This just in from “Get Grilled Foods” owner Tim VanDusen:
Hey Steve what’s new?
Well we are back. The Strawberry festival was a blast. We got in about 6 pm at the site the day before the show. Set up and took the night off to meet and greet the other vendors. Met a few real characters there.
We had the spot just to the left of the stage. The only real negative was that we had to set up on a drastic incline. new vendor at the spot so no complaints. I knew we were going to be in a less then ideal spot, but turned out that a huge crowd would gather right there when the bands started playing so it worked out. Coordinator said he would move us to a better spot next year. But I am thinking if there is better spots then what we had they must have made their house loan this weekend.
And we got to hear some really good music.
We were the only polish sausage vendors there and that rocked. I sold 25 lbs. on Sunday. We went through just a tad over 60 pounds of hot dogs up against 3 other dog vendors. You couldn’t have knocked the stupid grin off my face with a hammer. Nachos rocked.
All and all a good weekend. We had a couple of rain events but they came and went and the people came back.
We were draggin ass by Sunday night and were glad to be home. But it was well worth it. Good event coordinators real easy to work with and they had their act together. The only time we really had time to take pictures was when the crowd thinned out in the hottest part of the day but they came back soon enough.
I can’t wait to get back next year.
Have a couple of weeks before the next show so I get to go out tomorrow and see my people again. In the words of the Grateful Dead, “What a long strange trip it’s been”. I know every event will be up and down at times. but I am lovin the moment.
Tim
I just love to hear these kinds of stories from my Hot Dog Biz 101 graduates. I’m really proud of you Tim!
-Steve
Hi Tim,
Looks like a great set up! I’m curious where you got your menu signs and how you mounted them on your canopy? My last two menus were laminated and they blew away with a gust of wind. MJ
Awesome Tim!
Large events are the best, lots of work, great energy, and great people.
Got to get info on those menu boards, where did you get them?
Dave
Way to go Tim Looks like you did your homework You made it happen
Super looking setup
A hot dog, chips and a drink for 3 bucks. If someone can pass up a deal like that they’re nuts.
I’d go to the festival just for your lunch, Tim.
Looks like your on your way
Awesome set up
Great Menu Boards
Rick
You rock!!!!!
way to go my only question is how much did it cost you to be at the event as entry fees go ETC.
Thanks Steve, What’s the saying? The program works if you work it. Thanks for all the advice and info. Your my hero. Any one who is thinking about getting your course should do it now. Do not wait. get started now, you won’t regret it
I got the signs on ebay. They come with the letters. I attach the signs to the canopy with 16 gauge coated wire. Stiff enough to hold the signs up. Flexible enough to bend. They have gone through some pretty hard winds and hold on like a champ. I love this biz, I wish I had done it sooner. thank you everyone for the kind comments. I am now all juiced up to go doggin again!
Great looking tent, we do something very similar, but our tent is yellow with yellow, green and brown striped skirts to go around the bottom, we also sell nachos, but added in fresh squeezed lemonade, fruit smoothies and snow cones. even adults like snow cones, they remember them from child hood, very simple to make and high profit item. Music Festival, beach music around here, have large crowds and people want to eat and enjoy theirself. Go luck.
Wow everything looks Super,You make it look really Great,and there for we all know you do have fun.
Congratulations! I’m happy that this was such a positive experience for you!
I wish you continued success in the future.
Chuck Leidy
I have done a musical festival recently too.Our spot was the closest to the stage. At first we thought it would work out so-so.But when bands kicked off their permormance, we were super busy.
So guys get the spots next to the stage!
And it is absolutely true what Steve says in his books about speedy service on special events.It is everything.
It was a paypass cards only event,no cash allowed.
We managed 30-40 seconds per transaction with a 2-people manned cart.
Hey Tim, Your set-up looks great. Good Luck to ya and I hope to be joining yall in the doggin biz soon. I’ve got my E-Z Built video. Next I want to get “The Course”. I’m not sure I’ll be able to make it in time this season but I’m gonna try. Question for all….Whats the Best dog in yalls opinion? Also chili. 🙂 Thanks again everyone for your comments.
Hey Poland. I know what you mean. Once the bands fired up we were humping it. It was great. We went through them pretty quick. I didn’t time it though. This event was tickets.
Dave the Dog Dude…email me I will explain how this one worked on fees. It was a little different then what I am use to.
Thanks again everyone…I am glad you like the menu boards. I debated myself on those for a year before I got them.
Wow!! The Strawberry festival Huh? Was this your first festival and if so, what an eye opener for your first event to be at. There must have been hundreds of folks in attendance, which means non stop movin and shakin!!!
Congrats on your event. Your setup looks great also. For those who have never done a festival but are curious on event fees and such could you give us an insight?
Also, with selling a polish chips and a soda for $3.00 how did you fare ? The polish has to be more than just a regular dog. Just curious.
Anyway congrats!!! And maybe Steve or yourself can provide some answers to any of the questions.
Clean looking set up, very eye appealing.
Just one request, do you have any pics of the rear of the stand and/or of you working your rig?
I sell a hot dog chip and drink for $3.00. I could sell the polish for that but i wouldn’t make much.
This was our first big event. I have done some smaller events, but that was just practice to get ready for the big shows. Attendance on the three days was 20,000.
Festivals – I wonder how the work load vs. return works out when compared to Street vending? I figure 4 hours a day, 5 days a week, 20 hours +- cleanup and travel, I average $100 hour gross. Have never done a festival – what kinds of returns could I expect?
Festival return is huge.
Tim: That is awsome!!! Sounds like it was a real good time.
I agree, your set up looks great! Your prices look low for a festival event, but it’s YOUR business. 🙂
I just did Mayfest festival, a 1 day event, and it was a BLAST!
Louise
Louise
Looks Great!!! Congrad! I am interested in how u set up for the Nachos? did u use ur steam table?
David
How much did it cost you to set up there?
hi, how do you do nachos on your cart?
Great job, Tim!! That is a rock’n setup you have there, especially like the signage on the canopy pole to the left. I’ve only put up my canopy once or twice this season due to the ridiculously high winds we have been getting here in Denver, Colorado.