Hot Dog Cart News

39 Comments so far ↓

• Eric Moore // Feb 8, 2010 at 12:41 am

  I’m am lucky enough to be set up in a gas station/car wash lot that has a bathroom inside in case of emergencies. The guys from the gas station are great and keep an eye on it. I take my change apron with me and slip the tip jar in my Jeep before I do go.

• aj ramos // Feb 8, 2010 at 12:56 am

  Regular location- a loyal customer will watch the cart while I run into Starbucks, always grab a cup of coffee so they never know I’m using their restrooms.
  Special Events- most of the times I have my family with me, so that’s not a problem, but always try to go before everyone arrives.
  if I don’t drink alot I can go 6-7 hours without needing to go.

• Brook // Feb 8, 2010 at 12:57 am

  I live in Washington state (Thurston County) and there MUST be a restroom facility within 200 feet of my cart, be it a public restroom or a gas station, etc. In the paperwork that I file I must tell where the bathroom is that I’ll be using. If it’s other than a public restroom then I must get something in writing from them saying it’s okay for me to use their bathroom.

• Clifford C // Feb 8, 2010 at 1:27 am

  Wherever you set your cart for business you should have some kind of rapport with the owner of the property, the neighbors and your customers. You should talk to the property owners first and try to make arrangements to use their facility. If that does not work then you have to search out a facility nearby.

  As for how to secure your cart from theft you can pre-arrange for someone to watch your cart but that may prove to be very difficult if not impossible. If you have a good rapport with your customers you can usually get one of them to guard your cart when you need to go. You will find that if you offer a free meal for their service more often than not they will show up just about the time that you are scheduled to do your duty.

  Keep in mind that depending on travel time and availability of the facility to go number one it takes about five to seven minutes with hand washing if you get in immediately and for number two seventeen minutes plus is a good average. If you do not believe those numbers time yourself and you will be surprised.

  Remember that if you have diarrhea it is best to stay home so you do not inffect your customers and ruin your business. Scrub your hands and do not touch anything with your hands as you exit the facility. Use hand sanitizer when you get back to your cart, that lets whomever is watching it know that you are not contaminated.

  Stay clean and keep things clean!

  Good luck!

  Clifford

• Mike C // Feb 8, 2010 at 1:29 am

  Leaving a cart unattended is a tough one… especially when you have to run to the can!

  The best solution i can come up with is to keep your cart in a place just feet away from a restroom and lock your carts wheels with a chain ran between them. Just remember to take the chain off when you’re ready to move your cart.

  Have you considered using a thermos behind a bush?

• Larry, Buns 'n the Sun, Arizona // Feb 8, 2010 at 3:40 am

  In Maricopa County (Phoenix Area) Arizona.Restroom must be within 200 feet of the cart,Definitely, cuts back on our locations here. When nature calls, i shut off the propane and leave the cart. Also, here one must have an written agreement allowing you to use their restroom.

• Evy Kittner // Feb 8, 2010 at 5:50 am

  I run a stand everyday. I have become friends with my local stores around me. They usually watch my cart, let me use their bathroom and I in turn give them a break on hotdogs, If I have extra hotdogs at the end of the day I give it to them before I discard it. It has turned out very well.

• calvin jones // Feb 8, 2010 at 5:52 am

  Take your money and go to the restroom. If someone steals a bag of chips, So what.

• Rick Forness // Feb 8, 2010 at 5:53 am

  This can be a real problem!Last year there were no bathrooms close, this resulted in some really strange dancing motions, untill my emergency stand in arrived.Leaving the cart was a last resort.Most of my regular customers asked this same question and offered to run the cart if i need to leave. They really seemed to enjoy this and i had more than a few who asked every day if i needed a break. Thanks for great customers.
  Rick

• russ ("Grateful Dawg") // Feb 8, 2010 at 6:46 am

  one obvious solution is to have an assistant who can stay with the cart while you run off to do whatcha need to do. Being a guy, at my two main venues, I have developed a way to surreptitously micturate right at the cart with no one the wiser. There are few if any scenarios where I would feel comfortable about leaving the cart.

