How to Start Hot Dog Food Cart Business

[@Automedon2]

In 1992, I was flat broke, without a job. I had some credit left on my Discover card, so I built my own hot dog cart. I got a primo spot in front of the courthouse. Never made a ton, but I paid my bills for a year until I got a job. Sodas were actually my profit item, especially on real hot days.

[@jamesdiamond5725]

Get yourself a fucking retail job and call it a day for now. Do not try to go out and make it on your own. Do not try to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars to make $100 a day go work for a fucking company that pays you 100 and $200 a day plus benefits plus Social Security, plus pension Dunaj.

[@jamesdiamond5725]

If you believe in the slope knows you believe that Jesus walked on water 3500 years ago

[@freebird0147]

@@jamesdiamond5725 Can you prove Jesus didn't walk on water?

[@RowdyLpx]

@@freebird0147If that’s the only argument you have for Jesus walking on water you aren’t making a very strong case. Can you prove that aliens don’t exist? Does that mean they exist? 😂 Genius.

[@brokenspoke4149]

@@jamesdiamond5725pass the acid

[@nomad90125]

I landed in a strange country near broke, bought a griddle with all the money i had left & started selling quality burgers from my front garden, 3 months later griddle paid for itself. I then saved to buy a truck & turned it into a burger truck. Did very well over the following 5 years, Today i run my own food restaurant, it's very hard work but very rewarding some days. Moral of the story is, follow your hearts desire. Never give up.

[@expensivebuddah]

cheers

[@mynameisntjeff9408]

Fucking gangster

[@Mike_Affholder]

When he said he got robbed one night I can see that I was in Grand rapids this past fall, I could not believe how many homeless in the area. I was really surprised for it being a colder climate city. Glad he carries and is not alone at night. Great interview btw.

[@hhill35]

Any democrat ran city you will find them there cold or hot

[@babygotbass2005]

Loved the advice at the end. Just do it, it’ll never be right he said. It’s not always about perfection it’s about turning the key and rolling with it.

[@jeremyschaetzke4075]

This guy is awesome!!! Answered every question quickly with confidence👏

[@UmmCarl]

Been there, done that in Austin. All I sold were hot dogs and water, made $2K a week working Friday and Saturday night down in the Warehouse District. Easily double that when the Lone Star Roundup was in town. Quarter pound Hebrew Nationals, home made spicy relish, mustard, catchup and water.

[@KingJames1981]

Holy crap, 2k a week working 2 nights?? I'm in the wrong business. What were your hours?

[@UmmCarl]

@@KingJames1981 I worked 8 to 3. But I was the second late night vendor in Austin and there wasn't really anyplace to eat, I was selling 290 a night on most nights. Being set up in the alley behind Antones helped too.

[@bigzachful]

@@UmmCarl Damn that’s a good idea. A food cart outside all those up and coming comedy clubs!

[@m3tas458]

amazing, can i get in contact with you i would like to ask you how, i’m planning to move there with my uncle and start my business

[@navi21wildside49]

Thanks uncle carl, I'm so close in starting this hotdog business ​@UmmCarl

[@corvairguy1]

What a great interview. The cart owner was very knowledgeable and personable.

[@CivRichieP]

My dad was a reporter and editor for a newspaper. This was in fact an amazing interview that you don't often see because questions are commonly edited out of most modern day interviews where it looks like the interviewee is constantly talking about whatever between cuts.

[@Tao_Peace]

I think this is absolutely fantastic! I’ve opened two company’s I built from the ground up! If you can dream it, you can do it. I’m an absolute sucker for a great dog!! Nothin better than a dirty 💧 with kraut, relish and mustard!!! Keep going my friend, blessing and abundance!

[@Malik.lockley]

What is that ?

