or at a minimun a long struggle) and success. And today was a success. I’m wore out and a bit sunburned, but I served dogs to many people, and had a great time doing it.
I’m amazed myself at how well the cart turned out… I did have someone ask if I was a Packers fan… Which hurts because I’m a Bears fan, but it was all in fun. My next cart may be blue and orange!
Thanks for the well wishes!
Hey Cory,
If I sent you a cheese head hat would you wear it? 😉 Go Bears!
Man, those side serve carts are nice! Awesome job on your build, Cory. If I saw your O’Doggy’s cart on the corner, I would definitely stop by.
Cory,
That cart is beautiful enough for ALL of us to feel proud!
What a great job!
Papa
It is the attention to details that set you apart from others. It gives the sense of professionalism that makes the skeptic at ease. You do need to follow it up with a good dog and service though 🙂
My friend Stacey Marler designed my logo for me. He is talented in many areas, one of them being logos and branding. He is available for freelance work. Go to his site and click on the “About” link to get his contact info.
StaceyMarler.com
I had my color vinyl graphics printed at Smooth Printing.
Great service and fast. You can email them your questions at info@smoothprinting.com
Tell them that Cory sent you… no kickbacks for me, but they are family!
If you have any questions, feel free to ask…
Cory
Thanks for the resources Cory!
Hi Steve (great name by the way :-), I live in Queensland, Australia & am very interested in starting a hotdog business here. I particularly like the side-serve cart – how do you think it would go with all the city council health requirements & also, do the plans allow for small modifications if I needed to change one or two things? My main concern is getting the right parts here to match up the design. I appreciate any suggestions,
Steve
Hi Steve,
Yes, great name indeed 😉
I like the side serve cart too. I’ve worked from both side serve and rear serve and they each have their advantages but the side serve gives you more linear access to your equipment.
As far as the city council health requirements go, the rules vary so much from place to place that the only way to know for sure is to take the schematic drawings (included in the package) to your health department and show them. They will tell you what the rules are and how to equip your cart in order to pass the inspection.
Because of this, and everyone’s desire to serve different foods, the plans were designed from the beginning to be easily modified. Once you watch the construction videos, you will be able to build the cart of your dreams.
You should have no trouble obtaining parts locally. We designed the E-Z Built Hot Dog Cart to use locally available hardware store materials.
Our best value is at http://HotDogProfitsPremium.com where you can get all our trainings, videos, and software together, online, instantly, and at one really low price. I especially recommend this option for you Steve as we have had difficulty shipping hard copy books and discs to Australia. The US postal service does a fine job here in the states but seems to drop the ball on international shipping.
Let me know if you have any more questions, and thanks in advance for joining our Hot Dog Profits Premium Membership.
I’ll see you in the member’s area!
Steve