User Panel
Posted: 6/22/2021 7:12:35 PM EDT
I need some insight as to what one should look for in a hotdog stand.
The situation is this. We have a lot of food trucks at our venue but it is a battle out there to get them sometimes and they are in ridiculously high demand. As such at times we have a hole in our truck schedule. We need to offer some sort of food during shows and it seems to me a Hotdog cart would be the most straight forward and easy cart to run. But…there seem to be a number of folks making them and some features vary from one to another. Any input as to what is needed would be great. We have power available and would likely run the cart maybe twice a week to keep inventory turned over. |
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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. |
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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. View Quote 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. |
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The ones I like in NYC are the simple ones. A couple choices on wieners, basic toppings like chili, kraut, grilled or chopped onion, relish and for dressing mustard and ketchup (for the commies)
For drinks, a couple choices of sodas and bottled water, thats it. Sides are kept simple as well such as the small bags of chips. This keeps you from having to cook anything besides the wieners and steaming the buns. You can keep costs down and have a fast system. |
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I know they're dirty water dogs but the Lucky Dog vendors throughout the French Quarter seem to do really well. About as basic as a dog gets.
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So did I. |
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Wet teddy bears herrreee!! Get your wet teddy bears!!!
These look pretty damn good OP. Looks like they have everything you need. |
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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.
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Find out which food trucks seem to be the most popular with the people that come to your venue, then cut a deal with the top one or two guys.
Offer to pay for their propane the days that they're there, or let them hook into your electric, if they agree to park it there a minimum number of, or certain days of the week. Hell, add a kitchen/patio/restaurant onto your venue, and work out a deal with the best food truck guy. |
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Just slap a fire underneath your BMW’s pannier’s and boil a few dogs. Way more mobile that way too!
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Whatever you do, do not finance it. Miss a monthly payment and you'll never ketchup.
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I ran one out of a show venue many years ago. It made a fortune.
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Quoted: Find out which food trucks seem to be the most popular with the people that come to your venue, then cut a deal with the top one or two guys. Offer to pay for their propane the days that they're there, or let them hook into your electric, if they agree to park it there a minimum number of, or certain days of the week. Hell, add a kitchen/patio/restaurant onto your venue, and work out a deal with the best food truck guy. View Quote They already get free electric. This is our first summer open but the food truck market is freaking brutal. Unfortunately a kitchen isn’t a possibility currently due to infrastructure but maybe in the future. I am not even sure I can pull this off due to labor. |
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Quoted: 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. View Quote Depends on what I'm ordering. If you're doing regular sized dogs, I'd highly financially encourage you to incentivize getting 2. If you're doing 1/4 lbers you can go higher than market, especially if you have a good product. I'd say $5-$7. Idea get a soda and chips and be out for a $10 lunch Edit: Sheetz gets me with upgrades on their two small dog meal. I'll get the pretzel bun, the bacon, the cheese, etc |
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Quoted: This is how you do it. Big A's hot dog stand, New Braunfels, Texas. / https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/27726/9C31A586-2740-49C9-BBBA-FAD82C3B39B9_jpe-1987944.JPG View Quote |
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Dont do normal cooking means, deep fry em. You can offer them to different levels of cooked to burnt. You can also offer them wrapped in bacon as was suggested, or even dipped in cornmeal for corn dogs.
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Quoted: Wet teddy bears herrreee!! Get your wet teddy bears!!! These look pretty damn good OP. Looks like they have everything you need. View Quote I think I am going to call these folks in the morning. Now here is the conundrum…boiled as is traditional, fried, or grilled? |
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Grilled onions & cream cheese...
...grilled onions & cream cheese |
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Quoted: Depends on what I'm ordering. If you're doing regular sized dogs, I'd highly financially encourage you to incentivize getting 2. If you're doing 1/4 lbers you can go higher than market, especially if you have a good product. I'd say $5-$7. Idea get a soda and chips and be out for a $10 lunch Edit: Sheetz gets me with upgrades on their two small dog meal. I'll get the pretzel bun, the bacon, the cheese, etc View Quote I stop on occasion and No hot dog cart vendor would stay in business charging those prices in CT Edit 1/4 pounders I agree but really most people don't order those . When people stop they like a normal size dog. |
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Quoted: I think I am going to call these folks in the morning. Now here is the conundrum…boiled as is traditional, fried, or grilled? View Quote about the only hotdog i will actually eat is grilled with at least some char to it, beef franks. Considering walmart retail not bulk I can make a hebrew national with ballpark bun and some mustard for under a dollar I don't expect to pay more than $3 for that. if you've got some chili another $1.50 to $2 etc... In general for food sales your food cost should be 30% or less of the sale price I've found that a pretty good number for selling most things that can be sourced somewhat easily and don't require insane labor. disclaimer I am not really a fan of hotdogs and pretty much never go to hotdog stands. |
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Quoted: about the only hotdog i will actually eat is grilled with at least some char to it, beef franks. Considering walmart retail not bulk I can make a hebrew national with ballpark bun and some mustard for under a dollar I don't expect to pay more than $3 for that. if you've got some chili another $1.50 to $2 etc... In general for food sales your food cost should be 30% or less of the sale price I've found that a pretty good number for selling most things that can be sourced somewhat easily and don't require insane labor. View Quote I was thinking Nathan’s all beef and $2.50-3.00. As well maybe multiple kinds of chili just to be different. When I was a kid I loved Stewart’s hotdogs in Huntington, WV. They don’t do any sort of franchise but maybe I will reach out just the same, you never know. |
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Rutt’s Hut in Clifton, NJ and their deep fried ‘Rippers!’
