Hot Dog Cart News

I ran across a help wanted ad looking for someone to work a San Francisco hot dog stand. My interest was piqued by the starting wage they offered so I did a little research and discovered a very inspirational fact about the company – their annual earnings. If the figure I’m about to share with you doesn’t make your pulse quicken a bit then you’d better put a mirror in front of your mouth and make sure it’s fogging up like it should…

But first, here’s the original ad from Craig’s List:

HOW ABOUT A FUN, OUTDOOR JOB THAT PAYS WELL?
We have several openings, 32-40 hours a week, for individuals who can do ALL of the following:
1. Sell hot dogs, pretzels, and drinks from our “Stanley’s Steamers” hot dog stands in Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf;
2. Drive our company Ford Econoline van a few shifts a week helping make deliveries to and from our carts;
3. Work in our commissary several days a week helping to prep food for our cart operations.
Applicants must be able to vend, drive, and work in our commissary, and must have open availability, mornings and evenings, 7 days a week. In addition, the job requires a clean driving record and the ability to lift coolers weighing 75 pounds or more.
We will be interviewing this Tuesday for trainings starting this Wednesday. To apply, please send us your resume with references. It always helps to include a personal note telling us something about you.

If you aren’t contacted for an interview by 9pm Monday night, please assume the spots have been filled. Thanks for your interest!
* Location: Union Square
* Compensation: $13.50/hour starting wage
* Principals only. Recruiters, please don’t contact this job poster.
* Please, no phone calls about this job!
* Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

As you’ll recall, what sparked my curiosity was the $13.50 starting wage, and therein lie two lessons:

1. The owner is making way more than $13.50 an hour and he doesn’t even have to be there.

2. If you want good help, pay ‘em to keep ‘em. The owner is a smart operator who knows the value of a reliable consistent employee. That’s why he can play golf at noon anytime he wants.

So who is this company? San Francisco Carts and Concessions.

Dun and Bradstreet puts their annual income at $400,000. Here’s the scoop:

Company Name:      San Francisco Carts Concessions
Est. Annual Sales:     $400,000
Year Started:     1999
State of Incorp:     CA
SIC #Code:     5812

Data above provided by D&B.
2008 Dun and Bradstreet, Inc. All Rights Reserved

So there you go little leaguers – something to shoot for, and proof that it’s possible. Thanks to Craig’s List for $400, 000 worth of inspiration!

-Steve