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Posted: 6/30/2021 1:26:27 AM EDT
[#1]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Check out my wife and I hotdog biz. Started as a cart, now have small restaurant. Still do cart for events. Julieshotdogs.com. or on FB Real talk, how much are y’all pulling in selling hot dogs for 3 hours a day?? |
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Posted: 6/30/2021 2:08:37 AM EDT
[#2]
 Accepted (9/10) Movie CLIP - Ask Me About My Wiener (2006) HD |
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Posted: 6/30/2021 9:23:51 AM EDT
[#3]
Suddenly…
I am craving hot dogs… |
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Posted: 6/30/2021 9:29:29 AM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Check out my wife and I hotdog biz. Started as a cart, now have small restaurant. Still do cart for events. Julieshotdogs.com. or on FB That’s a good looking wiener that your wife has there. |
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Posted: 6/30/2021 9:33:39 AM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Check out my wife and I hotdog biz. Started as a cart, now have small restaurant. Still do cart for events. Julieshotdogs.com. or on FB Those look awesome. Just the kind of thing I had in mind albeit not with quite as many options. |
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Posted: 6/30/2021 9:34:40 PM EDT
[#6]
@cfishman
Your wife’s restaurant looks incredible. We have been looking at her menu several times today. I don’t actually believe Nebraska exists or we might have to drive up there. |
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Posted: 6/30/2021 9:55:16 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Check out my wife and I hotdog biz. Started as a cart, now have small restaurant. Still do cart for events. Julieshotdogs.com. or on FB This great thread just got better. I love that people take risk and work hard to make something. I would work there for free for a few weeks, just to learn about the business and the do's and don'ts. How long did it take to get off the ground? |
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Posted: 6/30/2021 10:42:04 PM EDT
[#8]
Alright OP, I've had a few drinks, getting an early start on the Holiday weekend, so what I type next could be either the ramblings of a drunkard or the thoughts of a genius. Even I can't be sure at the moment.
Here's my idea... are you familiar with Seinfeld? ... 3$ gyros. Kramer. Wrapped and ready. That is the key. The path. The golden ticket. No, I don't mean you sell gyros. Awe, look at me. I'm rambling again. Just like Sam Elliott in the Big Lebowski.  Lemme collect my thoughts and maybe have pour another drink while you watch this  Seinfeld - Gyros So yah, I don't go to hotdog stands because I don't want to be in a line at lunchtime behind a bunch of other people and the first person in line basically controls the tempo. For example, Hot Dog Guy ("HDG") "what'll it be?" Slow Indecisive Customer ("SIC") "hmmmmm.... I will have.... hmmmm are your dogs 100% beef?" HDG "oh yes, we use only all beef franks, would you like to try our special today?" SIC "hmmmmm.... I think.... ummm.... uhh ... hmmmm .... what's on the spicy dog...?" blah blah blah, I'm not gonna type all this out, do you want mustard, do you want onions, yakitty yak slow, shuffling guy moseys over, pull a bun out of the warmer, get the tongs, grab a dog, shake off the water, put it in the bun, put the tongs back, get a yes or no answer for every condiment, then move onto a big negotiation on a bag of chips and what brand of soda. Everyone else is standing in line, starving, thinking "why did I stop here?" Here is what makes your hotdog stand different. EXPRESS LINE: ( ) BUCKS. CASH. PREWRAPPED DOG w/WORKS, NO CHOICES, BAG OF CHIPS, SODA, GO!! I would love a stand like that. |
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Posted: 7/17/2021 8:35:33 PM EDT
[#9]
Any updates?
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Posted: 7/17/2021 8:52:39 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Any updates? It’s on the way. Bought and paid for. Probably another two weeks since literally everything on the planet is back ordered. No lumber, no bottles, no hot dog carts. |
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Posted: 8/4/2021 9:39:13 AM EDT
[#11]
UPDATE: Hot dog stand will be ready for pickup this Friday.
