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
Stop Overpaying for Equipment: How to Choose the Right Gear for Your Cart
Well, howdy folks! Ben here, and let’s talk about something every new vendor deals with — overpaying for equipment. Buy Smart, Not Fancy Buying hot dog cart gear without getting ripped off. In our Q&A, a vendor asked, “Where do you … Continue Reading about Stop Overpaying for Equipment: How to Choose the Right Gear for Your Cart
Vendor Mistakes That Cost You Thousands (and How to Avoid Them)
Hey folks, Ben here! If there’s one thing that’ll save you a fortune in this business, it’s learning from other vendors’ mistakes — not your own. Learn from Others’ Mistakes — Before They Cost You In our Q&A, we talked about this over and … Continue Reading about Vendor Mistakes That Cost You Thousands (and How to Avoid Them)
Cottage Food Goldmine: How to Start Selling from Home Without a License
Hey y’all, Ben here! Is cottage food a real goldmine? Well... Not everyone can afford a hot dog cart right away — and that’s okay. Starting from Your Kitchen You can still make money right from your kitchen if your state allows it. We … Continue Reading about Cottage Food Goldmine: How to Start Selling from Home Without a License
Should You Use DoorDash for Your Street Food Business?
Hey, Ben here! This one comes up a lot, and it did again in our Q&A when Rob asked, “Can we use DoorDash for our carts?” The Temptation of Delivery Apps It’s a fair question — food delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats sound great on … Continue Reading about Should You Use DoorDash for Your Street Food Business?
Do You Really Need a Hot Dog Cart to Start Vending?
Well, howdy! I get this question all the time — “Ben, do I really need a cart to start a hot dog business? To start vending?” The short answer?Nope. You can get started right now without one — legally and smartly — if you know how to work your … Continue Reading about Do You Really Need a Hot Dog Cart to Start Vending?
10 Must Try Hot Dog Toppings (and What the Health Department Will Actually Let You Serve)
Howdy folks, Ben here! You can add hot dog toppings in a hundred ways—but not all of ’em are allowed by your local health department. The Balancing Act: Flavor vs. Rules In our Q&A, Dan asked, “How many toppings do you suggest stocking on a … Continue Reading about 10 Must Try Hot Dog Toppings (and What the Health Department Will Actually Let You Serve)
How to Keep Hot Dogs from Splitting on Your Cart
I got a great question from Frankie la Soda—he asked me how to keep hot dogs from busting open while cooking on the cart. Should you turn the flame down and cook slower? Great question, and I’ve had it happen a million times. Let me walk you … Continue Reading about How to Keep Hot Dogs from Splitting on Your Cart
Hot Dog Vendor Rant: Stop Asking Me This!
Well, after my 70-TEENTH time answering the same dang hot dog vendor questions today, I figured I’d share this little rant with you. I get it—you’re excited about starting a hot dog vending business, you’ve got questions, and you want answers … Continue Reading about Hot Dog Vendor Rant: Stop Asking Me This!
Most Street Food Vendors Are Overpaying Sales Tax (Here’s How to Fix It)
Most vendors don’t even realize they’re overpaying sales tax every dang time they vend. Well howdy! If you’re a street food vendor, let's talk about sales tax. They're Taking Your Money – And You’re Handing It Over Willingly Yeah, that … Continue Reading about Most Street Food Vendors Are Overpaying Sales Tax (Here’s How to Fix It)
How I Started a Hot Dog Cart With Nothing (And Why It Still Works)
Well, howdy howdy howdy! This is how i did start a hot dog cart with nothing, literally. Hint... it keeps working today... From Rock Bottom to Rolling Dogs – My Story I wanna share a story with ya that'll light a fire under your rear end – … Continue Reading about How I Started a Hot Dog Cart With Nothing (And Why It Still Works)
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