Menu items

I'm working on my menu items and I think I have it narrowed down but would love some feedback.  I realize that this can be very regional (as you'll see) but I don't want to miss anything obvious.  I'm also keeping it simple to start....I'm choosing to NOT have 50 different styles of hot dogs or toppings.  I want to get really good at this part then we'll go from there.  I've scoped out my local competition and have tried to build my menu knowing what others are doing in my area.   I'm still deciding on specific toppings for each dog so that part might be incomplete...but in no particular order:
 
1.  Seattle Dog - this is huge in my city and may sound disgusting to many but it's quite good. Cream cheese and probably grilled onions.
 
2.  Chili Cheese Dog - chili, shredded cheese, chopped onions
 
3.  Chicago Dog - traditional Chi Dog
 
4.  Chicken Apple Sausage - another item here that is really big here
 
5.  Polish Dog - with Sauerkraut
 
6.  Naked Dog - of course
 
Do you think this is enough options?  Thoughts are appreciated.....
 
 
 
 

looks good! Chicken apple sausage is real good I served those last summer at my cart, they went over well! I have some unique dogs you can take a look at and use if youd like, not sure if this is what you are looking for.
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.151048374988268.34992.114784378614668&type=3
 
Good luck! I think you do have good options to start! you can always add or change this as you go. I stated with "naked" dogs, Coney Islands (chili dogs) and Chili and Slaw dogs. now I have 9 differnt dogs, bratwurst, polish sausage. 

Thanks Mark....love your mac and cheese dog and that Arizona one looks delicious!  Nice job!
 
Oh....Mark...what kind of toppings did you put on that chicken apple sausage?  That's the part I'm struggling with...chopped or grilled onions?  shredded cheese?

I think I would offer a weekly or daily special of things not on your list and try and get as much feedback as possible (Facebook, Twitter, suggestion box). If they work, then add them or replace your slowest seller.
 Also keep in mind how much prep work goes into anything, how perishable it is and your profit margin. Also keep in mind, anything that doesn't sell, you, your family or pets may need to eat.

And another thought....
Since yer in Seattle, ya might wanna offer a "healthier version" Dog.
A white meat Turkey dog on a whole grain bun with meatless Chili Sauce(Texas Pete),fresh made slaw, and fresh onions, tomato's etc
I live in the South, so that don't go over so well, but maybe for you.
Of course, this will take some marketing.....Most "Health Concerned" people will pass by a Hot Dog Vendor. Make yer niche.

I always offer onions with anything, but honestly the chicken apple sausage was so it didnt need anything on it.  Weekly/daily specials are always good for biz.
 

We do a chicken & apple sausage. We suggest  a little bit of diced onions (we use Vidalias which are very mild) and either spicy brown or Dijon mustard. These sausages are very different from what most folks are used to eating. The ones we sell are slightly sweet to our tastes. In our opinion, "less is more". Once folks try them and decide they like them, they can start adding a few things. Most just seemed to stick with mustard or mustard & onions.

Thanks everyone...great suggestions. I'll be honest...I think I already have my niche...since cream cheese is so big here, I'm going to offer some traditional menu items with different flavored cream cheese. No one else is doing this and I really think it will be popular. Specifically my chili cheese dog will have toasted garlic cream cheese on it and the chicken apple sausage will have sun dried tomato cream cheese on it...I've tried them and they are delicious...but shhh....mums the word! : )

What is on the chicken & apple sausage dog? I am not familiar with it. What kind of ausage dog do you use?

The differnt flavor cream cheese sounds like a good idea. I don't think it would work around here.Being in the south everyone wants a chii dog.  I may get some cream cheese and offer free samples and see what kind of feedback we receive. We have had a few request for cream cheese.
 
 

I am not familiar with the chicken & apple sausage dog. How do you serve it. It sounds good from the name.