How many hot dog people......

go out on Christmas eve???? I am torn on this, My thought is this.... people running around doing last minute shopping and may be going for Christmas Eve Dinner (later in the eve) but need something to tide them over. What is the experience of the veteran hot doggers?????
Help me decide.

As a customer, I'd be happy you were there ... Wouldn't expect you past 2pm though.

My thought is if you do stay open Xmas Eve, I would think about bulk specials. With friends and families about, people maybe tempted to buy a bunch of dogs to tide the group over while food is still being prepared, (or for those that mistimed the meal and are way late.) RJF

Yeah, i was thinking about going out but making it an early day. 2 sounds good to me. I just feel people will be running around and need a bite to hold them over. thanks for the input.
Keep it coming folks. Looking for a whole bunch of opinions.
I do a 3 for 4 and that goes well. i will see about a special. I kinda think i am already special.

Sometimes the whole point of owning your own business is to take advantage of the time you can take off to be with your family.I worked so many years for someone and hated working on X-mas Eve. Its a day people should have off to be with family and go to church. After all, Jesus IS the reason for the season.
Sometimes money isn't worth it.
I will certainly not open on X-mas eve.

Take the day off.. It's that time of year.. Seasons Greetings! (Or better yet, Merry Christmas)..

quote:

Originally posted by UncleVic

Take the day off.. It's that time of year.. Seasons Greetings! (Or better yet, Merry Christmas)..

On the other hand, if it were me, I think I'd look forward to being able to interact with so many people when they are in that, once a year, Christmas Eve mood ... if you know what I mean.

I worked in a family biz. for 27yrs. (24 of it owned by family) and i am used to never having a vacation or never enjoying to PRE holiday stuff. Biz. food oriented and it was very busy before the holiday. So i can go either way. Oh well we will see. I will decide when the time comes.

quote:

Originally posted by wheregreggeats.com

quote:

Originally posted by UncleVic

Take the day off.. It's that time of year.. Seasons Greetings! (Or better yet, Merry Christmas)..

On the other hand, if it were me, I think I'd look forward to being able to interact with so many people when they are in that, once a year, Christmas Eve mood ... if you know what I mean.

Oh I hear ya.. But on that final day of shopping, food really don't seem like a reason to stop.. More like getting to the next retail outlet to find (or hope to find) that last minute gift. From here on out, I'm staying away from the malls... And if there was an absoulute reason to get near one, it sure wouldnt be for the food...

okay well said vic. i will see. you are probably right but i don't want to be home saying i wonder if i should'a went out today. We will see.

Actually, the HDU Dog master should be able to give input into this subject.. My opinion is my personal one, Mark at HDU (www.hotdogu.com) will probably give you a more realistic answer... But again, busy and early shopping times are for a good crowd, but the last minute deal I dont feel will work..

Try it once and then you'll know if you want to do it again. If your motive is $$$$ that's one thing, If you just want to go out and enjoy giving the Christmas Spirit to others, that's something else.

Here's an idea--- setup near a food bank and give hot dogs to the workers and people coming to the food bank for a donation and then donate the money to the food bank. Or go to your regular spot or somewhere else and put up a sign, "Today's proceeds will be donated to the Salvation Army". The goodwill will reap benefits for the future and you can write your costs off. Spread a little cheer! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Foodbme That sounds like a good idea. But, i am not allowed to just pull up anywhere. Just where i am licensed for. I would be going out for both the above reasons but i would be lying if i didn't say more for the $$$. I still haven't decided but i am thinking of going out until 2. We will see.

I think you should go out for a few hours. If you don't, thats one day you will never know if it was worth it,or not. I hope you will be pleasantly surprised and have good news to report to us.

Why dont you set up your cart and give away free dogs at the homeless center? ....Russ
I will donate some cash.

Obviously it depends on your location.I find sales to be fairly slow around the winter holidays.It's great to just take a break.
Merry Christmas
Larry

If you’re not open you can't make any money that's the bottom line. And worse yet if someone drives out of his or her way to eat your food and you’re closed during normal business hours, they aren't likely to do it a second time. However they may cut you some slack on Christmas Eve.

Saturday the 22nd was a killer day for me.

And last Christmas Eve was great until about 5:00 PM. After that my staff and I sat around and drank beer and ate BBQ. LOL

We did a very slow clean up and from 5:00 PM to 7:30 we served a half dozen people (mostly Ribs) that were on their way home. I expect most had been to a bar having drinks with friends but most of the bars close at 5 or 6 around here on Christmas Eve.
Jack

PS The food banks here gets a ton of stuff in December, if you want to donate do it in February, when they don't get all the stuff that is given in the spirit of Christmas. Although I do volunteer to serve or clean up at the local breadline on Christmas Day.

Had a slow Sat. (22nd) compared to the last few so i decided (and i am not sure i made the right decision) to not go out today. Besides i have been feeling like i have a bit of a bug so maybe it is just best to rest. More people then not were telling me to not go out so given Sats sales i decided people must be too busy and just to say nay.
Merry Christmas to all.

quote:

Originally posted by ShellysDawgHouse
Had a slow Sat. (22nd) compared to the last few so i decided (and i am not sure i made the right decision) to not go out today. Besides i have been feeling like i have a bit of a bug so maybe it is just best to rest. More people then not were telling me to not go out so given Sats sales i decided people must be too busy and just to say nay.Merry Christmas to all.

Well I worked and my last customer was at 6:00 PM. But all day was great. Big orders not the usual sandwich and two sides, kinda day but the 3 slabs of ribs at a time kinda day. So I'm glad I did and next year I'm going to have a big party on Christmas morning, but more on that later.
Jack