  When you have a good crop of loyal customers, you might be able to find someone to watch your operation for a few minutes, guarding it and telling people the Dawg person will be right back.

  Good luck with this. It is one of the many logistical issues one must deal with in this racket.

• Curtis // Feb 8, 2010 at 7:16 am

  I have been in the concession business a long time and bathroom breaks have always been a concern. Normally if I am just going out for the lunch crowd I have no problem, but if you are doing a all day event, you will need someone to relieve you for potty breaks, not many of us can wait 8 hours with out going. If you are in a big show you will need a helper anyway, so let them run the stand while you run to the restroom. I always locate them as soon as I get to a new spot. But yes it is a concern.

• Mark // Feb 8, 2010 at 7:17 am

  HI,
  I am new as well. I was only out a few times last fall. Usually only for 4 hours at a time. I did not go out alone. I had my wife or father out with me, so I did not have to leave my cart alone. I would also like to know so I would not have to always have to bring someone else along.

• joe of joe's hotdog hill llc // Feb 8, 2010 at 7:30 am

  i set up m- f at an auto repair center on a busy corner the owner or one of the employees keep an eye on mine when i take a break on the weekends i’m at a bar late afternoon til mid night karoke and free poker know a lot of people there to help me out works good just started my self dec 2 2009 u’ll be ok i’m on double lasiks goodluck joe

• Terry/ The Hot Dog Guy // Feb 8, 2010 at 8:13 am

  I have a small sign that I keep in the storage area saying I will be back in a few minutes. I just put it on my cart while I am away. I keep my change apron with me. I always wash and sanitize my hands (again) at the cart when I return for the benefit of anyone watching. I have never had a problem with anyone tampering with my cart.

• The Doghouse // Feb 8, 2010 at 8:51 am

  Steve,this sight is awesome!!actually one of the only things I look forward to in my e-mail! I will be out this April with my home built trailer for the first time ever,this sight is very helpful in every aspect,so….thanks!!
  Joe

• Nature // Feb 8, 2010 at 8:51 am

  So happy that I am where I am. I just leave a sign out and they are there when I get back. Never had any problems even at the big events. Most people are honest. And even if they were really hungry and had no money I would give them a dog. Usually I toss in a bag of chips if they had to wait. Keeps good Karma.

• Hot Dog City // Feb 8, 2010 at 9:47 am

  When nature calls you must go. Most people are great about watching your cart. There are two of us working the cart most of the time. But we are always close to a restroom. That’s the first I have heard of the 200 ft rule. I am suprised that Tennnessee does not have it on there list. They are so strict about everything else. Hey everybody Springtime is getting close lets all get ready to make some money.

• steve // Feb 8, 2010 at 10:03 am

  I never put a “Back in 5 minutes” sign on my cart. I just take my cash apron and leave. I even leave the tip jar on the cart. I want people to think that I’m around there somewhere.

  But you’re right, 99 percent of people are honest. I’ve never , ever had anyone mess with my cart while I was “indisposed”.

  -Steve

• Jim Lester // Feb 8, 2010 at 11:02 am

  I do as Steve did I just grab the money and leave I’m not ever gone very long the customers seem to know if my suv is gone i’ll be right back and they wait or come back never have had a problem in 10 months Good luck to every one this spring
  Jim ” The Great American Dawg Wagon”