[@KingJames1981]

I'm thinking of starting my own hot dog business. I am a Network Engineer by trade but was laid of the beginning of May and haven't had any luck finding another job since then. I realized that even if I got another job making over 100k a year it wouldn't even come close to that this guy is making. Even if you're only getting 50 people a day but each of them spend an average of 15 dollars per person, that's $750 a day, 15k a month, 180k a year. That's more than I've ever made at any IT job, plus I would be my own boss, not have to worry about being laid off again, work when I want to. If I needed more money for something, I would just put in more hours. If I got sick I would have more than enough money in the bank to cover all my bills until I got better. If I want to only work in the spring/summer and take winters off I could do that. I would be able to tax deduct a bunch of work related expenses and if I play my cards right, I would retire in about 10 years. Wish me luck and I will reciprocate that to anyone else thinking of starting this sort of business.

[@hhazelhoff1363]

Nobody is spending $15 a person for a dollar dog and a drink.

[@artkirby7416]

My man your living in a Dream 🌎 WORLD. Wake up and smell something that makes you get a dose of reality. YOUR DELUSIONAL.

[@KingJames1981]

@@hhazelhoff1363 Most people order more than one hotdog, plus chips and a soda.

[@yokeo]

@@KingJames1981 you didnt even account for profit, dont go into this business. lol stick with it

[@powertothesheeple5422]

Doesn't sound like you are accounting for any of the expenses. Better cut that 180K in half by the time you take out the food costs, license fees, taxes, etc. And if you want to make the big money, you better be out there when it's 95 degrees in July and -5 in Jan with no heat or A/C. Have fun!

[@Luvlyleelee]

This video was extremely helpful! Big thanks to everyone who helped make it. 😊

[@ralphaelalfaro6023]

This man has a vast wealth of knowledge in his belt. Yes, luck favored him but it was his fortitude(balls) that earned him his success. I work in SoCentral LA, and have seen people selling tacos/tamales from the street growing to people selling from their front yards. Their entrepreneuralship is admiral. Legal issues aside, for the environment concerned, I admire their spunk. I was friends with a street vender(reseller) that lost her business when the lockdown hit. I make a good income at my job but have always thought about "working the curb". I'm close to "retirement" with a good "plan" but like the "service" aspect of a "cart". I have always had people compliment my culinary skills, especially my grill skills. Seasoning is my gift. Just as he mentioned having his dogs made custom makes me wish I could share my wares.

[@mdube391]

This was a great in-depth video. Thank you for this excellent content

[@humbertoverdugo9181]

"It's fun to see people fuck around and find out" hahahaha, incredible interview.

[@Dave-zl2ky]

A great attitude, a quality dog, and a good location can bring in great money. Get to know the customers.

[@le_th_]

Crap attitude. He bought all the carts and sold them out of state so no one else could have them.

[@BrioaZ]

Smart move ​@@le_th_

[@ShaquilIeOneaI]

Dudes a savage bought all the carts and sent them out of state

[@le_th_]

Exactly, total savage. I wouldn't eat a hot dog from him if he gave it to me. I'd give it to a homeless person, though. I wouldn't let it go to waste.

[@black12212]

​@@le_th_lol

[@42lookc]

@@le_th_ Somebody needs to open a hot dog/sausage/pizza/burrito/french fries/etc... cart sales lot in Grand Rapids. That'd give a business hog like him fits.

[@lprince3884]

This has always been one of my retirement job idea and I love hot dogs. Thank you for the video

[@JohnTurner313]

Good info. I think the thing I've always wondered about is waste. If it takes 10 minutes to cook a hot dog in a pot of near-boiling water, how do you make sure you have enough ready, but not so much that you end up throwing them out? Street customers aren't going to wait for you to make them on demand. Or do they? And from one Michigander to another (Grand Rapids food license on the cart) - good luck with your growth plans! 👍

[@powertothesheeple5422]

10 min? Dogs are already cooked. 2 min in boiling water and it's ready. The 1/4 lb. might take a bit longer but no way 10 min.

[@JohnTurner313]

@@powertothesheeple5422 2 minutes is crazy. Just from a food sanitation perspective let alone quality and making sure the food is actually hot. Google around, and the consensus is 4-6 minutes, minimum. I guess if you want to cheap out on food quality and skate on how fast you cook them, go for it. When I was a line cook, there wasn't anything on the menu that was cooked and sent out in less than 10 minutes. Burgers, chicken, you name it.

