Hot Dog Cart Radio is on the air!
Today you’re going to hear from hot dog cart success story Nathan O’Brien.
Nathan started a hot dog stand in Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada just a short time ago and he’s been quite successful.
While many folks start out part time, Nathan jumped right in with both feet securing a spot outside a big box home improvement store and he’s been making a full time income from day one. Awesome job Nathan!
Be sure to check out the pictures of Nathan’s operation below.
I interviewed Nathan on Hot Dog Cart Radio, my new podcast program. The handful of interviews I’ve done in the past were so popular, I’ve decided make it a regular feature.
I’ll be bringing you many more stories and interviews in the future. Stay tuned right here for Hot Dog Cart Radio.
Here is the interview I did with Nathan about his hot dog cart business, “Go Nutz! Hot Dogs”. There’s a little static in the first few seconds but it clears up quickly.
Click the link to listen online or right click to download the MP3 so you can listen on your iPod.
Hot Dog Cart Radio – Nathan O’Brien of Go Nutz! Hot Dogs
Many thanks to Nathan for doing this interview. Enjoy!
-Steve
Nathan O'Brien
// Jun 26, 2009 at 9:30 pm
Hey Thanks For the interview Steve!
Sounds Great!
p.s. I got my umbrella Back up the next day after the pictures ha!
Tim
// Jun 27, 2009 at 8:01 pm
Great interview I would love to hear more of them Steve.
JIM
// Jun 29, 2009 at 12:26 am
Great idea interviews with us hot doggers
If you want my co. is “THE GREAT AMERICAN HOT DAWG CART’ 507-402-3573
steve
// Jun 29, 2009 at 5:50 am
Hey Jim,
Tell me a bit about your hot dog cart biz in an email.
Send it to steve@HOTDOGPROFITS.COM
-Steve
steve
// Jun 29, 2009 at 5:53 am
Does anyone else have a hot dog cart biz that you want to talk about on Hot Dog Cart Radio?
I’m looking for interview candidates .
email me: steve@HotDogProfits.com
I look forward to hearing from you!
-Steve
Maggie
// Jun 29, 2009 at 4:41 pm
I am very intrested in a hot dog cart . I want to try and purchase but I can not afford it and my credit is not so hot I also searching the web for used cart but no luck any ideas …….
steve
// Jun 29, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Hi Maggie,
As a matter of fact I have the best idea of all…
http://www.BuildAHotDogCart.com
What can I say? If you don’t toot your own horn, who will?
-Steve
Scott
// Jun 29, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Please assist. I am trying to get started in the hotdog business. I have talked with a few of the guys here in town. One guy is trying to sell his business do to relocation. He has 2 carts that someone else sets up and takes down as well as work the carts 4 days a week at night by the clubs. He said the after all of his expense’s he makes about $40,000 and is selling for $50,000 is this worth it or would it be best to buy a cart and start from scratch?
Scott
Jeff
// Jun 29, 2009 at 6:45 pm
Great interview Steve and Nathan,
Keep them coming Steve..I’m loving all the info on this site..
I just had my best weekend yet $800, at the park, The park just started doing movies on Saturday nights and it was nuts…Everyone loved our Jalapeno and Cream Cheese hot dog… I ran out of Jalapeno’s within an hour…..Next week we are doing a Concert on Friday and a movie on Saturday… My goal is $1500,,,,Wish me luck..
steve
// Jun 29, 2009 at 7:31 pm
YOU GO JEFF!!!!
-Steve
Steven Coronado
// Jun 29, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Great Interview, Great cart, Nathan. Good Luck and keep sellin.
Steven C
“Fat Franks”
Roswll, NM
Tim/Get Grilled
// Jun 29, 2009 at 10:24 pm
GO NATHAN!
Good idea Steve, love the radio interview. Outstanding way to get the message to the working “dogs”.
steve
// Jun 30, 2009 at 7:08 am
Scott,
$40,000 a year income in a hands off business would be a nice thing to have. $50,000 may be a fair price if the business is stable and sales have been at that level for at least a year.
As you stated, your other option would be to buy (or build) a cart and start from scratch. The guy selling his cart biz is proof that it can be done in your community, so why not save $50,000 and invest a few weeks getting it going on your own.
My favorite success formula is to find someone who is successful and do what they do. Just duplicate his operation and you could have that $40K income without the $50K price tag.
Once you have your processes and systems in place, duplicate your own success. Take that $40K income and double it to $80,000.
You would have to “work” about two to three hours a day on average to oversee an operation that size.
-Steve
Jeff
// Jun 30, 2009 at 1:39 pm
I have to agree with Steve on this one, $40k-$50k is cheap for a well established business, however you could save yourself a ton of money by going at this on your own.
