TAMPA – These days, people are looking to save money — and that’s leading to new opportunities in an old-fashioned business.
From Coney Island to the streets of Chicago, and now to a sidewalk near you: Thousands of people across the country are making money selling hot dogs.
It’s a value lunch at Kurt Horlacher’s hot dog cart.
“It’s still a recession-proof business. Two dollars for a hotdog. Most people can afford,” he said.
Kurt is a former sheet metal worker. But two years ago, when the economy scuttled new construction business, the hot dog business was heating up.
“My wife and I currently have four locations,” he continued.
It’s a growth industry for the free-spirited who have a driving will for free enterprise.
“First of all, the product sells. Second, it’s personality, who’s working behind the stand,” Horlacher explained.
Cart operators say they can make $100 to $400 a day. Workers build new hot dog carts as fast as they can.
“The numbers are off the chart. People from all walks of life are getting into it. They’re supporting their families,” Horlacher said.
Joel Goetz owns Dreamaker Hot Dog Carts with eight different models, priced from $2,500 to $30,000. They’re headed for entrepreneurs all over the nation.
“They’re realizing that people can’t spend $20 or 25 for lunch anymore. Things are changing and we have to change with the times,” Goetz said.
It’s a change that’s paying the bills for Kurt, and serving up a quick, cheap lunch for his customers.
Different cities and states have different regulations, but you can bet people everywhere like hotdogs, and thousands of vendors are cashing in with hot dog carts.
original story at MyFox Tampa Bay Report
Great coverage, delicious looking hot dogs. Great job, Kurt!
That is music to my ears for sure, I’m sure glad I’ve gotten into this business. Thanks to my hot dog cart, I have a chance to get into a permanent location! All in a span of a few months of being in business! Its true that you can make at least 100 dollars a day and thats not too bad. Anyway, just thought I’d share that with everyone. The future definately looks bright for those willing to work hard and put in the effort!
Esteban
Location, Location, Location,……Location Way to one up the old adage Kurt! We have our Third this Season, Its on the 9th hole of a golf course. Should be more than par for the course. Nice to see your wife hangin in there with ya. Mine is getting her Nails Done….wonder if they make a Cart for that..she is there so much I think they do one finger at a time… good thing I work ten days a week . Well Good luck and you Know what they say…5 is a charm
we are all finding our selfs changing our carreers to fit the new life style, need to go back to the old days of making money. Hot dogs are selling and people like the taste, the smell, and yes they are great, its money in the pocket and cash does not bounce. I for one have never sold so many hot dogs,wow they go fast, lets all have fun.
Tony
Steve,I received your Hot Dog Start up Guide very very helpful.Haveing a 5 day location now,but still looking for Events,Grand Opening & Ect.Wondering about other hotdoger doing events & ect.How they might charge for a Cart,Labor ,Food and everything that goes with it.Any thing would be of help .Thanks, Cape Cod Charlie
tO POCONO Hey I am a nail tech looking to get into the hot dog business and yes we do one nail at a time. How else would it be done. You silly man
Jeri,
I meant 1 Finger per Day…I think the name of the Shop is One -A-Day …..Like the Vitamin…Come to think of it …I see at least one finger a day but thats just how they wave here in the Poconos
Great stuff! Glad to see you getting some media attention. Would love to get some from my local media.
1st event March 20,……Read the comments 2 time a week.Think Steve for your information in the carts of cash.IT a Great book&the set of C D.
Congratulations – Kurt, just the boost you need to go from 100. to 400. dollars per day!!!:) best of luck – the dogs and sausages look awesome!
4 carts wow 4 time the work – we are thinking about it! Check out our web-site…we are working very hard…Sue and Rena
Just you and your wife working four carts. That has got to keep you busy! Do you keep them all in one location? I would love four cart but would definitely need to have employees.
Well best of luck Kurt, great looking dawg by the way….made my mouth water.
Lucky
I guess i’m one of the strange hotdog vendors because I do it for the fun, I have a fulltime job, a parttime job and my hot dog cart, plus a wife. I normally open my cart on Friday and Saturday, I have two regular locations (free) and I do special events in the local area ie festivals etc. I enjoy meeting the people and the money is just a plus. I also forgot to say that I am retired from the US Army after 24 year and two combat tours. My wife told me I needed to do something when I retired, so I said hotdog!!
Michael Wood
duggsdoggs
thinking about buying a hot dog cart, does anyone know where i could put it in the tampa area please e-mail me billm10469@gmail.com
Talk to local business owners and present yourself as a way to increase customer traffic to their store.