Hot dog vendor needs location (Jacksonville, Brent: appointed, insurance, Home Depot)

[NikkoMcH]

I just recently started up a hotdog vendor business with my father and I was curious as to what some really good spots would be in the jacksonville area to set up. I could also set up at neighborhood block parties or carnivals or any place someone needs a vendor at.

[HIF]

You can't just pull along side of the road and sell. You need a city permit. Can't do neighborhood parties or carnivals either without a license.

This is a very competitive business and you will be reported in a heartbeat. Even longtime vendors are struggling.

[Properties]

You came to the right place... the Internet. Keep a file of all Jacksonville's websites to arenas, stadiums, the Landing etc. and just head there any time there is a big event.

The REST of the time a spot like Lowes or Home Depot, over at Regency Mall, could use vendors. Even if they say NO, you can park at the outside edge of their property and will still do some business once people get used to seeing you there every day.

BTW, people here seem to really like Hebrew National Beef Knockwurst.

Good luck and God bless.

[NikkoMcH]

Originally Posted by HIF

You can't just pull along side of the road and sell. You need a city permit. Can't do neighborhood parties or carnivals either without a license.

This is a very competitive business and you will be reported in a heartbeat. Even longtime vendors are struggling.

We got a city permit and license and our liability insurance, it's just a matter of finding that perfect spot

[tercel95]

You should setup at Cecil Field during lunch time...

[fsu813]

Obviously foot traffic is key.

- 5 Points in Riverside. This is a shopping/dining area, very popular for lunch. Tons of foot traffic every day. This can also include the 2 parks on either side of it.

- San Marco Square in San Marco. Ditto (sans the parks).

- Intersection of Park & King is the same way, but there is already a vendor posted up there.

- Outisde a major hospital. I know St. Vincents has a vendor already. However, I the Proton Therapy Institute (next to Shands) does not have a vendor there anymore. Both Shands & Proton have a lot of foot traffic.

- Downtown is pretty much covered, unless posting up near the Main Library entrancfe is a possibility. Though that may be covered already as well.

[NorthsideJacksonville]

You could set up shop in Brentwood; that's the area bounded by Golfair Blvd., Norwood Ave, Pearl St., basically the Gateway Mall area. All over Northside we've got vendors selling whatever you can find.

[HIF]

Originally Posted by NikkoMcH

We got a city permit and license and our liability insurance, it's just a matter of finding that perfect spot

That's great. Lots of good locations posted here. I wonder if the farmers market in Springfield or another location would be a good spot? Not sure what kind of traffic they get.

I know that if I am starving and making a run to Lowe's on St. Augustine, I get disappointed if the guy has left. Might be worth it to find out the schedule and see if a second shift might be available/worthwhile.

The guy at the Veteran's Thrift Shop on Beach does a booming biz. If you could find one as busy as they are, it may be worth trying out.

Or maybe in front of the social security office. They have moved and are in a business park. When I wen the last time, there were lots of folks waiting around.

[fsu813]

There is no farmer's market in Springfield.

[rtt]

How about the Saturday Farmer's Market at Nocatee?