Signature Dish for a Hot Dog Cart

This is probably a dumb question, who sells the big wally and is it all beef

Stop it CSD!! When I saw that pic of you squeezing that big Wally with those tongs, I got a huge pain in my groin for some reason. OUCH!!

From what I hear from the inspectors in Florida, a hot dog vendor can not add toppings such as chili, cheese, etc., however, I see other vendors doing things against code. I am purchasing my fist cart this week. I expect a learning curve. Do any of you know the real deal???

The real deal is......"Who knows?" Around here in Charlotte, we can serve chili as long as it's kept at the right temp (135+). We're not supposed to let the customer put on any condiments themselves. But there is one vendor in the middle of downtown that has a table next to his cart with gallon pump-jars of catsup and mustard for the customers to use. Carts are allowed 2 small coolers next to the cart. There are carts here with 4 large coolers. No one seems to give a darn about the details. They do come by once in a great while to check temps though.

quote:

Originally posted by kensandyeggoThe real deal is......"Who knows?" No one seems to give a darn about the details. They do come by once in a great while to check temps though.

Be thankful, that the HD in your area is not as hard to work with as HD's are in other states. I'm all for safe food and a spotless kitchens or carts but our local HD has been changing the rules like some people change socks. Working under constantly changing rules is terrible.
Jack

When all is said and done, is there anything quite as spectacular than a properly made chicago dog?

Hey Ken! you talking about me and my coolers?! Why I oughtta!!!!!! BTW I am down to 2 coolers now! Two very large and hernia generating coolers, but I am back in code for the first time in a long time.

Doc, I cannot imagine working in a condition where the rules are ever changing. Even though some of our rules don't make a lot of sense to me, they are at least constant.

Spud, I still have not had a properly made chicago (as I work during lunch, I never get to go to Ken's joint. But I would set my Chili Man's Choice (Homemade spicy mustard, shredded cheddar, and Homemade chili) against it any day! I have had an improperly made Chi-dog (at Bad Dogs here in Charlotte) and mand, when they are done wrong, they are done WRONG!

dlcampan = Im in fla and pretty much get away with murder! Im in a truck and not a cart, maybe that is the difference. So many posts I read from cart owners seems they take it in the pants regularly! GLAD I made the choice I did.

chiliman = If we were closer I would gladly challenge you to a taste-off! LOL

So I just ate a Chicago dog at kensandiego's place! YUMMMMMMMMM

Bun was soft and warm, topping were fresh, dog was a tasty vienna jumbo and the amount of celery salt was perfect (as a salt fan, I am very concious of how many food venues use salt as a flavor substitute rather than a flavor enhancer). I am now more aware of why Chicago-ans are so territorial about their dogs. Thanks to Ken and Demi for a great dog experience and a new fan of an old art! (BTW, for those who do not know, kensandiegoi runs the Woody's franchise in uptown Charlotte.)

Concerning trucks. Do you just pull up by a meter in a downtown area? cause you certainly can't go on a sidewalk.

Wish I could afford the truck because I would start out right. LOL

Hey just got mynew order of vienna dogs Wow not bad at all, I'm testing my boiling it in beer Idea to
see how much different it is ???
My new cart will be ready in August 08.

COZ

nightshift;

where I live there are 3 towns avon park, sebring, and lake placid. Everything is situated along on main raod, us hwy 27. The downtowns are death themselves but all along us 27 is a bunch of open unused parking lots with a kazillion cars going by. My customers know to look for me along there. If they are new they can see the GIANT logos on the truck. There is a weird ordinance that I cant be in same place every day, So I move each day sometimes right across the street from where I was the day before. Its a little game we play.

cool thing is that health inspector has to call me to set up time and day for inspection (not that I worry about him, I always get 100%) but if I had anything not quite right I have at least 24 hours to fix it.

I am a virtual kitchen on wheels with all the same attributes as a regular restaurant, but not all the headaches of rent and workers comp or unemployment etc.

I put in my pocket an average of 800 to 1000 weekly doing what I want to do.

About to expand to a second truck very soon... stay tuned

quote:

Originally posted by chicagostyledog


"Big Wally" is our signature dog. One-half pound of all pure beef pleasure, featured at the 105th Anniversary of Harley Davidson in Milwaukee, August 28-31. Only the serious need apply. Designated driver recommended, prior to consumption.

CSD PhD Professor of Hot Dogs

I really enjoy reading all your posts. A man that truly knows his craft. Bravo. I'm looking for your food if I ever get to Chicago.

Thanks. Give me a head's up before you come to Chicago and I'll give you the nickel tour.

CSD PhD Professor of Hot Dogs