• Chuck // Feb 8, 2010 at 11:09 am

  I’ve been wearing a huge, visible diaper for years!
  ha-ha.
  Actually, I had a concern about this very real issue, early on. I have a porta-potty inside the cube trailer that I hauled my gear in. I also have a stand alone hand washing sink in a cabinet that sits right next to my cart/canopy and the public watches me wash my hands frequently.
  I realize that not everyone can purchase a small cube trailer in addition to everything else that needs to be bought. But remember, we are professionals and we should make every effort to equip ourselves so that we are comfortable, sanitary and safe.
  When I first started, I had four locations and I picked them primarily because of the quick and easy access to bathroom facilities.
  A rising tide lifts all boats, and so you will find that most business owners are willing to help you get started. They anticipate that your business presence will also add to their profitability.
  Stay with it!
  Chuck Leidy – Reo’s Coffee & Hot Dog Emporium LLC

• Pocono Hot Dog // Feb 8, 2010 at 11:16 am

  Steve,
  I am glad that all your readers are great kidders! I mean, among all of us professionals, we have read the instructions on the Thermos and we Know that it is illegal to use it for other purposes than it designed use. We all wash and Sanitize our hands constantly and ask someone to watch our carts when it is time to answer the Call of nature. We Know that when we all act professionally and keep in good standing with our respective communities there is no need to implement legislation for 200 feet rules etc.
  I get my avid Hand washing skills from my grandfather, he worked 60 years as a Men’s Room Attendant. In the 60′s the health department made the Establishment put signs in the Men’s Room that Read “All employees must wash hands before returning to work” My grandfather worked in the Men’s Room so he constantly washed his hands in fear of his job. The only plus to that job was that he retired with Brown Lung Benefits!! –Clean Hands
  Clean Mind
  Clean Cart
  Clean Profit

• Esteban Guzman // Feb 8, 2010 at 11:38 am

  I set up on Saturdays in front of my brother’s store so going to the bathroom is not a huge problem . When I set up at the farmers market and I have to go I usually have one of my nephews watch the cart while I use the facilities at one of the local stores so going to the bathroom is not a problem for me.

• Lucky Dawg // Feb 8, 2010 at 12:01 pm

  I was wondering if this was going to be a topic.
  I give myself a five hour window from the time I leave the house.
  I only drink water and take small sips. This is tougher during the summer heat.
  As soon as I get on the road I will stop at a gas station and T.C.B.
  I also have a hasp lock on my cart ice chest that I can lock. If I had to go real bad I would leave my cart (hopefully with a frequent customer to keep an I on it) and bring my cash, turn off the propane, lock up my drinks and make a mad dash to the nearest facility.
  When I got back lunch would be on me for my look-out. Hope that helps.

• Jeff // Feb 8, 2010 at 12:31 pm

  Take care of business before you start your day. In case of a #1 emergency a large Gatorade bottle and a car door for concealment works great !(I’m Serious, just wash your hands after.)

  Don’t drink coffee and you will reduce emergency #2, If that does not work, I have a chair with handles, I sit and act like I’m 5 yrs. old and prey and I don’t have a accident. A clean pair of underwear in your tool box is a must. I’ve never had to tear open the package of my adult diapers and I hope I never have to.

  The best solution, have your wife drop everything, grab the kids, throw them in the car, and break every speed limit to hurry up and save you. This method sucks if you are 50 miles from home, but it helps knowing HELP is on the way.

• Rick // Feb 8, 2010 at 1:29 pm

  Hi Steve
  I tried the thermos idea but I noticed that it made my coffee taste funny

• Janet // Feb 8, 2010 at 1:34 pm

  I also appreciate this website, I look forward to what I will learn next. I have a question as well. The city of Salmon Arm B.C. Canada has designated areas the food vendors can buy for $235 a year. Once bought you can’t move around town. This location has a lot of foot traffic and I think it would be good. My only concern is, because it is downtown where parking is only 1 hour I would have to park my vehicle at least one block away. I will be operating my cart for the first time this spring, so I would like to know what you think.
  Thanks
  Janet

• Mark // Feb 8, 2010 at 2:13 pm

  Some cities require as part of their license program that you have an agreement with a near by business – for restroom use. I plied the business with a free lunch per month – but do cut down on my liquids while working the cart.

