Hot Dog Business Opportunities
photo credit: TheBusyBrain
Hot dogs are enjoying a renaissance of sorts, especially in Columbus, Ohio where six new eateries that specialize in the tasty bun-filled meals have opened up recently.
Food snobs needn’t scoff: With toppings ranging from dried cranberries to cream cheese served on high-quality wieners, the timeless hand-held meal has turned into the face of sloppy chic.
“These aren’t your gas-station hot dogs,” said Rebecca Krutko, an ex- banker who opened Wunderdaug during November in the Clintonville neighborhood. “People who eat hot dogs are die-hard connoisseurs.
To start your own outdoor hot dog stand, you should first figure out what kind of hot dogs you’d like to sell. As mentioned early, and in the linked article, mustard isn’t the only condiment that people expect to be available for their hot dog anymore. Unique flavors and toppings are the norm. Read a book like the Great American Hot Dog Book, The: Recipes and Side Dishes from Across America to explore the many taste options and decide which ones you’ll offer.
Next you should purchase a hot dog cart. If you’re lucky you’ll be able to find one on the local Craigslist, but if not you’ll need to approach a specialized hot dog cart companies. From these companies, carts range in price from about $1000 for a small used cart, to over $10,000 depending on what options, accessories and size you choose. Here are some good vendors to check out:
You’ll also need to get some kind of state or local license, especially if you want to operate on the sidewalk. Unfortunately, this process will probably be the most daunting of them all. It will require that you jump through many hurdles, and wait in plenty of lines, but eventually you’ll receive “permission” to sell your dogs and will be able to get to work.
If you’re really interested in starting a hot dog business, the following educational resources might also be helpful:
Rich on April 15th, 2009 10:54 am
In Florida, you’ll see hot dog vendors set up outside most Home Depots. Not a bad biz…$300-$500 for 1/2 day work.
Sharon Dove Chocolatier on April 15th, 2009 5:12 pm
We have them here at Home Depot and Lowe’s but the Set ups are not very nice looking,Kinda a make shift do,easy to push and remove.
Proxy on April 15th, 2009 6:50 pm
Wow, always either good or bad stuff to find on Craigslist. Seems almost any section can have something in it.
Nephelometer on April 17th, 2009 8:50 am
I know that this is scary – but I had a dream about being hot dog vendor last night. I must have been hungry. Then I stumbled on to this post.
Good information. I do not think that I will go into the business, but it is one that I have always considered to be a good side business (weekends and holidays).
Frank on June 2nd, 2009 11:14 am
I love hot dogs, and it does seem like a profitable side biz. Here’s a little slideshare presentation the network marketing industry through the eyes of the hot dog.
http://www.slideshare.net/FranciscoAlcala/hot-dogs-and-network-marketing-1507248
Scott on June 25th, 2009 7:42 am
Question,
I have been looking to get into the hotdog cart business. I had a meeting with someone who is in the high tech industry and also has a couple of carts. He is selling his business do to being relocated. He is taking home about $40,000 from his cart the is operation at night 4 nights a week. He is asking $53,000 for his business. This includes both of his carts and his locations which you can not get a permit for at his time as well as his warehouse and supplies. Can anyone tell me if this would be worth the money since it is already generating about $40,000 with some else setting it up tearing it down and working the cart? Please let me know what all you experienced doggers think?
Thanks,
Scott
512-297-9006
Josh on October 6th, 2009 1:58 pm
We just had someone raise money on our site to start a hot dog business. I love the idea. People always like a dog when they are walking around a city or going shopping. If you want to raise money to start a business check out http://www.raiseitnow.com.
only me on October 31st, 2009 5:30 pm
I own several hot dog carts. I have been in the business for nearly 24 yrs. and its the best thing I’ve ever done. back in 03 I hit the $1 million mark in gross sales. So don’t be fooled, hot dog vending is a great business, if you’re willing to work at it.
Robert McPherson on November 8th, 2009 3:49 pm
The hot dog business wont make you good money if it’s your “side business”.
Jim on November 10th, 2009 3:49 pm
Only Me: if you happen to come back to this site, I would like to talk to you. jimbo32725 at yahoo.com. Thanks!
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