I've been contemplating buying a hot dog cart that I can tow with my truck. I am moving into a tourist area with a lot of different locations to post up and sell. I have done a decent amount of research regarding the licenses and protocols I will have to follow in order to start this business. Same goes for product and supplies.I am curious as to anons experiences with running a hot dog cart or a something similar to it. Even if its a food truck. I am also open to any and all suggestions.
>>21982862>Side Gigslinging dogs is a full time investment or you won't make any profit at all.the permit alone constitutes this fact.
>>21982873Most likely I will make this full time if it works well. I am financially sound, thats why I said gig.
>>21982899you can charge a good amount for the dogs too.
>>21982862You’ll likely be robbed and killed by
>>21982982-by who?! Did they get you?
>>21982862So when I was in college, all the first year business students had to run a small business on campus in the spring. One group bought a hot dog cart, and they would set up next to the one sidewalk leading from town (i.e. where the bars are) to the dormitories on campus between the hours of 10pm and 3am on the weekends. They made a killing, so I'd say location and hours are key for that sort of venture
>>21982899If you make it a full time endeavor, have a scheduled and set-in-stone route. I knew a guy who did vending machines, and while not the same there are similarities. Say you have a schedule like:>M Tu W Th F - 12:00pm to 2pm / 4pm to 8pm>Sa Sun - 11am to 4pm, for exampledon't EVER miss a day, especially in the first month starting out. You'll make the majority of all sales from regulars in high foot traffic areas. Once you get a regular clientele, pay attention to what sells on what days in what locations and lean into that/cut underperforming items (vending machine guy tip based on restocks). You'll also get to know your regulars eventually, and this can lead to networking opportunities like catering parties, church group events, etc. occasionally (though maybe not if you stick to just strictly dogs) also,>>21982978price point is a strategy you have to consider based on what areas you select to set up in (btw, it helps to have a buddy with a physical business, he might let ya set up shop outside his spot for free). Use your discretion, but I personally would keep the standard dog rate solidly under what's normal for the market in your area, then have some custom order dogs unique to your cart you sell at a premium ranging from a mid to hefty upsell; when given the option a lot of first time buyers will get a basic and a "premium".
>>21983069this guy businesses
>>21982982Awe shit its Candleja
>>21983069OP here, you sir are a gentleman and a scholar. I appreciate all of what you have written.
>>21983106well I did come from /biz/ so>>21983118happy to help! keep us posted if you decide to give it a go, and for sure share the menu if your plan comes to fruition.
>>21983118>>21983169I am contemplating doing something similar but in my case it will be burritos. I'm trying to come up with a solution to how to keep them warm. They will be wrapped in foil
>>21982862>Chicago Dog >Polish Sausage>Bratwurst & Kraut (Fall)>Sriracha Mayo Dog (Summer)>Brown MustardHave a non-standard option for variety in rotation. Good buns make the difference. See if you can source from a good bakery.
>>21983069>the standard dog rateA small friendly dog as a mascot never hurts either.
Bumping for trad hot dog cart vendor appreciation. The "gourmet food truck" fad was a so cringe, so I hope real lunchwagons can come back.
>>21982862I have a good idea for a hot dog food truck but I need investors
>>21983584>my idea
>>21983069>know your regularsNobody wants the hotdog guy tracking their movements. People here made jokes about being recognized somewhere so they stop going but we were just ahead of the curve and that anti-social quality is even more of a norm.
>>21982862
>>21982862Have you thought of a name yet (of course don’t share it if so)? Also have you decided whether or not to refer to your customers as “my friend”?Maybe you can meld both together and call your stand “My Friend Hotdogs”
>>21984038My name is Frank and I was thinking of calling it " Frank's Frank's" or "Franks2"
>>21984290It is supposed to be the squared math symbol, not a number two. So basically, Franks Squared
>>21984290How about "Beyond Bun and Dog with Jonathan Franks"?
>>21982862I'd honestly do something other than hotdogs. Check out the Korean pop up food stands. It'll make you stand out and you can charge a larger premium.