Besides part of this business is going threw the good and the bad. You need to take your knocks and learn all you can about the business. Health Boards, Permits, finding that perfect location, Marketing, Product negotiation, It’s work and it may not sound glamorous, but if you never go threw this stuff you will never be able to grow. In my opinion 80% of this business is the awesome story you create going threw all of the small details. Daily you will be asked “How did you get into this business” You have to sell the story, the David -VS- Goliath victory that you overcame and went for your dreams and how you persisted on. That sells hot dogs,,,,Or you can say I wrote a big check and now I’m living this guys dream…How exciting. There are short cuts that you can take in this business,,,but this one should not be one of them…GROW YOUR BUSINESS, You will achieve more doing it yourself…Besides we are all hear to give advice…and help you…
Jeff
// Jun 30, 2009 at 6:12 pm
I just wanted to share this little tip!
Baiting The Water !
We’ve all heard the term “Baiting The Water” growing up as kids,,Well I use it everyday in my Hot Dog business. You see I sell my dogs at a local park that has tons of kids laughing and playing all day just 15ft away from my cart. Well one advantage that this business has done for me is allowed my kids to enjoy the fruits of this business as well. Anytime I have a lull in traffic or things are going slow, I simply call my kids over and say “How would you like a Hot Dog or a Otter Pop?” Of course they say “YES!” I simply give them the treat and say “Go Play”. Within minutes I have 5-10 kids screaming at their parents that they want a “Dog or Otter Pop”.
Hey! it’s sneaky but my kids gotta EAT! Just a tip, try it out.
steve
// Jun 30, 2009 at 9:10 pm
Jeff,
I call that “chumming”.
Your kids are lucky to have Dad around all the time. Is this a great business, or what?!!!
-Steve
Bob Abraham
// Jun 30, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Great interview Steve and Nathan.
My two questions are:
1) Did you have to speak to corporate headquarters to get on the property? Or just a store manager?
2) How much rent are you paying? Is it a flat rate or gross?
Thanks,
Bob A.
Wichita, Ks.
Nathan
// Jun 30, 2009 at 9:55 pm
Hey Thanks Everyone!!
Love the Feed back…
In regards to the issue here, my 2 cents is start from skratch liek steve said, It sounds like the business will work in your area, so skip the 40 000 Start up costs, and buy (or Make) your own cart. You start making money the quicker your start up costs are coverd…
Nate
Go NUtz!
Nathan
// Jul 1, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Hey Bob
This was done through the website, I sent a comment in with my suggestion. eventually the STORE MANAGER got back to me and said he wanted to do it. I never talked with any Headquarters people. Only the Manager.
Rent, After i said what i could offer, he said in an email what he wanted, he had originally said $400 a month, I countered with $250, Its been my first month done and over with and i havent paid anything yet, BUt the $250 will be do-able.
flat Rate
Thanks!
Nate
Bob Abraham
// Jul 2, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Thanks Nathan,
You’ve got a great deal.
Here at my Home Depot you have to go through Street Eats.
They want $1440 + $720.00 flat rate. Like paying 3 months up front. On top of that you have to go by their rules. It is like you work for Street Eats.
Anyone else had to deal with this?
Bob A.
Wichita Ks.
steve
// Jul 2, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Bob,
$720/month rent for that much foot traffic isn’t bad at all. You could easily make that much in sales in a day or two.
Sometimes you have to pay the fiddler if you want to dance.
-Steve
nathan O'Brien
// Jul 3, 2009 at 6:37 am
Yeah the $250 seems really cheap! i’m pleased with it, this is one of the slower hardware stores in this area so my sales are a bit all over the place, BUT they are putting up a wal-mart and best buy next door within the next year, should do wonders for the store, and in turn…Me.
Nate
GO NUTZ
Jeff
// Jul 3, 2009 at 5:42 pm
$720 Month!!! divided by 30 days =$24 per day, or the first 8-10 dogs sold goes to Street Eats, mmmmmm! I think I would be O.K. with that.
Don’t trip over pennies on the way to dollars….
Just my two cents..
Jeff
Da Vinci Dogs
Bob Abraham
// Jul 14, 2009 at 11:17 am
Well, my other qualms are they want 2 months security deposit. So, I have to come up with $2,160. I have to sell my pop and candy for a nickel more. Just enough for them buy in the store rather from me.
steve
// Jul 14, 2009 at 11:40 am
Bob,
You won’t lose any sales over a nickle. This business is all about convenience.
Offer a combo and no one will care at all.
-Steve
Bob Abraham
// Jul 15, 2009 at 7:42 am
I did think about that. Also they would reach me before the store.
I just have to figure out how to come up with 3 months rent.