[@user-yc9bv9sl8k]

What a great brother and Community leader

[@1dominator]

Great video! Best advice from the entrepreneur was to start now... don't wait for the perfect opportunity or to figure it all out. You will slve problems and learn with actual experience.

[@IL_Bgentyl]

Wild you need a license. The community does vastly better at veting people than the state.

[@rhavangogh5746]

What a great video, he knew how to monetize and market his business before he started, alot of people at his age are fearful and unwilling to cast social outreach because they feel they cant comprehend todays technology advances

[@TheHiredGun187]

My wife lives in Wakefield, MA and at the north side parking lot of Lake Quannapowitt there is a hot dog stand there. He does dogs and a few other items. Great food and he told me he makes a decent amount during the warm months to not really get bit by winter

[@john2914]

Your wife lives there? You don't? Does she need a date?

[@kclarke2971]

Wow good to know, in the 80's I lived in Wakefield, Loved it. Moved back to the North Shore. I'll have to come out and see the stand. Glad to know this. God Bless.

[@kieyotiemcdermott7195]

Thank you. This has been my autie stepson's dream for years. Your video with this entrepreneur is VERY informative. ❤

[@ChrisSmaller]

I have been in Costa Rica since 1981 married Tica 1983 use to sell Coney Islan Dogs at Conchal

[@chriszepeda5104]

Thanks for the insight! Now you got me thinking! Hope all continues to go well!

[@Xaynier]

Excellent video and I was thrilled to learn it took place here in beautiful Michigan!

[@YHWHWILLBEDONE]

Man, I really enjoyed this interview... I've always been curious about the logistics' of running a hotdog stand! I mean you know for the most part, what's entailed. The thing is you can be sure there's several things that you have not thought about that are vital to running a successful venture. It sounds like after COVID he was blessed to get an opportunity to get a decent location and has been off to the races ever since. How can one contact you in regard to business?

[@monmixer]

Geeze, I started a sound and lighting company for less than 20 grand. Not large scale but big enough for small street festivals and small to big clubs. Sound and lights. Of course that would have been impossible 30 years ago but with new tech and the digital consoles it's pretty low cost to get your feet wet and make money . I did not count the truck though in my investment because I already had it but it was still under 20 even if I figured in the cost of the truck.

[@bigzachful]

How do you have continuous business? Wouldn’t it be a one time thing at a club? How much would you get for something like that for a job

[@monmixer]

@@bigzachful You book a lot of jobs with bands. I'm also a musician that played the club scene for years so I know a lot of musicians. some times you book through the club. Normally it's through the bands. They call you and ask you to do sound for them for the dates provided. If you can't be there then you need an employee. Depending on the act pay would be from 200 bucks for a small local club which I only do for friends and 500. Local bands that do not own their own equipment which most do not are lucky to make 100 each per night in a big club. the sound company makes more money than the band altogether most of the time. You don't need a lot of lights for clubs, It is not continuous unless you are in bigger markets. A lot of it depends on location also. The smaller places and most of the roadhouses of the past are gone now. DUI laws and loss of traffic killed them. People don't want to go out anymore unless they have safety numbers. Covid really hurt of course. I also work in a theatre so for me the sound thing is a side hustle.

[@timothymuldoon]

Remember, there's always money in the banana stand

[@projectrenaissanceman5035]

There ALWAYS money in the banana stand 😂

[@Bootman899]

Lol this guy is so cool. What a bad ass wading into the digital realm and using his business to leverage NFTs very real eventual use-cases for all. At his age it's certainly not common. Ah, background in computers. He gets it!

[@m3tas458]

i see that he has the ketchup, mustard and many products to add to your hot dog is that included in the price? like you buy a hot dog and you can add whatever u want to it after you have paid?

[@shannonelderkin9645]

Vallejo, Ca Sacs Hot Dogs been around 40yrs or more

[@navi21wildside49]

This guy is a legend for having that business name

[@louiselawrence9441]

Iim starting out and learned alot from this. Thanks Australia.

[@deanmanley3577]

Thanks for the tips im gonna save some money and then buy my hot dog stand then its go time!

