Esteban Guzman and his E-Z Built Hot Dog Cart (More pics at the end of the article)
Just got an email from a guy that I’m especially proud of and I thought you would like to read it. Esteban bought my E-Z Built plans and video package a while back and did a really great job putting his cart together.
I had the opportunity to talk with Esteban and what really impressed me was his extreme passion for the hot dog business, especially his Chicago Style hot dogs. I could hear the excitement in his voice as he described his business.
This guy was born to sling hot dogs, no doubt in my mind. And the Chicago connection gives him extra points in my book 😉
Hi Steve,
How are you doing? Hope all is well. I’m doing good here as well, business is moving along and things are looking good. I’m really proud of my cart and I love it! If it weren’t for your hot dog cart plans I wouldn’t even have it and I wouldn’t be doing what I love doing, selling hot dogs.
Last Friday I held a Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting at the Chamber of Commerce in my hometown. Everyone who was there was impressed with the cart and loved my Chicago Style hot dogs.
I also learned that the woman who is in charge of new membership had talked about me and the business on the radio on Wednesday. Apparently people had heard the interview because I had a couple who walked up to me and asked if I had hot dogs to sell, they had heard about me on the radio. I was blown away.
Of course, I wasn’t set up to sell but they said that they will be on the lookout for my cart because they definitely will be trying a Chicago dog. That was awesome!
Last Friday was also my first catering gig and I have to tell ya, it went well, much better than I thought. If you take a look at the pics you will see how I had set up for the catering. I did it buffet style and it was a huge hit with everyone. I was really happy with how it turned out and so was the lady who had hired me. Hopefully it will lead to other jobs.
Anyway, things are looking good for Stevie’s Red Hot Wienies, just thought I’d mention it to you. Take care and stay well.
Your amigo in Texas,
Esteban
Stevie’s Red Hot Wienies
Let’s hear it for Stevie and his Red Hot Wienies. Comments! -Steve P.S. If you want to build your own cart like Esteban did, you can do it for under $800. Go to www.BuildAHotDogCart.com to learn how.
Click the pics below for a larger version.
My man Esteban! Congrats at the grand opening! Sporting the Blackhawks jersey too! Just finished watching them wipe Philly up on the ice. Great setup. I guess the only thing I wanna drive home from this article and it’s something Steve brings up in his book and that is JOIN YOUR LOCAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. It’s what has set me up to be the hot dog cart to call when there is any kind of community event over the other hot dog cart in town.
Way to go Esteban!
Great lookin cart and your pics just gave me a great idea for a wedding I’m catering this Saturday!
For the Love of the Chicago Dog!
Fat Daddy
That looks like a nice cart. I hope you enjoyed you outing.
Steve! Great JOB! And what a great local Chamber of Commerce, talk about helping the little guy, that is so good to hear. It sounds like you have truly hit the ground running and have some great local support. Truly wish you all the best and many profitable days!
Esteban,
You are rockin’ now, bro. I’ve enjoyed reading some of your posts over the last few months. Glad to see you are “on the street, slingin’ the meat”. Awesome cart.
Couple of things – 1) where did you get that awesome condiment tray? I was looking for something like that but haven’t found one. And 2) maybe you already do this. Couldn’t tell from the picture. I’ve learned that “seeding” the tip jar with a handful of change and a couple of “greenbacks” seems to help get the tips flowing. I think either people don’t want to be the first or else maybe the cash laying there makes the tip jar jump out at them.
Sidebar: I think we all need to take up a collection for Esteban, though. He needs a new shirt!, HaHa…Blue Jackets just gotta new coach, Scott Arniel. Lookout Hawks, we’re goin’ for the cup.
I just started my operation in April and we are kickin’ butts & taken’ names! All you EZ cart builders getting your stories up here are making me jealous. I need to get my story to Steve, the Master-O-theDogs, so I can see my smiling face on the board.
Let’s all give Steve a big round of applause. Without the master, none of this would be possible.
Buena suerte
Takin’ names and sellin’ dogs…Awesome! You rock Esteban!
Looks like I won’t need that radio this weekend.. GO HAWKS!
Way to go Stevie….You make us Texans proud….
Esteban,
Great looking cart! Your setup looks neat, clean and inviting. I wish I had the intestinal fortitude at your age to pursue a business venture that could be fun and profitable at the same time. Best of luck, have fun and “sling lots of dogs.”
