So, you want to serve hamburgers from a hot dog cart?
Well, you're in the right place.

I'm Ben, and let me tell you, the possibilities with a hot dog cart are way more than just hot dogs.

Today, I'm gonna walk you through how you can add hamburgers to your menu—even if your cart wasn’t exactly built for it.

Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of serving up burgers on a hot dog cart.

Can You Really Serve Hamburgers From a Hot Dog Cart?

The short answer?

Yes, you absolutely can serve hamburgers from a hot dog cart!

But, as with most things in life, there are a few rules and guidelines to follow.

Many states allow you to serve pre-cooked items like hot dogs, and in some cases, hamburgers can fall under that category—especially if they’re pre-cooked and just need to be heated up.

However, some states are a bit stricter and only allow specific types of food on open carts.

This is usually because of food safety regulations.

The key here is understanding your state’s rules, which may require some education and possibly even a bit of persuasion on your part.

Educate Your Health Inspector

One of the biggest hurdles you might face is getting your local health inspector on board.

If your inspector has doubts about serving hamburgers, explain that you're dealing with pre-cooked burgers, which are just as safe as pre-cooked hot dogs.

Helpful Read: Did Your Health Inspector Lie to You?

Both are simply being reheated to serving temperature, and if you’re using a high-quality beef burger, it’s just as safe and delicious as a hot dog.

Sometimes, you may have to walk them through the logic—especially if they're thinking about raw hamburgers, which most states don’t allow on open carts due to the risk of contamination.

Helpful Read: Don’t Say This to a Health Inspector!

Techniques for Serving Hamburgers on a Hot Dog Cart

Now, let’s talk technique.

Just because you don’t have a traditional grill or griddle doesn’t mean you can’t serve up a juicy burger.

There are a few ways to do this, and each can be customized to fit your cart setup.

Helpful: Hot Dog Vendor Cart And Setup Critique

The Au Jus Method

One of my favorite tricks for serving hamburgers from a hot dog cart is to use an au jus, or beef broth.

Essentially, you’re creating a warm, flavorful bath for your burgers.

1. Create a Beef Broth Base: You can use a standard beef broth, or if you want to get creative, add some spices or even a vegetable broth to enhance the flavor.
2. Heat Up Your Burgers: Place the pre-cooked burgers into the hot beef broth. This heats them up and adds an extra layer of flavor.
3. Serve Directly from the Broth: Use tongs to pull the burgers directly out of the broth and place them on buns.

This method not only keeps the burgers hot but also infuses them with a delicious beefy flavor.

And the best part?
No grill needed!

Quick Sear for Extra Flavor

If your cart is equipped with a grill or griddle, you’ve got even more options.

Here’s how you can use that to add a little something extra to your burgers:

1. Heat in Broth: Start by heating the burgers in your beef broth.
2. Quick Sear on the Grill: Once they're hot, give them a quick sear on the griddle or grill—just 5 seconds on each side.
3. Melt the Cheese: If you're adding cheese, now's the perfect time. The heat from the burger will melt it just right.

This quick sear gives the burgers a nice charred flavor without the need to cook from raw.

It's fast, efficient, and customers love the taste.

Catering Opens Up Even More Options

Most states are much more lenient when it comes to catering.

If you’re doing a private gig or event, you might be able to cook raw burgers if you’re working under a catering permit.

Helpful: Hot Dog Vendor Catering Tips – Private Gigs

This can be a game-changer if you're looking to serve fresher, raw-to-cooked burgers.

But keep in mind that catering rules vary, so check with your local health department before you plan to serve raw hamburgers.

Helpful: Hot Dog Vendor Told NO! 😤

Where to Get Pre-Cooked Burgers for Your Hot Dog Cart

Now that we’ve covered the techniques, let’s talk about where to find quality pre-cooked burgers.

• Grocery Stores: Many grocery stores carry pre-cooked beef patties that are perfect for reheating.
• Food Suppliers: If you’re looking to buy in bulk, check out broadline distributors like Sysco or US Foods. They often have quality pre-cooked burgers that taste great and fit well with a cart setup.

When it comes to brands, there are several options out there.

I’ve used Ballpark in the past, and it’s a solid option.

But feel free to experiment and find what works best for you and your customers.

Toppings and Condiments Make the Difference

Let’s face it—sometimes a pre-cooked burger isn’t going to taste like a gourmet restaurant burger.

But guess what?

That doesn’t mean it can’t be delicious.

The trick to elevating your burgers lies in the toppings and condiments.

• Use Quality Buns: A good bun can elevate a basic burger. Consider using brioche or pretzel buns if your budget allows.
• Offer Unique Toppings: Think beyond ketchup and mustard. Offer things like grilled onions, sautéed mushrooms, or even guacamole to give your customers options.
• Cheese Options: American cheese is a classic, but consider having cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack on hand for variety.

With a little creativity, you can make your cart’s burgers a must-have.

Helpful: What Condiments Should I Take on My First Day

Helpful: What Kind of Ketchup or Mustard is Best?

Overcoming the Naysayers

I know there will always be a few naysayers out there who’ll say, “You can’t do this from a hot dog cart!”

Well, I’m here to tell you otherwise.

Helpful: The Poor Mouthing Hot Dog Vendor

Not only is it possible, but many vendors have already added hamburgers to their menu and are making great money.

Helpful: Ever Had Someone Tell You It Can't Be Done?

Just make sure you’re following the regulations in your state, and don’t be afraid to educate your local inspector if necessary.

For those of you who think this is just a ploy to sell courses, let me set the record straight.

Every piece of information I share about vending, whether it's hot dogs, hamburgers, or even lemonade, is available for free here on my site.

Helpful: How To Start A Lemonade Stand Today (With Video Instructions)

I’m here to help, not hustle.

Final Thoughts: Get Creative and Make It Work

Adding hamburgers to your hot dog cart menu isn’t as hard as it sounds.

Whether you’re using an au jus bath, a quick sear on a griddle, or just serving up pre-cooked patties straight from the steam table, there are plenty of ways to make it work.

Extra Help: Can I Sell Pre-Cooked Hamburgers On My Cart?

The street food business is all about creativity and finding ways to meet your customers' needs.

So, go ahead and add that burger option.

Make it your own.

And if you want to take your vending business to the next level, go and get together with the best vendors on the planet inside the Vendors United community.

You can learn about it HERE (it is 100% free to try it out for 5 days!!)…

🧡🧡 Vendors United – 100% FREE 5 Days Trial – Try It Today! 🧡🧡

Remember, if you’re looking for more free tips and tricks, explore this website.

Whether it's hot dogs, hamburgers, or any other type of street food, I’ve got resources to help you succeed.

Happy Vending, and may your burgers be juicy and your customers happy!