[@ronkonkoma4223]

Nothing motivates a business man better than those ticas at the Hotel Del Rey. Hahaha 🤣🤣🤣

[@ReviewTimeWithTim]

I ha e seen a lot of these videos and I can say you 💯 need to be in the right state and right city and right location....I can't stress the right state

[@killacrush3437]

You have a good guy working for you🎉❤

[@johndoe-ek6vl]

yeah he's stoned out of his mind and doesn't care about only making minimum wage LOL

[@stephkurrywitdapot]

​@@johndoe-ek6vlctfu 😮I make far more than minimum wage my friend

[@stephkurrywitdapot]

Thanks man.

[@stephkurrywitdapot]

​@@johndoe-ek6vl And I live in Michigan bro everyone smokes weed

[@exploreraa983]

I find it humorous they took the time to put a mic on him, yet didnt bother to tell him he has flour all over his shirt

[@martinmi5]

He's working man. Real world stuff.

[@KingJames1981]

I find you humorous for pointing that out.

[@hereweare9011]

That's bird poop.

[@TheTb11111111]

12:30 “I get called a hero on a regular basis and most of the time I don’t want that title” 😂😂 Dude you sell hot dogs.

[@Vossi420]

I hear you but don't see 6 figures if you're in rural areas. It's all about location location and location

[@zxno_pl]

love what this man is doing but i remember the coney island days bru if you know you know

[@charlesdjones1]

05:27 This guy using the Bill Gates Monopoly Playbook step by step 😂

[@goldmemberr]

I didn’t even catch that first time 😂thats comedy … mafia hotdog ish

[@harveylattray8504]

Takes alot to run a food vendor business

[@theyareourbread]

Great inspiration. Thank you!

[@schwastypantz8795]

Do you know about Florida and the difference between what you have on here. Thanks

[@donc9275]

Or you can say “no habla engles” and you don’t need any license or permits. I live in California and we have people selling tamales and tacos on street corners and front yards and the common theme is “no hablo”.

[@BigReggie]

Dude said you don't see a hot dog franchise? Cool story bro. wienerschnitzel enters the conversation 👀

[@michaelhansbury4791]

What a nice guy ,smart to

[@jox4mohya]

Where is this? Maybe put more info on the people you interview, in the description.

[@6FigureRevenue]

We always link either their instagram, facebook or website in the description

[@Av-vd3wk]

@@6FigureRevenue yeah… but so what?? Put not their Virtual address But their LITERAL/Physical one…I can’t EAT a hotdog 🌭 in the Metaverse…..

[@stephkurrywitdapot]

Grand Rapids Michigan

[@wideawaketotruth5301]

What make and model cart are you using?

[@livingworkingoutsidebox]

5:39 Great guy who buys a cart and sells them out of state so others in his area can't get one.

[@darro89]

Good people, wish you much success. Hot dogs is a winner to have for dinner.

[@johnnorman1793]

How about doing away with your styrofoam containers and start using a more green alternative like bamboo containers, or recycled cardboard containers. They are readily available everywhere, and have come down in price substantially, not to mention by using these, it's a good selling point for your business.

[@johndoe-ek6vl]

no

[@amgeezy_2709]

Because Styron is half the price

[@Retired30]

Your mom is recycled

[@theresacoringgray6885]

As a new vendor in the making my hours for sell will be from 10am - 5pm. Definitely no late night sales..

[@gigidope]

This guy gave me an Uber ride yesterday👀 Cool guy. Played tailback for MSU.

[@KingJames1981]

What? Wow, he must love working, Imagine he makes more than enough off his hot dog business to not have to work.

[@johndoe-ek6vl]

@@KingJames1981 oh his stand sunk because you can't make shit selling hotdogs.

[@maxwind1862]

How do you deal with illegal vendors operating in your vicinity?

[@0dbm]

Boom , that’s your man , Techno Nerd

[@wherethehoochiesat4210]

GringoDogs is the coolest name ever 🤣

[@mg-ew2xf]

Real frog doggers know that even though it might make it a bit cold the secret ingredient is cold slaw and make sure its piled high lol let the kids eat what they want

[@iArrtt]

Where do you get the hot dogs if you don’t make your own

[@DerekWicks]

The grocery store

[@MickeysCorner]

guy never heard of Nathan's, Wienerschitzel, Sonic, Dog Haus, etc.

