Comments on: Getting Started in the Hot Dog Cart Dog Business with Part Time Gigs

By: Jeff H

Jeff H — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 09:21:56 +0000

Steve,
Great info, I’m glad I found your site, I’ve recently been told that my company will be closing on March 31st, I’ve always wanted to do the hot dog business and now this may be the perfect time to just “GO FOR IT”. I’ve been researching the health board for the Seattle market gathering the in’s and out’s. I’ve looked at a few carts online and I’m narrowing it down. I have to ask you or anyone else what do you prefer? A steamed dog, Grilled, Boiled, Fried what’s your take? I need great taste and quick prep time. I’m working on a great location out in front of a WalMart. I feel the foot traffic would be great on SAT/SUN. Got any advice.

By: Margie Cochran

Margie Cochran — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 23:08:42 +0000

I have been a Hot Dog Vendor for 4 years. When I first began it was a bit intimidating. I wanted to do it right, so I took the “.”Safe Serve Course” at the local Health Dept. This course certifies you as a Food Manager (re: Restaurant).
Each time I am inspected by the Health Dept.for an event, (they know me now..lol) they see the Safe Serve Cert. and the inspection runs smooth. The information in the work book as well as the information given by the Sanitarian, put it all in perspective. I recommend anyone beginning in the Hot Dog Vending Business, take this course. It is located in the Environmental
Health,Div. of the Health Dept.
Before purchasing a Cart, check with your local Health Dept. as to the requirements needed on the cart. In MI, the cart has to be NSF and also,3
sinks are required. (Wash, Rinse and Sanitize)(This varies state to state) I believe in FL 4 sinks are required, the additional one for hand washing. Before buying Steve’s Book, I had spent alot of $ trying to gather information, on start up, costs, taxes etc. Steve’s is the most detailed and answers all of the questions. When in doubt………email Steve. I and my husband are retired (1 year) The Hot Dog Business gives us the much needed additional money. It’s hard work, but if you love people…..this is the business for you.

By: steve

steve — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:55:57 +0000

Hi Bobby,

Catering gigs and parties are fundamentally different from store grand openings and auto dealership promos. They are two entirely different animals, hence there are two very different ways to price these events. I explain both ways in the book.

P.S. I’ve always wanted to use “hence” in a sentence. Check that off my list…

- Steve

By: Bobby

Bobby — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 17:10:55 +0000

Steve,

How do you price events like Store grand openings, Auto dealerships, and Birthday parties ? Do you cover this in your book?

Thanks,
Bobby

By: Kath Moselle

Kath Moselle — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:43:23 +0000

Steve, We just have to tell you…
We purchased “one of the other” hot dog cart books before we found you. We stumbled onto your course later, signed up to get email, and we look so forward to reading anything you send our way. The other guy that got our hard earned dollars, we’ve never heard from again.
We just had to tell you thank you, and we will be buying your course soon.

By: steve

steve — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:12:25 +0000

Greg,
I’ve got good news – this isn’t the unknown! Thousands of people have already been successful. You will be too!

By: Greg Whittet

Greg Whittet — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:08:08 +0000

Thank you for the top twenty list. I plan to launch my hot dog stand in the spring of 2010. I am always fear of the unknown but this certainly helps me and points me in the right direction!

By: Tom Scott

Tom Scott — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:33:13 +0000

Thanks for the idea’s. That looks like the way I am going to need to go and the list gives me some direction.

By: Tom

Tom — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:55:08 +0000

Steve,
Great ideas here.
Thank you,
Tom Rodenkirch