Babe Ruth used to eat there, so if they’re good enough for the Babe, they’re good enough for the plebs. Chris |
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Wienerschnitzel Menu
Mustard Dog A grilled World Famous Hot Dog in a fresh, steamed bun topped with tangy French's mustard. Choice of Hot Dog Bun Options Mustard Dog Comes With Add-Ons Choice of Hot Dog Required World Famous Original +$1.69 All-Beef +$2.89 Polish +$2.89 Bun Options Required Standard Pretzel Bun +$0.60 |
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Quoted: I stop on occasion and No hot dog cart vendor would stay in business charging those prices in CT Edit 1/4 pounders I agree but really most people don't order those . When people stop they like a normal size dog. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: Depends on what I'm ordering. If you're doing regular sized dogs, I'd highly financially encourage you to incentivize getting 2. If you're doing 1/4 lbers you can go higher than market, especially if you have a good product. I'd say $5-$7. Idea get a soda and chips and be out for a $10 lunch Edit: Sheetz gets me with upgrades on their two small dog meal. I'll get the pretzel bun, the bacon, the cheese, etc I stop on occasion and No hot dog cart vendor would stay in business charging those prices in CT Edit 1/4 pounders I agree but really most people don't order those . When people stop they like a normal size dog. I'm with you. If rather get two regulars if I'm hungry than one 1/4 |
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and to the higher end on the strip
HAUTE DOGS The Fun-Ghi$7.99 char-grilled frank, grilled mushrooms, caramelized onions, gruyere cheese, & truffle mayo Gold Standard$7.29 char-grilled frank, smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, roast tomato, arugula, & garlic aioli Hangover Dog$9.99 char-grilled frank, bbq brisket, grilled onions. jalapeños, swiss cheese, bacon bits, ketchup, mustard, & mayo The Longhorn$7.99 char-grilled frank, smoked beef BBQ brisket, coleslaw, onion rings, & pickles Reuben Dog$7.99 char-grilled frank, spicy mustard, kraut, swiss cheese, & pastrami Mac N' Cheese Dog$7.79 char-grilled polish, macaroni & cheese, cheddar cheese, & bacon bits Mushroom Dog$7.79 char-grilled frank, grilled mushrooms, bacon bits, swiss cheese, truffle aioli RETRO DOGS Undressed Dog$5.00 char-grilled frank on a bun polish dog $5.54 Windy City$6.29 grilled frank, relish, tomato, onion, dill pickle, sport pepper, & mustard with celery salt Empire State Dog$6.49 grilled frank, grilled onions, kraut, ketchup & spicy mustard Detroit Coney Classic$6.49 grilled frank, chili, onions, mustard & cheddar cheese Tijuana Dog$7.29 char-grilled frank topped with bacon, grilled onion, jalapeno, & mayo |
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Quoted: I was thinking Nathan’s all beef and $2.50-3.00. As well maybe multiple kinds of chili just to be different. When I was a kid I loved Stewart’s hotdogs in Huntington, WV. They don’t do any sort of franchise but maybe I will reach out just the same, you never know. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: about the only hotdog i will actually eat is grilled with at least some char to it, beef franks. Considering walmart retail not bulk I can make a hebrew national with ballpark bun and some mustard for under a dollar I don't expect to pay more than $3 for that. if you've got some chili another $1.50 to $2 etc... In general for food sales your food cost should be 30% or less of the sale price I've found that a pretty good number for selling most things that can be sourced somewhat easily and don't require insane labor. I was thinking Nathan’s all beef and $2.50-3.00. As well maybe multiple kinds of chili just to be different. When I was a kid I loved Stewart’s hotdogs in Huntington, WV. They don’t do any sort of franchise but maybe I will reach out just the same, you never know. If that's profitable, $3 for 1 $5 for 2 is the key. I like the flexibility if I'm hungry to grab two. Might horse them both, might save one for a little later. On top of the stronger preference for the smaller dog I like the flexibility. |
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Quoted: Nah, I sell wet teddy bears. View Quote Failed To Load Title |
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Grilled cheese probably has as much mark or more than hot dogs, you can go stupid simple or upscale with little more effort and pairs with soup, a cheap and easy add on in the fall.