[@citizendissidentiv2488]

Papaya King is legendary in NYC

[@tankerman7666]

None around me

[@RealzFoSho]

G&L is local to GRR. This guy 100 and 10 percent knows what G&L is and would also know that they have not blown up over an entire century of operation because the local market is not a big consumer of hot dogs. His cart has location and low operating costs as its advantages. The second you set up a restaurant, you lose at least one of those advantages, if not both. The location his cart is in would be considered extremely prime real estate in Grand Rapids. Either very close to the most expensive, or the absolute most expensive real estate within 100 miles (Lake Michigan beachfront excluded). He could not mark up the price on his hot dogs enough to pay the increased overhead for having a restaurant anywhere near where his cart is. There is a reason G&L does not have a location in that area, and they have been around more than long enough to run the numbers and understand the reality of the local market.

[@cookncrook6902]

Portillos

[@hhazelhoff1363]

I used to have a stand outside a Home Depot. It made really good money, but standing there every day got so boring, just a super super boring grind. And when you hire people you just don’t make the same amount of money. They bring there own buns and dogs to the job and rip you off.

[@KingJames1981]

That sucks. How much were you making a day?

[@hhazelhoff1363]

@@KingJames1981 that cart could average about $400 a day net profit. In about 6 hours operating. In the summer you could do better by setting tons of cold drinks. Sell cold water for $1 a bottle. Some days I would sell 120 bottles. But again, you need to set up the cart, and break it down every day. And man the the operation. It gets really old after a while. But if you worked it seven days a week you could clear about $10.000 a month. I was in Florida so we had no weather/ winter issues. It’s all about location location, location, location.. and putting in in the time. I was also under a large roofed overhang, with plenty of shade, and protection from the rain. That’s is important. Weather is something to consider if your out in a open parking lot

[@EnderPearlRs]

​@@hhazelhoff1363Who did you speak to at Home Depot to get permission for that? I might try to do this.

[@hhazelhoff1363]

@@EnderPearlRs yes, you need to negotiate a lease. If you can get a spot inside by the checkout that’s best. Having the climate control takes a lot of the guesswork out of it.

[@kipmyers5897]

Put a camera on it

[@michaelbillups-nh2cw]

Thinking about doing this thanks for the info

[@thatguy7085]

High foot traffic area that permits it.

[@phoenixash8514]

Kinda shitty that he would buy carts and sell them off to keep them from other possible vendors which would build up the atmosphere for these types of businesses. One thing I can say, is that karmas gonna get him when he tries to open a brick-and-mortar.

[@r.louirat604]

It's all business. He didn't rob and shot them. It's just like selling drugs in the streets it's a hustle maybe they shouldn't sell their carts off if they were smart 💯. So what karma are you talking about?

[@1GQ_gent]

Remember 10+ years ago the owner of the Hotdog snack/ cart at Home Depot's across the country

[@codelicious6590]

So dude looks old enough to remember Der Wienerschnitzel, there used to be a hot dog fast food joint.

[@goldmemberr]

I really like the enjoyment he gets out of watching people get laid out cold in front of him 😂

[@888greennugs]

Awesome video!

[@MXR68mo]

Are the wieners that you sell are custom made with natural casing or just the cheap ones found with the majority of vendors?

[@kyelhogwarts8175]

Hot dog stands are never seen and misssed in the NW

[@isaacboah9678]

I want to set this hot dog business in ghana but the capital n the machine to work with 😢

[@Danilo0717]

Awesome! Where can I buy or lease a dog cart like that?

[@NibiruNich]

I had an opportunity to start this kind of business but our government was standing in the way of me succeeding in this due to the events I would go to. A number of"jobs" have been overlooked because of the government. This needs to change. Being charged for crime is stopping growth in America. Crash of economy happened behind this kind of thing

[@tommyteamer9037]

Thank for the tips on running a food vendor

[@tomjohnson1204]

Could you please recommend a decent bun.

