another new guy.

Hello, my two teenage kids and I are thinking of
buying a hotdog cart. We live on the TN/KY state line
near Clarksville TN. we will keep it simple at first,
with a choice of one kind of dog and one sausage,
chips with 5 different drink choices. Any thought on
area, working with family (teenagers), and choices of
hotdog sausage. (Been looking online for quality dogs
and it seems that all the choices are in the $ .50+
each range. is this right or am I looking in wrong
place). By the way, I have full time job and pay the
bills. Therefore, this would be so kids and wife can
make extra money and learn about running small
business. well any idea’s or thoughts will be appreciated.

Welcome.

There is lots of good information to be found with a search of this site. Have you tried that yet? I would do that first, it's a great way to learn a lot of stuff.

Arnie

Arnie, I actual have been searching this site for about a week now. thanks for reply!

Great. Can you be more specific in your questions? Not sure exactly what you are asking?

Arnie

It all depends on the teens. My boys have grown up in the restaurant business. They have started to learn, everything I know about my business. They are getting to the age where they can handle some of the responsibilities that come along with working as an adult. I have communicated very important rules, that go along with a paycheck.

While working, they have to conduct themselves in a mature manner. This is business. I will not treat them like I am their Mommy and they are my babies, when they are working. I have expectations that must be met as a professional, and they get no slack because I am their boss. They also do not get additional grief, because I am their Mother.

If they are afforded an opportunity to run a business, they must understand that they have to work well together, as a team. They cannot argue and bicker, as siblings often do, at home. They should each have their own designated responsibilites, that they cannot attempt to delegate or debate, during business operation.

It can work. As long as they understand and accept everything that comes along with owning and operating a business, in a partnership, with a parent and/or sibling.

thanks for advice CC! Arnie, my questions were. Am I expected to pay .50 or more for quality dogs and or buns?.Is there any input for operating in the TN/KY area?. Also I was wanting any adviceor input on running a hotdog cart buisness with teenage family member!

I've paid from .25 to .60 for different hot dogs. I find the more expensive ones hold their color longer when steamed. I only used Vienna Poppy Seed buns. They are par baked and are wonderful steamed. They are more expensive than a regular bun though but I think they are worth it.

Arnie

quote:

Originally posted by ArnieTX

I've paid from .25 to .60 for different hot dogs. I find the more expensive ones hold their color longer when steamed. I only used Vienna Poppy Seed buns. They are par baked and are wonderful steamed. They are more expensive than a regular bun though but I think they are worth it.

Arnie

Arnie do you know if it is worth it to have the Vienna buns shipped to CA? do you have them shipped or pick them up locally. If you have them shipped what does it run you per bun with shipping costs included. (if you dont mind me asking?)

Thanks

Quickdog,

Call Vienna Beef @ 1-800-FON DOGS and ask for the phone number of Steve
Andrekos, the California Vienna Beef rep.

CSD PhD Professor of Hot Dogs

There are several food distributors in California that handle Vienna products. Shipping frozen food items is cost prohibitive. The air freight will cost more than the goods. Distributors get their stuff by truck from Chicago in large quantities.

Ditto what the folks said above. I get mine from a company called Martin Preferred Foods, not direcly from Vienna. And yes the buns are worth it. Super soft after steaming.

Arnie

quote:

Originally posted by chicagostyledog

Quickdog,

Call Vienna Beef @ 1-800-FON DOGS and ask for the phone number of Steve
Andrekos, the California Vienna Beef rep.

CSD PhD Professor of Hot Dogs

Thanks! I appreciate it