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Posted: 8/4/2021 3:25:47 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Alright OP, I've had a few drinks, getting an early start on the Holiday weekend, so what I type next could be either the ramblings of a drunkard or the thoughts of a genius. Even I can't be sure at the moment. Here's my idea... are you familiar with Seinfeld? ... 3$ gyros. Kramer. Wrapped and ready. That is the key. The path. The golden ticket. No, I don't mean you sell gyros. Awe, look at me. I'm rambling again. Just like Sam Elliott in the Big Lebowski. https://i.imgur.com/A79Yra0.jpg Lemme collect my thoughts and maybe have pour another drink while you watch this  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFE9C7BBkTYSo yah, I don't go to hotdog stands because I don't want to be in a line at lunchtime behind a bunch of other people and the first person in line basically controls the tempo. For example, Hot Dog Guy ("HDG") "what'll it be?" Slow Indecisive Customer ("SIC") "hmmmmm.... I will have.... hmmmm are your dogs 100% beef?" HDG "oh yes, we use only all beef franks, would you like to try our special today?" SIC "hmmmmm.... I think.... ummm.... uhh ... hmmmm .... what's on the spicy dog...?" blah blah blah, I'm not gonna type all this out, do you want mustard, do you want onions, yakitty yak slow, shuffling guy moseys over, pull a bun out of the warmer, get the tongs, grab a dog, shake off the water, put it in the bun, put the tongs back, get a yes or no answer for every condiment, then move onto a big negotiation on a bag of chips and what brand of soda. Everyone else is standing in line, starving, thinking "why did I stop here?" Here is what makes your hotdog stand different. EXPRESS LINE: ( ) BUCKS. CASH. PREWRAPPED DOG w/WORKS, NO CHOICES, BAG OF CHIPS, SODA, GO!! I would love a stand like that. This guy IS a genius. |
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Posted: 8/4/2021 3:35:06 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted: These things make a killing at the german christmas markets https://c8.alamy.com/comp/DPCD67/german-skewer-meat-on-barbecue-during-a-christmas-market-DPCD67.jpg I suppose thats probably the best hotdog i've had in frankfurt aside from maybe one burnt just right on a charcoal grill by a relative. Of course the gluhwein and german women probably helped. But these were awesome assortment of meats start in the middle and move to the edge when they are done, whole thing swings so you can keep the edges from overcooking. Would be really unique in the states too The best "vendor food" I've ever had in my life was cart-bought bratwurst, on a crunchy-outside bun, with mustard, purchased at the end of a volksmarche in Germany. It made a culinary impression for life. |
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Posted: 8/9/2021 10:54:26 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted: UPDATE: Hot dog stand will be ready for pickup this Friday. Excited to watch your progress |
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Posted: 8/10/2021 5:24:27 PM EDT
[#15]
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Posted: 8/10/2021 5:43:58 PM EDT
[#16]
I used to be on the board of our local "festival" and we made the vendors use tickets and not cash and we sold the tickets in booths and then redeemed the tickets the vendors turned in and paid them cash/check.
Corn dogs are by far the most profitable type of concession stand year after year. They would bring the tickets in 5 gallon buckets to redeem them and the corn dog guy always did 4 or 5 times as much as the next closest vendor. We sold the beer so we made 100% of that money, but corn dogs were second to beer sales. |
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Posted: 8/10/2021 5:46:03 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted: It’s on the way here! https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/191077/430823E0-DC5E-46B9-8E24-534616B322CA_jpe-2047741.JPG Wow, that is awesome. Congrats. |
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Posted: 8/10/2021 5:49:10 PM EDT
[#18]
Damn, I wish you were anywhere near me, I would give you some cash for food, even if you don't have authentic Chicago dogs
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Posted: 8/10/2021 6:04:12 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Damn, I wish you were anywhere near me, I would give you some cash for food, even if you don't have authentic Chicago dogs Look man, I am barely able to acknowledge anything north of the Mason Dixon line as even existing. Just putting the word Chicago on our cart is a big step for me 
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Posted: 8/10/2021 7:54:57 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Look man, I am barely able to acknowledge anything north of the Mason Dixon line as even existing. Just putting the word Chicago on our cart is a big step for me Better have some of that Vienna Beef in there. |
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Posted: 8/24/2021 5:53:47 PM EDT
[#21]
Any updates?