• DUGGS DOGGS // Feb 8, 2010 at 6:00 pm

  In Georgia, the state health department rules require you to have a signed approval from the business that you set up at to provide restrooms for you. If Public restrooms are available you are not required to have any additional paperwork. I have left my cart a few times not to use the restroom but to take care of other issues and my cart was not bothered. I did cut all fuel burners off for safety reasons. Being in a small town makes me feel safe, plus I alway have my 9mm with me just in case. Just make sure you have a permit to meet all state and federal laws.

• KDog // Feb 8, 2010 at 6:10 pm

  Nice input everybody, I also had that toilet question on my list.

  FYI…..The California Retail Food Code (part of the California Health and Safety Code), Chapter 10-Mobile Food Facilities (MFF), states that toilet and handwashing facilities shall be within 200 feet of the MFF.

• Moto Dawgs // Feb 8, 2010 at 7:02 pm

  I usually go before I start and I limit my fluid intake during the five hours a day out there to one coffee. I am outside the entrance of a large store and operate in sub-zero temps sometimes so I am very layered with clothes and also wear a snowmobile suit on top of all the other attire. I actually do wear an adult diaper just in case I can’t get to the wash-room quick enough and un-zip, un-snap and un-button fast enough to avoid a little accident which did happen once. That was the day I decided to have a back-up plan which I’ve not used yet, thank luck.

  Mitch

• monte-such-a-dog // Feb 8, 2010 at 7:26 pm

  lets all use some comon sense, if u gotta go, u gotta go! take your $$$$ and go to the bathroom, do your duty! wash, and go back to the cart.

  not everyone is a thief!!!!!!!! wow

• Jim H // Feb 9, 2010 at 2:11 am

  Thanks to everyone, I was wondering the same thing.

• Deb // Feb 9, 2010 at 8:34 pm

  I live in New Haven CT. Here you don’t have to have notes from stores that say they will let you use their facilities. Once your license is paid for and the health department gives you the thumbs up, you can park your cart anywhere you want. Lucky for me, I have a daycare, and I’m going to use my driveway. Heavy car traffice, industrial area, and school right next door, 8 grades and teachers. And, because I am going to be on my property, I don’t need a vending license. Now I can work and save up for extras, and the bathroom issue isn’t one.

• Lenzie ( Hot Diggity Dog Co. ) // Feb 10, 2010 at 9:33 am

  Lock your investment up with a trailer lock you can buy them at northern stores or hareware store. So you can have a peace of mind went you go to the restroom.!!!!! YOU WELCOME. !

• Hot Dog Business Joe // Feb 10, 2010 at 11:47 am

  I have a really great situation, I used to work in construction, now have my stand at the same construction site and the foreman relieves me when I need to go to the bathroom.

  I earn more now than I did before, feed all my mates and can take time off when it suits me.

  - Life as a hot dog vendor is great.

• Erin // Feb 13, 2010 at 8:26 am

  Larry (Buns ‘n the Sun) I am also in Maricopa county I have also been trying to find locations so I can comply with the 200 feet rule. I am using the EZ-Build Cart plans and the county just approved me to get started, they didn’t like the idea of a wooden cart but I was within Maricopa County rules. They were nice enough to let me turn in the bathroom use agreement when I bring the cart in for inspection.

• steve // Feb 15, 2010 at 5:40 am

  Erin,
  As long as all wooden surfaces are painted, the EZ Built cart will pass inspection. I hear this all the time – once the inspector sees the finished cart, they are always amazed at how nice it is. In fact they usually say that it’s nicer than a lot of the manufactured carts they’ve inspected.

  Send me pics when it’s finished!

  -Steve

• Debra Tristan // Mar 24, 2010 at 2:07 pm

  I’m so excited I can wait to get started. I’m so glad I found this site.

• ray // Jan 16, 2011 at 3:47 pm

  how about a stand up shower, compost tolet, with a camping shower to enclose the tolet.