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I would like to hear from anyone who has owned a hot dog cart. I'm interested in learning such things as How you found the perfect spot? How many hours did you work? if its not to personal, How much money can you bring in? Did you work just weekends? Just during lunch or dinner times? Did you enjoy it? What types of items did you sell? What kind of cart or add-ons did you need? Do you know of any sites where I can do research into starting such a business? Where did you buy your supplies? I would appreciate any information that anyone has to offer.
Location: The Raider Nation._ Our band kicks brass
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When you say hot dog cart, do you mean an actual cart that you push on the sidewalk, or a full blown concession trailer that you pull with a truck?
I own a concession trailer. I have been to places where I grossed $1500 in 3 hours. I have also been to places where I didn't gross $300 in 5 days. I went to a church festival where the rent was $300 for 3 days. I grossed $170. It was a total loss on rent, time, and groceries. That was the second time that I got burned at a church festival. I will never go to another one. The majority of my buddies won't go either.
There are people that make a lot of money selling just hot dogs. You need the right crowd, at the right place, at the right time. My area is very big on Italian sausage, and steak hoagies. Just about every trailer sells them. I have tried to focus on pulled pork, and roast beef just to be different. You don't really make a lot of money on your big sandwich though. It is just to get them to your stand. French Fries, and bottled water is where the real money is. People also love nachos & cheese, elephant ears, funnel cakes, and corn dogs.
I buy my supplies from Sam's Club, and a few wholesale dealers. You also need a good relationship with your local bakery for fresh buns.
Your local health department is the first place you should contact. They will tell you all about licensing, insurance, inspections, and many other rules in your area.
I'll be getting out of bed around 4 or 5 PM.
Give me an idea of what you are actually thinking about, and we'll talk.
When you say hot dog cart, do you mean an actual cart that you push on the sidewalk, or a full blown concession trailer that you pull with a truck?
I own a concession trailer. I have been to places where I grossed $1500 in 3 hours. I have also been to places where I didn't gross $300 in 5 days. I went to a church festival where the rent was $300 for 3 days. I grossed $170. It was a total loss on rent, time, and groceries. That was the second time that I got burned at a church festival. I will never go to another one. The majority of my buddies won't go either.
There are people that make a lot of money selling just hot dogs. You need the right crowd, at the right place, at the right time. My area is very big on Italian sausage, and steak hoagies. Just about every trailer sells them. I have tried to focus on pulled pork, and roast beef just to be different. You don't really make a lot of money on your big sandwich though. It is just to get them to your stand. French Fries, and bottled water is where the real money is. People also love nachos & cheese, elephant ears, funnel cakes, and corn dogs.
I buy my supplies from Sam's Club, and a few wholesale dealers. You also need a good relationship with your local bakery for fresh buns.
Your local health department is the first place you should contact. They will tell you all about licensing, insurance, inspections, and many other rules in your area.
I'll be getting out of bed around 4 or 5 PM.
Give me an idea of what you are actually thinking about, and we'll talk.
Wow thanks for the great information! I am looking into a hot dog cart as opposed to a concession trailer. I'm actually trying to convince my husband that this would be an ideal to way to bring in extra income. He is the sole bread winner while I am in school full time. I am working on my teaching degree and feel that this would be a great opportunity to earn money during the summers when I am teaching as well. The job market is very competitive in the Atlanta area and my hours aren't very flexible. I was hoping that I could possibly just work weekends with the cart, at least to start. I had also thought about the possibility of working evenings at sporting practices. Of course I will have to look into all of this with my local health department and authorities as you had mentioned. I had thought about the possibility of finding a local weekend flea market. I have a lot of ideas on where to put the cart and what to serve, I'm just not sure where to start. I'm also not sure if it would really be as lucrative as I hoping it would be. The cost of the cart alone could take some time to pay off but I'm looking to do this long term, at least in the summers. I will look at the web sites you mentioned. Thanks again!
Do you know any managers at Home Depot, or other plazas that don't sell food? We always see food vendors at those on the weekends. Sporting practices would be good. It seems like their concession stands are only open during the games.
Twenty years ago there was a big flea market on 41 North of Marietta. I have no idea if it is still there. I would say an office building, but they don't work weekends.
There are so many choices and decisions. Some people like grilled hot dogs. Others like dirty water dogs. Kids will eat anything. Try to keep the selections simple so you don't overwhelm yourself with waste. Have fun. I hope it works out for you.
Set up outside of the area where the bars are in a college town. We had one guy that did that when I was in college and he made enough that he actually bought a building and moved in there. He also did not do as well once he moved inside
Myself? Yes, I've thought of it SEVERAL times but have yet not made a move.
I'm moving to the big city next month so if anyone wants to buy or lease my wagon, they're welcome to.
George
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z35/Georgpl/8-14-20082-16-01PM.jpg (broken link)
I would like to hear from anyone who has owned a hot dog cart. I'm interested in learning such things as How you found the perfect spot? How many hours did you work? if its not to personal, How much money can you bring in? Did you work just weekends? Just during lunch or dinner times? Did you enjoy it? What types of items did you sell? What kind of cart or add-ons did you need? Do you know of any sites where I can do research into starting such a business? Where did you buy your supplies? I would appreciate any information that anyone has to offer.
Thanks so much!
I to am interested in buying a cart.How did things work out for you?
I to am interested in buying a cart.How did things work out for you?
Unfortunately I did not go forward with the cart so I don't have any info for you. Good luck with your plans!
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