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Posted: 8/24/2021 6:07:33 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Any updates? Just need to be inspected and then we are off! Hopefully the next day or so. Testing…  Attached FileETA: not the final product. We need to get our cheese sauce a little more flowy. We are going to contact the local Mennonite store about producing sour kraut for us. |
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Posted: 8/24/2021 8:23:36 PM EDT
[#23]
Haven't read the entire thread, but have you decided what brand dog(s) you will be using?
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Posted: 8/24/2021 8:29:42 PM EDT
[#24]
not gonna lie, every time I got out of a bar in my 20s and there was a cart, I thought to myself....self, do this. drunk people need food.
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Posted: 8/24/2021 9:01:01 PM EDT
[#25]
$3.00 each or two for $5.00 for regular Nathan’s dogs. 1/4 dogs are $6.00ea or two for $10.00 Polish sausages are $8.00ea or two for $14.00. No mix and matching.This incentives buying two hot dogs per customer. Offer regular, onion, poppy seed and pretzel buns. This adds a little something extra. Grilled onions and peppers as well as just grilled onions hold very well. Tossing them on the flat top to heat them up if a customer wants that option is quick. Condiments are a must. It will be cheaper to buy in bulk and have a dispenser similar to what Costco has for yellow and spicy mustard, regular and Thai ketchup, vidalia and red onions, dill and sweet relish. You can also offer chili and cheese sauce as well but to keep cost down that is something I’d keep in the cart can put on for the customer for a small upcharge .50 cents. Otherwise you will get some moron putting it on his chips and eating up your profit margin refilling the chili and cheese dispensers.
I’d also consider offering a vegan or beyond meat hotdog or sausage. Lots and lots of vegans/vegetarians now days. You’d be stupid to exclude them. Only caveat being you will need to keep a special section or flat top area for their dogs. They have a thing with stuff being cooked on the same surface as the actual meat. Since their product is more expensive you will have to have a different pricing option for them though I’d still try to do a two for, price set up for them as well to again try to get them to buy more than one. You’d also need to consider that vegan buns as well. We locked into a hotdog cart for ourselves. We have a lot of little breweries around here that are always hosting some sort of parking lot thing. Hot dogs just go with beer. |
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Posted: 8/24/2021 9:02:23 PM EDT
[#26]
I met a multi-millionaire on Texoma one time who made all his money selling Corn Dogs at State Fairs. he works 3 months a year.
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Posted: 8/24/2021 9:07:07 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Just need to be inspected and then we are off! Hopefully the next day or so. Testing https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/191077/1A8E7DD7-E8F2-4259-856A-0651BD96D631_jpe-2064770.JPG ETA: not the final product. We need to get our cheese sauce a little more flowy. We are going to contact the local Mennonite store about producing sour kraut for us. Mix in a little chicken stock. |
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Posted: 8/24/2021 9:11:12 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted: My suggestion would be to add a little extra appeal to them, especially if you are charging 'venue' prices. Wrap them in a slice of bacon and deep fry them. A small cart with a two basket deep fryer should do it. Just need room for something to steam the buns a little. The added bonus is they cook really fast and you can do a bunch in one basket. Roller hot dog 'grills' take a while to actually cook them and make it hard to replenish stock quickly if the seller gets cleaned out. Good looking chick in a bikini. That's how they used to roll in Orlando. |
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Posted: 8/24/2021 9:13:50 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Just need to be inspected and then we are off! Hopefully the next day or so. Testing… https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/191077/1A8E7DD7-E8F2-4259-856A-0651BD96D631_jpe-2064770.JPG ETA: not the final product. We need to get our cheese sauce a little more flowy. We are going to contact the local Mennonite store about producing sour kraut for us. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Any updates? Just need to be inspected and then we are off! Hopefully the next day or so. Testing… https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/191077/1A8E7DD7-E8F2-4259-856A-0651BD96D631_jpe-2064770.JPG ETA: not the final product. We need to get our cheese sauce a little more flowy. We are going to contact the local Mennonite store about producing sour kraut for us. Nice! Looks great. Also solid move getting the Mennonite sauerkraut. On a sausage it is killer! Makes me miss central PA.  Around here the Boars head sauerkraut isn’t a bad option. It’s an okay substitute to getting something more traditional like you get in the German areas. |
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Posted: 8/24/2021 9:15:40 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Nice! Looks great. Also solid move getting the Mennonite sauerkraut. On a sausage it is killer! Makes me miss central PA. Around here the Boars head sauerkraut isn’t a bad option. It’s an okay substitute to getting something more traditional like you get in the German areas. We will make the chili and the cheese sauce as well as fresh toppings. But we don't have time to screw around making Kraut. This way we can play on it being local. |
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Posted: 8/24/2021 9:18:12 PM EDT
[#31]
You can park it in my front yard, i love hotdogs.