Jack
What a Great Job Esteban!!! Your pictures are beautiful. You did a wonderful job building that cart. I hope you sell tons of dogs, no doubt you will with that smile for customers :).
All the best wishes for continued success for your new adventure.
Good going Esteban! BTW, where did you find that condiment server that has the ice compartment underneath? I’ve looked all over for one of those!
Very nicely done Estaban…
The cart and setup look great. As in other comments, your condiment server looks great – where can we find one?
Best of luck…
Estaban,
Your a Horse of a man! Congrats you deserve all
the spoils that come from hard work
Congrats!!! Love your set up! Where did you get that cover? Does it attach to your cart?? Wind is a huge issue here, so is a hot sun in N. AZ. Looking for shelter!! Sling those weenies, and train ’em up on the Chicago Dog!
Estaban –
You know I love my Top Dog cart but I may have to build one like yours just for fun. The sky’s the limit on building your own. Great looking cart – glad to see things are cookin’ WG
Hi everyone,
Hope all is well. I just wanted to say thanks for all your comments, I really appreciate it a lot. It really means a lot to me. Thanks again goes out to Steve, whom without his help and generosity I wouldn’t be doing what I love doing. As for the condimemt tray, I got them at Bed, Bath and Beyond.
Hello All,
Great job on your cart Esteban! I like the way you arranged the sinks on the back and your set up for the catering job.
Regarding the condiment tray…I bought one at Costco Business wholesale for 29 bucks. I believe you can order one online and they will ship it where it needs to go.
Great job Stevie , Being from Chicago myself im setting up a Chicago dog stand here in St.Augustine Florida and give them a taste of the good dogs. Im doing a 5/1 dog but was curious of what type your doing and the price your selling the dogs at?
Great job Steve
Great job, Esteban!When you see such crowds lining up to get a dog, the event had to be a success.I really like the tip jar next to mustard dispenser.Customers will not miss it.Very smart.
I’m not a NFL fan but like you shirt.
Way to go Stevie/Esteban. Great set up on the cart and love the catering pics.
Hola Steve muchas felicitaciones por tu negocito espero algun dia poder tener yo un carrito de Hot Dogs
Suerte Write me I need fed back on Permits I am in Idaho.y Oregon
Congrats Esteban! Wow, ribbon cutting ceremony, that is fantastic. your Chicago dogs look good and very colorful. Wish you much success in the future.
Steve I love hearing all these success stories, it’s just gets you even more motivated. Happy doggin’
Very nice cart, love the idea you are using a tent, nice colors on the cart, hey every one lets get all dogged up. great job and have a blast selling dogs.
Tony
Good job on your cart Esteban. Sounds like your getting off to a good start. I just ordered my E-Z Build package a couple of days ago and Can’t Wait to get going on my cart. :)) I’m looking forward to customizing the plans to what i’m wanting. After reading all that i have read about Steve’s plans, i feel very comfortable that I will be able to do someting I’m Sure I could not do on my own. “Build my own hotdog cart!” I can’t wait to be joining yall.
Hey Steve, just wanted to let u know that I have had several calls @ “Carts for Cash”. I am directing them to buy the book. The CD’s as well.
Thought u might like to know that ur website is working. (My phone # is in the pix……lol
Esteban,
Niiiice! what an inspiration I’m out here in southern california( not a very friendly business enviroment) and looking to launch my hot dog cart in august. It’s stories like these that really pump up the rookie in me. Best O luck
Thanks DGD!
-Steve
Ulysses,
Your package is on it’s way! Thanks for dropping in here, glad to have you.
-Steve
Esteban, glad to see you are up and running. We both need to find time to hang out and talk business. Let me know.
Thank you Steve for providing such a great service to all of us up and coming rookie doggers. I’m looking forward to diving onto your material starting my process and I’ll keep you posted of my new hot dog venture empire:)
What town in Texas?
I’m in Belton, just north of Austin. Frank, absolutely we should get together and talk.
Esteban:)
How did you get your signs done? How did you mount them ? with what?
I have a stainless steal cart and had my signs laminated and had to duct tape them on. Looking for a better way.
Thanks Cindy’s Mighty Dogs
Cindy,
I got my signs done here at a local print shop and I mounted them on the cart by screwing them in using wood screws so they are permanently mounted to the cart.
i just got my plans to build a cart,im excited to get started ,by the way the plans are excellent,well presented thanks, steve
Esteban, great job on the cart and on starting with such excitement. Glad to hear that you are introducing those Texans to the Chicago dog.