I’ve only got one word for this – WOW!!!
Let me set this up for you…
You know that the E-Z Built Hot Dog Cart is the cheapest way to get started in this business. You also know that the E-Z Built is so easy to construct that practically anyone can do it.
But did you also know that the E-Z Built is highly customizable? That’s right. Since you are the builder, you have the option of setting it up any way you like, to serve any foods you want, with what ever equipment you need.
I got an email this morning from a guy who took the custom aspect as far as anyone has so far, and he did a KILLER job of it!
He stretched the cart body, installed two cooking stations, added a four compartment sink, and made it a side server complete with counter top.
Meet Jason Thurston.
Hey Steve,
Well I finally finished building my very own hot dog cart and passed the health inspection with flying colors just like you said. Because I followed your instructions when talking to the health inspector he waived the hot dog cart commissary requirement.
I am so grateful for the Carts Of Cash course and the EZ built videos. The health inspector really loved the cart, he couldn’t believe I built it.
I am am trying to get permitted for public property like the courthouse or the UT campus, I also would like to be next to the hospital.
Right now I am in the set up and test mode, works great, set up test, and just like you said I can move.
I have had some fantastic days. It is so much fun serving a great product and meeting so many people.
My customers love my cart and I have registered my name Campfire Grill.
The cart has such a distinctive look, people recognize me from one location to the next. I just need to find that special spot that I can call home and build my business right there on a consistent basis.
I did a fireworks show one night and made $600 bucks in four hours by myself!
Wow, I was really hustling, next time I’ll be ready and probably do $1500.
Once again thank you so much for all that you do. I could never have started with out you.
Jason Thurston
Campfire Grill
You made my day Jason! Thanks for sharing your story, pictures, and inspiration for future E-Z Built Hot Dog Cart builders.
Keep up the good work,
-Steve
Bob Harman
// Sep 24, 2009 at 9:18 pm
Jason (campfire grill). Wow, great looking cart; It makes me think I can do it too.
Brand new to the concept, I am doing my research.
Keep up the good work, it really looks good and is so encouraging to hear about.
PS. do the girls come with the cart plans?
Renee and Susan
// Sep 24, 2009 at 10:47 pm
Jason – great cart ! we got our’s today – we are ready to make some ” cash” ! Susan and Rena
AJ Ramos
// Sep 24, 2009 at 11:54 pm
Great job Jason, the cart is awesome. I bought a factory cart and everytime I see pics of EZ built, I ask myself why didn’t i just build my own. It looks so much better and its’ built to your likings and needs. what was your total cost for this cart?
Wish you the very best!!!
Larry Helveston
// Sep 25, 2009 at 6:31 am
Hi Jason, great looking cart!! Hey get in touch with me, would love to see your cart in person. I live in Andersonville next to Norris lake. Would love the chance to talk with you. I’m about 30 miles from you in Anderson county. Call me @ 865-806-5951.
Jason Thurston
// Sep 25, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Hey Guys (fellow hotdoggers)
Wow! Thanks for all of the kind thoughts and comments. It really means a lot to me. This cart is truely a very special cart, it works so well, the water pump, hot water heater, and the fire box was all learned from the EZ Built video. Thanks to Steve I have a new business I can grow. Times are tough. I was out of work last year do to a torn achilles heel and when I was able to return to work I lost my job. So, the hot dog business has really saved the day. All I can say is thanks to Steve and all the other Carts of Cash teamplayers.
Jason
Jeff
// Sep 25, 2009 at 7:19 pm
Jason,
I love the cart, and I love the name you picked for your biz. Great job buddy! $150 per hour!!! That’s Doctor and Lawyer money$$$$
Ladies and Gents Dr. Jason has arrived….
Way to say “Screw it, and just do it”
Jeff
Da Vinci Dogs
Kirt
// Sep 25, 2009 at 8:12 pm
Great cart Jason
I noticed you used the upgrated burner with the built in stove. How is the unit working? What do you cook in the small stove?
sundoggin
Bob Abraham
// Sep 25, 2009 at 9:45 pm
Absolutely incredible! What a beautiful cart!
Best of luck!
Jason Thurston
// Sep 26, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Thanks Guys, I really appreaciate all of the encouragement. This website is really something special for us doggers. To answer a few of the questions above,
(AJ) A typical side server with two cooking stations would cost you about $9,000 I was able to build this for about 25% of that. That includes the really cool cold storage unit. I built the cooler to hold 1/9 size pans for cold toppings which slides under the counter for access to bulk storage.
The upgraded burner was by chance, I went to harbor freight as steve recomended and that was what was in stock, however, I love the little broilers, I can use them to toast and melt cheese on Italian Beef and Po-Boys sandwiches. Mostly I don’t really use them because of the volume. Its all about moving the line. Transaction times=$$$
Anyway thanks Bob, Renee, Susan, AJ, Larry, Jeff and Kurt for all of the comments, The encouragement really makes me want to work even harder.
Jason
Cindy
// Sep 27, 2009 at 7:37 am
Jason,
I love the cart, especially with the addition of the griddle!
If you don’t mind, please email me privately, I would like to ask you a couple of questions LButtles@gmail.com
Thank you!
Steve K
// Sep 27, 2009 at 10:34 am
Liked your story alot and wish you continued success! I have purchased a cart and am in the approval process with the health dept. here in Michigan. They tell me I need a commissary and there is only one available within miles and they want $200/mo. Any advise to take to the health dept. on this?This $200/mo. will cut into profits and add alot of expense.