I'd put a rooftop tent on it and run hookers too. |
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Posted: 8/25/2021 6:40:55 PM EDT
[#32]
Got inspected today and the cart goes into action this coming Saturday.
Anyone want to guess what the first days sales will be? I am going to say we sell around 150 hotdogs and pull in $600-$700 gross. |
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Posted: 8/25/2021 6:46:55 PM EDT
[#33]
Being from Chicago I’m super picky when it comes to hot dogs. The two biggest things I look for are a Vienna Beef sign, and if the hot dogs are natural cased or not. Being by a sports venue or busy place I don’t mind paying more.
One thing you could do, which my favorite hot dog place does in Chicago (Gene and Judes), is fry up hand cut french fries and serve them on top of the hot dogs. Picture below for reference…. This picture is a “PR” photo. When you buy from them it’s all wrapped up in paper.  Attached File |
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Posted: 8/25/2021 6:47:55 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Yep, this. Also a friendly reminder you should have a variety of condiments. Don't just roll ketchup & mustard, rock some sauerkraut, chili, pickles, hot peppers, coleslaw, etc. See what sells. Cheese is another easy profitable add on you can offer. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: My suggestion would be to add a little extra appeal to them, especially if you are charging 'venue' prices. Wrap them in a slice of bacon and deep fry them. A small cart with a two basket deep fryer should do it. Just need room for something to steam the buns a little. Yep, this. Also a friendly reminder you should have a variety of condiments. Don't just roll ketchup & mustard, rock some sauerkraut, chili, pickles, hot peppers, coleslaw, etc. See what sells. Cheese is another easy profitable add on you can offer. Decent mustard ! Not just the yellow shit. Spicy brown! |
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Posted: 8/25/2021 6:52:41 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted: There's money in the banana stand. 
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Posted: 8/25/2021 7:51:23 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Got inspected today and the cart goes into action this coming Saturday. Anyone want to guess what the first days sales will be? I am going to say we sell around 150 hotdogs and pull in $600-$700 gross. @Canoeguy I’m sure you said it previously, but what’s the name of your spot and where is it located? Might try to swing by this weekend with the fam if it’s not too far. |
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Posted: 8/25/2021 7:56:33 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted: @Canoeguy I’m sure you said it previously, but what’s the name of your spot and where is it located? Might try to swing by this weekend with the fam if it’s not too far. Its near Pennington Gap, VA. The extreme SW tip of Virginia. |
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Posted: 8/25/2021 8:02:02 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Being from Chicago I’m super picky when it comes to hot dogs. The two biggest things I look for are a Vienna Beef sign, and if the hot dogs are natural cased or not. Being by a sports venue or busy place I don’t mind paying more. One thing you could do, which my favorite hot dog place does in Chicago (Gene and Judes), is fry up hand cut french fries and serve them on top of the hot dogs. Picture below for reference…. This picture is a “PR” photo. When you buy from them it’s all wrapped up in paper. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/378839/BCE19399-CF15-48BE-8F9F-ABA6AAF71B3E_jpe-2066006.JPG adding a fryer to a hot dog cart is not easy. |
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Posted: 8/25/2021 8:02:24 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Its near Pennington Gap, VA. The extreme SW tip of Virginia. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: @Canoeguy I’m sure you said it previously, but what’s the name of your spot and where is it located? Might try to swing by this weekend with the fam if it’s not too far. Its near Pennington Gap, VA. The extreme SW tip of Virginia. 7+ hours might be a bit much for a hotdog, haha. Good luck on the inaugural run. |