A propane griddle and a cooler practically gets you there. Keep it simple no matter what you do, complicated menu wastes time ordering and cooking. |
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Quoted: Grilled cheese probably has as much mark or more than hot dogs, you can go stupid simple or upscale with little more effort and pairs with soup, a cheap and easy add on in the fall. A propane griddle and a cooler practically gets you there. Keep it simple no matter what you do, complicated menu wastes time ordering and cooking. View Quote Simple is key for us as we have many trucks and this is just a fill in. I have no real interest to finance a hotdog stand other than to compliment our venue. That means it needs to be simple, but quality. We do already have a grilled cheese truck. |
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The downside of going the deep fryer route is how nasty those are in a trailer. You need an expensive exhaust system / with associated blower, and it's still a hot mess of grease. A lot of people in the food truck business would advise you to avoid a deep fryer unless you are really into the business. Cooking commercially on deep fryers is a mess. I'd vote for a grilled cheese setup, most people like grilled cheese, and it's silly easy.
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Don’t get a gourmet hot dog cart, do a regular hot dog cart.
Buy buns and 2 kinds of dogs in mega packs at Costco or Sam’s. Ketchup Mustard Relish Onions Peppers Chili Chip variety Cooler with canned drinks $2.00 for a regular hot dog $3.00 for whatever the premium is Boil your hot dogs, some carts have a little grill so you can throw it in and grill it quickly if they prefer grilled. Pull it out of the water and put some sear on it. .75 for chips .75 for drinks Pay a pretty girl $15 an hour to run it. You’ll be printing money. Don’t put chili on the menu. Instead do a chili dog special everyday. It’s a chili dog, chips, drink for $4.50. They are paying you $1.00 for 2 tablespoons of chili. |
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This is how you make money. Add a piece of bacon or go gourmet and prices go up quickly, people are resistant to pay Five Guys burger prices for a hot dog.
https://www.samsclub.com/p/lewis-bake-shop-cafe-hot-dog-buns-96ct-case-sale/prod22883864?xid=plp_product_2 https://www.samsclub.com/p/members-mark-beef-hot-dogs-bulk-120ct/prod17640201?xid=plp_product_3 |
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Quoted: Don’t get a gourmet hot dog cart, do a regular hot dog cart. Buy buns and 2 kinds of dogs in mega packs at Costco or Sam’s. Ketchup Mustard Relish Onions Peppers Chili Chip variety Cooler with canned drinks $2.00 for a regular hot dog $3.00 for whatever the premium is Boil your hot dogs, some carts have a little grill so you can throw it in and grill it quickly if they prefer grilled. Pull it out of the water and put some sear on it. .75 for chips .75 for drinks Pay a pretty girl $15 an hour to run it. You’ll be printing money. Don’t put chili on the menu. Instead do a chili dog special everyday. It’s a chili dog, chips, drink for $4.50. They are paying you $1.00 for 2 tablespoons of chili. View Quote This is the way. All that is simple is good; all that is complex is bad. If this is designed to be a stopgap measure then it shouldn’t be a time/energy sapping endeavor. And, let’s be honest, folks who will buy a run of the mill, non-douchy food truck, dog aren’t expecting 5 star options. Keep it simple and the turnaround time manageable and you’ll probably do well in making some spare cash. |
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Another one to check out is the hotdog peddler in Fargo, ND. He has been around a while.
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Quoted: I was thinking Nathan's all beef and $2.50-3.00. As well maybe multiple kinds of chili just to be different. When I was a kid I loved Stewart's hotdogs in Huntington, WV. They don't do any sort of franchise but maybe I will reach out just the same, you never know. View Quote |
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Quoted: This is how you do it. Big A's hot dog stand, New Braunfels, Texas. / https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/27726/9C31A586-2740-49C9-BBBA-FAD82C3B39B9_jpe-1987944.JPG View Quote |
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This is General Discussion Lighten up Francis It put a smile on my face My Uncle ran a concession stand on a carnival homecoming circuit. The markup and profit from fountain sodas was where it was at. Google it and see for yourself Fountain Soda |
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Quoted: This is how you do it. Big A's hot dog stand, New Braunfels, Texas. / https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/27726/9C31A586-2740-49C9-BBBA-FAD82C3B39B9_jpe-1987944.JPG View Quote |
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Whatever you do, do not finance it. Miss a monthly payment and you'll never ketchup. After reading these back to back posts, I need to make correction. The first poster is a musTARD idiot. |
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