Thank you.
Jason Thurston
// Sep 30, 2009 at 3:35 pm
Hey Steve,
Congrats on your cart. I was able to waive the commissary requirement because my cart has 4 sinks. 3 for wash-rinse- and sanitize, and the 4th sink is a hand sink. I also told the health inspector that I only intend on selling non-hazardous foods. He required that I have a separate freezer and fridge to keep my food for resale separate from household food. He did come out to the house and inspect the garage. I guess I was lucky, however, I really do know alot about food safety and when we spoke he could tell. It will be important for you to read up on food safety, or better yet complete the HAACP course. Steve, 200 a month is a lot and there has to be other ways of renting a kitchen. You probably may never actually use it.
Good Luck
Henry
// Oct 1, 2009 at 12:56 am
Jason great looking cart its just what I was looking for a cart with a griddle. Can you tell me where you purchased it as I have the plans for the cart and want to do some mods myself. Also what are the openings under the grill and the burners?
Best of luck
Frank
// Oct 1, 2009 at 7:51 am
Hey Guys years ago I owned a bar with a kitchen & I live near the beach where there are food vendor in trucks along the beach, I was there commissary for vendor that were not customers of mine I signed the paper as a good will builder.No charge to anyone.
Larry, Buns 'n the Sun, Arizona
// Oct 5, 2009 at 12:14 am
Those of you, who are looking for commissary partners. I offer this suggetion. What i did was to make a deal. They signed the agreement, then i had a triangle- sign made advertising their business. So when i set- up i display their sign, along with any discount coupons they might want to give away. Sign was about $30.00, they supplied their coupons
Bill
// Oct 5, 2009 at 7:07 am
Jason, that cart is awesome!! I’m in the process of building mine right now and you have incorporated some thing that I have wanted to build into mine.
If you can find the time, please get in touch with me at getrdn@yahoo.com. I’d love to pick your brain on a few issues.
Killer Cart, Man! keep slingin’ ‘em dogs!
Lucy
// Oct 7, 2009 at 10:40 pm
I love your cart Jason. I didn’t build my cart but I’m in the process of fixing it up and can’t wait to get out and sell some dogs. And, Oh Yeah! I took the “Serv Safe” program. I really enjoyed the information.
Tom
// Oct 8, 2009 at 8:46 am
Great cart Jason. I know you worked very hard on it and it really shows. You went first class all the way.
Perhaps some of these future hot dog entreprenuers might want to have you build carts for them or perhaps lease one from you on an annual basis.
Best of luck in the future. I know you will do great!
Karen Thomas
// Oct 11, 2009 at 6:52 am
Great job, honey! You created the most beautiful cart ever! You are my hero!
Myrian
// Oct 12, 2009 at 6:42 pm
Great cart Jason, I got laid off a couple of month ago, planing on buying a hot dog cart here in florida, but i’m kinda of scared, im a single mom and have no knowlege of the buisness, all these license sounds complicated.
But I’m going for it
Chris
// Oct 22, 2009 at 12:15 am
Jason,
If you don’t mind, please email me privately, I would like to ask you a couple of questions thebadouin@gmail.com
Thank you!
Alex
// Oct 27, 2009 at 6:51 am
Jason,
I’d like to see more pics.
Mark J.
// Nov 3, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Nice cart! I also have a few questions about it. If you wouldn’t mind shooting me an email at chopperunderground@hotmail.com, I’d really appreciate it.
Mark J.
Chicago. IL
Lonnie Diven
// Nov 7, 2009 at 10:03 am
Jason your cart is nice but i have sum ? could you get in touch with me at lonniediven@juno.com
lonnie
Cam
// Nov 9, 2009 at 11:37 am
Mr. Jason!
I dittos everyone else on the cart. I too would like to see more photos.
Can you advise where you obtained the griddle plate shown on the left burners?
Cam
Cam
// Nov 9, 2009 at 12:02 pm
>I built the cooler to hold 1/9 size pans for cold >toppings which slides under the counter for >access to bulk storage.
Photos of this setup would ROCK!
connor thurston
// Nov 28, 2009 at 11:15 am
terrific job!!!Keep up the good work,really 150 dollars an hour is a truck load!!!call me at 404-643-7325!!!please call!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ed Pagan
// Mar 8, 2010 at 2:17 pm
Hello Jason
I want to start by saying you did a beautiful job building your cart. I have bought the DVD’s from Steve and started building my cart much and have also altered the setup to include a flat top grill but I have two problems.
1) Where did you buy your Flat Top Grill?
2) Dose the Flat Top Grill sit directly on the flame?
I look forwards to herring you
Thank You
EdPagan
epagan39@gmail.com
brenda
// Sep 2, 2010 at 7:35 am
In MICHIGAN, I have found that different counties are more or less strict. If you didn’t already pull the permit, try another county….talk to them first and feel them out abt the commissary. NONHAZARDOUS wins most of the time. I am putting 3 compartment on my cart anyway but was told I don’t need it by one county due to the NONHAZARDOUS nature of the food. SAFESERV is a good way to learn about food safety. EBAY has a lot of used books. You can also go to the website and get them and find out where to take the class and or exam if you are required to do so.
brenda
// Sep 2, 2010 at 7:38 am
OOPS that’s ServSafe…I always get it backwards. American Restaurant Association recommends them. There are a few others who also do the same certifications/exams/etc.