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Posted: 8/25/2021 8:07:51 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Here’s a follow up question…those of you who frequent stands what do you expect to pay. Hot dog stands are rare around here. Never been to one, but if I did I’d say about $6.00 plus the drink. |
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Posted: 8/25/2021 8:12:49 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Never been to one, but if I did I’d say about $6.00 plus the drink. There’s a hotdog truck in the “trendy” part of Bend. 3 hot dogs and 1 fry was like $48 with a tip. Each dog was $12+ ETA: Bend, Oregon. If the guy making your hot dogs is wear Fjallraven I guess you can expect to pay a premium. |
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Posted: 8/25/2021 8:14:48 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted: There’s a hotdog truck in the “trendy” part of Bend. 3 hot dogs and 1 fry was like $48 with a tip. Each dog was $12+ Holy shit. We aren't doing that. Ours are generally $3-$3.50. |
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Posted: 8/25/2021 8:17:38 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted: So you have an interest in wieners huh? He wants to sell them. Man whore. |
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Posted: 8/25/2021 8:27:34 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Holy shit. We aren't doing that. Ours are generally $3-$3.50. I wouldn’t question $6 for a good hotdog. Especially with a solid assortment of condiments. Beaver honey mustard preferably
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Posted: 8/25/2021 8:36:27 PM EDT
[#45]
Awesome, I’m excited to see how things go OP. Good luck!
Another forging-his-own-path thread by Canoeguy. Well done dude! 
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Posted: 8/25/2021 8:52:08 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I wouldn’t question $6 for a good hotdog. Especially with a solid assortment of condiments. Beaver honey mustard preferably OP, don't leave money on the table out of the gate. It might be better to lower prices if there is pushback. Raising your price will turn folks away. A couple of quarters on each dog will add up long term. Inflation and all that..  I won't pay $6 for a hotdog at a stand, but it sounds like maslin02 will. Two for $7, maybe $8 I could swing. |
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Posted: 8/25/2021 9:21:38 PM EDT
[#47]
OP keep it simple. Limit your exposure on perishables. You can offer variety without getting complicated. Chili, kraut, onions, ketchup, mustard, relish, cheese - something like that. You don't want to end the day with a lot of shit you have to throw out. And don't forget add-ons. Beverages, bags of chips, candy, stuff that will keep between working days. You can buy a case of 36 water bottles at walmart for like 3 bucks and sell the bottles for a buck a piece. Offer deals too - $3 for a plain dog, $5 for a "meal" with a beverage and chips, $2 for an extra dog, stuff like that. Have fun with it!
Best of luck. |
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Posted: 8/25/2021 9:24:34 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted: OP keep it simple. Limit your exposure on perishables. You can offer variety without getting complicated. Chili, kraut, onions, ketchup, mustard, relish, cheese - something like that. You don't want to end the day with a lot of shit you have to throw out. And don't forget add-ons. Beverages, bags of chips, candy, stuff that will keep between working days. You can buy a case of 36 water bottles at walmart for like 3 bucks and sell the bottles for a buck a piece. Offer deals too - $3 for a plain dog, $5 for a "meal" with a beverage and chips, $2 for an extra dog, stuff like that. Have fun with it! Best of luck. This is exactly what we are doing. Fanciest is the Chicago dog. It is also the one folks around here will be scared to try. But we will push it because it is pretty awesome. |
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Posted: 8/25/2021 9:25:38 PM EDT
[#49]
Good Luck OP! I hope you become a hot dog baron.
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Posted: 8/28/2021 7:29:13 PM EDT
[#50]
Not a huge day. But all sales were down. It was about 187 degrees out so that didn’t help a lot. But lots of posts being shared around with great reviews. We may run it again this coming Friday at a bluegrass event we have every week.
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