If you want to learn how to start a hot dog cart business, this article will be especially relevant for you! Keep reading… All 50 states allow you to run a hot dog cart business that you can, consequently run part time or full time. You can either operate year round or just during the […]
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Hot Dog Business Tips
Winning The Vendor Competition
Part of being successful at street food vending, is to be different than your competitors, to win the vendor competition. You want to stand out, set yourself apart. But how do we do that? I tried all kinds of crazy things when I started … Continue Reading about Winning The Vendor Competition
Hot Dogs With Casing or Without?
Should I sell my hot dogs with casing?This is a classic question, and guess what? The answer is simple, but not ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ In the olden days, casings were made from the intestines of the animal (many still are!) They give the dog or … Continue Reading about Hot Dogs With Casing or Without?
Don’t Let Fear of Risk Stop You!
Are you considering street food vending, but the fear of risk is stopping you? Are you an over-analyzer? So bad that you get stuck and never get started… I’ve been happily married and happily divorced, 3 times. Marriage is a … Continue Reading about Don’t Let Fear of Risk Stop You!
Can I Use My Hot Dog Cart Indoors?
Hey Ben, Do you have any ideas for indoor vending, for using the hot dog cart indoors? Can I operate my cart inside a mall? You can find electric carts. But they aren’t optimal. They just take a long time to heat up. You can still do … Continue Reading about Can I Use My Hot Dog Cart Indoors?
Street Food Vending in 2022 – Update
It is vital for anyone in this market to have a clear view of the current state of street food vending in 2022. If you’re just getting started vending hot dogs, or any street food, or maybe you’re struggling and on the cusp of quitting, then you … Continue Reading about Street Food Vending in 2022 – Update
What Hot Dogs Buns Should I Use?
Let’s talk about yer hot dog buns! Here’s my two cents, even if you weren’t lookin’ for’em! I mean, everyone has an opinion, like like buttholes… If you use lots of condiments, then get a denser, bakery bun. It holds up better. But if … Continue Reading about What Hot Dogs Buns Should I Use?
Should You Build Your Own Cart?
If you don’t have the money, should you build your own cart? Well, you came to the right place, because I don’t even want you to buy a new cart from me… What? Yep. Well, that’s not entirely true, but I tell people all the time to buy a used … Continue Reading about Should You Build Your Own Cart?
How To Get A Business Phone Number
Quick one… It’s smart to have your own business phone number. That way, customers can contact you, but not be calling your home or cell phone when you don’t want them to. Google Voice is how to do it. Just check out this article, where I … Continue Reading about How To Get A Business Phone Number
My Supplier Stopped Selling My Hot Dogs!
Ben, my supplier stopped selling, I can’t get my regular hot dogs from Sam’s Club! What do I do? It happens. Sometimes our supplier just stops carrying the brand of hot dog (or whatever). What if it happens? Go back to the drawing … Continue Reading about My Supplier Stopped Selling My Hot Dogs!
City Says No to Public Property Vending-What Now?
But Ben, my town won’t allow me Public Property Vending, vending on a public land! Take a breath. This ain’t a big deal. Most of my vending was on private property. Especially business properties. Just ask for permission from the … Continue Reading about City Says No to Public Property Vending-What Now?
Success Stories
Cash Cow Cart in Colorado
Here is an update from a new hot dog vendor using a Cash Cow Cart (more on this cart here) in Colorado Springs. If you're curious what it's like just getting started with a hot dog cart, you will appreciate Ryan's story about his very first week in business. Enjoy! Ryan's Cash Cow Cart Success... Hello Ben,I hope all is well. So after buying my Cash Cow Cart from you (more on this cart … [Read More...] about Cash Cow Cart in Colorado
Make A Living Selling Hot Dogs
Can you make a living selling hot dogs and catering? Yes! This is one of our most common questions, and it makes sense. Many people love the idea of starting a business and leaving the 9-5 grind. But they are worried that it's not possible to live off the income from a hot dog cart or food truck. Sometimes family and friends even try to convince you that it's a bad idea to even … [Read More...] about Make A Living Selling Hot Dogs
Street Tacos and Street Corn Success
People love his street tacos and street corn! Sometimes the road to street food success has some bumps and potholes. It can seem like one of those mud obstacle courses, trying to figure out how to get licensed and learn how to run a business. One common question for new vendors is how to find a commissary. This one vendor has run into that commissary headache in Alabama, but JR is still … [Read More...] about Street Tacos and Street Corn Success
Tamale Catering Without a Cart
Hot tamale catering! No, seriously. This is an awesome story from a new vendor who started without a food cart or truck. I just love getting these emails and this one is from JR, owner of La Casa Tamale. He has been saving up and studying how to start selling food and catering without a cart. He watched my training videos and decided to go with something he knew how to do. Tamale … [Read More...] about Tamale Catering Without a Cart
Insane First Day Vending!
In times of uncertainty, succeeding in your first day vending can inspire us all! James writes in… Thank you for all of your guidance and the plethora of materials out there.Well, let's get right to it then… We had our first day vending and event this weekend with the new cart. Our plan was very humble not knowing exactly how big of an impact COVID was going to have on the … [Read More...] about Insane First Day Vending!
Proof! Event Organizers Lie
They were so excited. Their first event. After being warned that if the event organizer's lips are moving - they ARE lying - they asked all the right questions and still - the first event with their hot dog cart was a flop. Failure or... We did absolutely horrible in sales but damn did we have a good time! 3 Questions For Event Coordinator 1. How many ppl on average attended … [Read More...] about Proof! Event Organizers Lie