Hey Steve,
When I had my Hot Dog Cart in New York, the winter was just as good as the rest of the year, in fact I had some record setting days during winter because the other vendors closed for the winter months, my customer base grew and most became regulars year round.
My customers are New Yorkers, New Yorkers love their hot dogs. New Yorkers are HOT DOG CONNOISSEURS. I set up in 10 degree weather and colder.
I bought an old postal truck for $500.00 wheeled the cart inside during winter, cut a serving window, counters and a swing up awning, when the heat from the cart wasn’t enough I fired up a Mr. Heater propane heater, it got so warm in the truck I worked in a short sleeved white restaurant shirt, with the windows open. Appearance is important, I always wore a white restaurant shirt, never just a t shirt or a muscle shirt.
The town workers were steady customers they would make sure my spot was plowed before I got there, all it cost me was a few free drinks every once in awhile I made a deal with the local car wash, on my way home I’d stop by and they would hit the truck with steam, had the cleanest vehicle in town, cost me a 2 chili dogs and a 12 oz can of coke daily.
Consistency is the key in this business, not only with your food, you MUST be at your spot when your customers expect you to be there, my customers knew they could count on me, that’s why in one year my cart became the busiest in town. I’m fast but pumping out 400-500 hot dogs daily in 3-4 hours along with drinks, chips, my wife’s homemade meatball subs and chili served in a cup with a package of Lance Crackers was no longer a one man operation, I had to cut in another burner to keep up with the demand, my wife quit her job and came to work with me. I got so busy my bread man, snack man, and Arnolds driver delivered to my spot instead of my house.
I swear by Boars Head 7/1 natural casing dogs and Arnolds restaurant buns, Arnolds is a hearty bun that can stand up to any toppings. I only served Brand Name Quality Products, they cost more but it’s well worth it in my opinion, never any off brand soda or snacks.
I’m out of the business now but still have thoughts of starting up again, once this business get’s into your blood it’s there forever.
I sold my hot dog cart and truck to a local, a regular customer, he saw the volume I was doing, I told him don’t change a thing, I even offered my wife’s chili recipe, something that’s hardly ever done, he refused, he also refused me staying with him for a week or two until he felt confident, he refused. After a month or so he switched to an off brand 10/1 hot dog, not a natural casing dog, off brand chips and soda. Two weeks after I sold the business I moved to South Carolina got a call from a friend informing me he went out of business, he lasted 4 months.
Jim
steve
// Feb 2, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Nice work Jim. Absolutely love the creativity! Way to think outside the (mail) box.
-Steve
Gary Ricks
// Feb 2, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Jim,
Great idea with the mail truck! I can see that as an option for many who want to enter without a lot of up front cash for a nice cart or who don’t want to use Steve’s design that he created. I’m curious how long it took you to get it up to code and how much you spent on the remake. Also, I would love to see any other pics of the truck after it was converted. Any chance you have some?
Daniel Cox
// Feb 2, 2009 at 5:38 pm
GR8 idea but I am having a hard time locating a used truck. I am in Los angeles, CA… do you know where I could find one?
Thanks
John Kennedy
// Feb 3, 2009 at 9:15 am
Check with your local postmaster, they would be able to help you. USPS also sells off surplus vehicles on line through ebay…their username is usps-al-pmsc
John
kristie
// Mar 4, 2009 at 4:41 pm
I would like to know how to start up a hot dog truck on Long Island. Where do I start, how much money do I need, and how does one obtain a location? Thanks for your help!
steve
// Mar 4, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Hi Kristie,
That’s a big question! At the risk of sounding like a salesman, you can find the answers to all these question (and more) in my course “Carts of Cash” at http://www.HotDogBiz101.com. You’ll like it – I guarantee it. Literally.
joe
// Mar 5, 2009 at 8:55 am
hot dog sales “GOIN’ POSTAL”nice job!!!!
paul poirier
// May 18, 2009 at 7:09 am
Hi Jim,
My wife and I have been toying with the idea for some time now about opening a hotdog cart. we both love hotdogs and like your idea with the postal truck. We live in NH, and was just wondering what you think it might cost us to get started? And did your cart attract any new and curious customers?
brenda dicapua
// Jul 27, 2009 at 5:20 am
hi i would like to buy used small hot dog truck can you help
James
// Aug 31, 2009 at 5:41 am
Hi Jim:
Took me awhile to find this post of yours.
Got a question for you. have you thought of making up plans to convert those mail trucks for food vending. It appears Steve is vary successful with his cart building plans and programs.
Those trucks are not to hard to find and it seems like a lot of people would be interested in the techniques and ins and outs of building a truck like that.
Getting ready to go for Steve programs.I hav decided to try this on as cash basis so I do not go any further into debt. Where I live (Norfolk Va.) I think I need a truck and a cart to cover all bases.
Thank you for your time.
/s/ Jim (sesemaj@cox.net)
c
// Jan 4, 2010 at 3:06 pm
Bought the mail truck for Jimmy through the local Post Office maintenance depot. You have to inquire at your local Post Office as to the wereabouts of yours.
Vay S Meer
// Dec 2, 2010 at 3:14 pm
Jim,
I’m in the process of purchasing a mail truck.The problem is the inside is only 5′ high.I need someone to add additional space by putting a top over it.You moved to SC I am in NC.Do you still do conversions?
Rick
// Nov 4, 2011 at 3:55 pm
Hi Jim,
Where can I get a checlist of materials or prints to convert the stepvans into a food truck. Conversion dude.
Thanks