[@goldmemberr]

Brioche

[@GlassBolinger]

These 2 guys took no for an answer, now they're on a street corner selling spicy hit dogs & wearing funny hats

[@nitatamang1481]

I wanted to start my business for Chinese food, specially dim sum 😢 never got chance

[@JustAnotherTrader]

F around and Find Out...... I respect that!

[@sirjhonson8218]

You need to do Mexican cornbread corn dogs. Know one does them anymore. There was a little store that did those back in the 1980`s and 90`s, People would line up like crazy to get them at lunch time.

[@mikethompson4854]

In the Navy I use to make Jalapeno corn bread and tried it with making corn dogs and people loved it.

[@garyCauser]

How do you make them?

[@nigel8375]

No.... Too many items drain a business.

[@barniclebobca]

was in the bus for 30 years.Nice video with real interview but 6k not realistic ! $300 to $500 per day is average not working nights or the bar crowd

[@RealzFoSho]

You have to jump to halfway through the video to the "asterisk". The full sentence is, "We've had weekends where we've grossed six thousand dollars... during Art Prize". Art Prize is a large event for the area that attracts an estimated quarter million people. $6k is actually an underperformance during that time for food vendors. He might be bragging because it is big for him, but other vendors will do more than that in a single day. Other vendors being those that have foods that are more appropriate to the local area, hot dogs not being big business in Grand Rapids.

[@RayMrRobert]

Love my hot dogs with meat chili. Love a good cart. Life is really beautiful with a hot dog and a soda.

[@wakamoli8248]

To be honest, its all about location to make money and where there are the masses that does help too.

[@wemcal]

Great video and great information

[@Wolf1C]

Awesome Video and great business

[@locotx215]

2:17 - Stop the cap . . .I know Costco hot dogs when I see them.

[@kclarke2971]

There's one in every crowd.

[@stephkurrywitdapot]

Come see them for yourself brother. Handmade no bs

[@tedsirlouis1372]

There is 3 hot dog restaurants in my area lol

[@ancientnpc]

Its awesome that you can still do this in the US. In Australia this would never be approved, even food trucks have a hard time.

[@jayspannerman9623]

I'm in Oz and there is always food vans in our area. If was a shop owner in the area I would be livid. But they are allowed.

[@jackuzi8252]

You do note, though, that even after obtaining licenses from the county and city, they are only permitted to operate in designated zones.

[@microbios8586]

Food stands are NOT common in the US. In places like NYC they definitely exist, but they are highly regulated. Such a business is completely unfeasible in most cities in the US.

[@muckymandem2782]

i appreciate these guys not throwing out there food that was really beautiful to see , keeep up the good work god bless

[@ZiggZagg11]

Could you do French Fries in a air fryer? 🤔

[@mediasmoker]

Too inefficient - You'd never make any money, but demographics by state, then county will determine what items can be sold. In some states, you can only do hot dogs & prepackaged foods like bagged chips...no chili or cheese condiments. In my state, you can have a deep fryer on a hotdog cart...but we're also required to have 4 sinks. In Florida, you can only have one sink...any more, and it won't pass inspection.

[@radow869]

Good for you.

[@SKG1941]

I’ll take two slaw chili cheese please and yes I’m from North Carolina. Ha ha ha.

[@stephkurrywitdapot]

Slaw dogs are the best. I do them for myself at the cart. Our customers are not as well versed in the hotdog flavors

[@sd8023]

This was very interesting

[@jramirez9066]

My hat off to you my man, so in my one horse town that's a no go.But wait the town sold the horse, for what?

[@vd7875]

selling hot dog with the gun strapped on your belt🤣🤣🤣

[@theyareourbread]

Awsome video!!!

[@tomsimpson5317]

Tedious work

[@MisterPickle.]

His employee had a t-shirt on that said fucking toasted. I WANT THAT SHIRT 😂

[@stephkurrywitdapot]

Spencer's gifts my friend that's me in the video

[@MisterPickle.]

@stephenfausten3932 Damn, Spencer's is still a thing? I haven't been to the mall since 2006. 😅. And that's awesome. Keep slanging them dogs. Also, I totally agree with your boss their aren't enough hotdog joints around. But when they show up, they generally do pretty good numbers. 👍🏻

[@bowmadness1333]

Great video, thanks for the motivation and advice.