Hello to all. New Hot Dog cart vendor!

Hi There,
Been lurking for a little while now. Great site, glad I found it.
I live in Key West, Fl.
Have been in the art biz for awhile now. I have now pushed that aside for a hot dog cart.
I will be operational in 4-5wks.
I will be making a large marketing splash at that time.
I will only have 1-3 styles, very specific in the offerings.
I am getting excited and nervous. Food down here is very spendy at the restraunts. So with my location I am positive it will go over just fine.
Anyway, just wanted to say hi, will keep ya'll posted on progress if ya want to hear about it.
joey

Welcome aboard. And, the very best of luck in your new venture. I wish you much success.

Good luck dude!! Tell us more, and what cart you getting?

The cart is a 03' "all american hot dog cart"
Found it used in Miami for $800. Never used but 1 or 2 times.
2 burner model, basic trailer hitch model.
For the money it will be a good start.
Joeydogs

Welcome aboard

Joey, welcome to Roadfood. I'm Chicagostyledog. We spoke to a few weeks ago. Hope all is well in the Keys. Stay in touch.

Mark

Joey

The All American is not very well made, but as you say - the price was right and it gave you a lower start up cost. The custom 525 or top dog cart (this is what I have) is what I recommend in the future.

Ronnie

Hey Ronnie
Thanks for the email and recommending the Top Dog

Texgrill, the 525 does look good.
i got lucky with finding a decent hardly used cart that did lower the startup cost.
I could have got one better, but the used one took alot of pressure off starting this venture.
If things go well and they should, I will upgrade asap.
Will need to because of output that i am forecasting for my area.
Area: Key West,FL
No one else is doing what I propose.
Question? What king of output do you get on the 525?
Was it shipped to you?
How did that go?
thx
joey

Joeydogs
that's a pretty good price for your cart. did you get it from a dealer? I can't believe that no one in Key West is vending. What an opportunity!!!! Good Luck

There are street vendors.
Key West city only allows 25 mobile street vend lic.
There is a variety. By the beach you got ice cone,ice cream,water craft, some food.
Where the action is, there used to be a hot dog cart right on Duval st.
That is the street where tourist and partiers walk up and down and shop,drink,eat and everything decadent.
He got into a fight with the city, they changed the times on him (only at night).
I know for a fact, he was doing 250+ a lunch shift!!
Anyway, I cannot get a city lic, to buy off someone would cost 45k or more.
I will be at whats called Sunset Celebration. sunsetcelebration.org
Its a nightly celebration of the sunset. Artist,street performers, and a few food vendors are there every night.
During busy season I would see 1000+ people in a 4hr span.
I was one of the artist until recently. Scrimshaw artist.
I would watch the tropical smoothie cart line 10 deep for the full 4hrs.
I would get 5 all night.
So, thats whay I am changing.
Art for the soul. Food for the pocket.
I will be the only vienna beef vendor down here.
I am going to strictly do Chicago style dogs.
Am developing a pineapple/mango salsa for my signature Joeydog.
Thats it. Reading everything and talking to CSD has made me believe that 1 or 2 things done perfect is the only way (for me right now)
Just got all my marketing materials today. Really cant believe it.
My sales rep is just plain friggin awesome.
Anyway, come'on down for a free one
peace out
joeydog

With winter coming sounds like you may have it going on in Fla. Joey. Good luck man, have fun and I hope you do well.

we are both in the same boat, but i live in canada, so my season is longer......good luck, and thanx for the reply to my hand cut fires!!

sword

Hello everyone, I'm another newbie to the business! I have been lurking on this board for several weeks now and have found a wealth of great information here. I thank everyone for sharing your experiences and giving advice. I do have a couple of questions.

1. On my first day out if I plan on having a 100 dog day, how much product should I prepare to start the day after my cart is set up?

2. I don't have a cash register. What is the best way to handle the cash sales and make quick change?

Thanks for any info.

Welcome to y'all.