"hot dogs" brands

Okay...(I can already hear the grumbling)...

Has anyone tried the Applegate farms Natural Turkey or Chicken Hotdogs and what did you think of them?

http://www.applegatefarms.com/Products/Details.aspx?ProductID=126
http://www.applegatefarms.com/Products/Details.aspx?ProductID=131

If you tasted them, how do you think the public would respond?

Curious...

Some people may respond favorably if you charge a quarter each.

quote:

Originally posted by hutt

Some people may respond favorably if you charge a quarter each.

So as per the question, does that mean you have tasted them and disliked them, or is this a generalized snipe?

quote:

Originally posted by FuwaFuwaUsagi

quote:

Originally posted by hutt

Some people may respond favorably if you charge a quarter each.

So as per the question, does that mean you have tasted them and disliked them, or is this a generalized snipe?

I've had the chicken dogs and while they're nothing like a very good dog, they are okay for a quick eat. Cheap dogs are a whole different category in dog world. It's sort of the skid row category.
You got your chicken franks, turkey franks, Oscar Mayers, Ball Parks, etc.. Usually high sodium crap but oddly okay to eat if you have nothing else around and nobody'll know. Like when you're hung over or something.
Cheap is the good part about dogs like those dogs. That's why I think they'd sell okay if they were dirt cheap. "What - A - Bargain!"

quote:

I've had the chicken dogs and while they're nothing like a very good dog, they are okay for a quick eat. Cheap dogs are a whole different category in dog world. It's sort of the skid row category.
You got your chicken franks, turkey franks, Oscar Mayers, Ball Parks, etc.. Usually high sodium crap but oddly okay to eat if you have nothing else around and nobody'll know. Like when you're hung over or something.
Cheap is the good part about dogs like those dogs. That's why I think they'd sell okay if they were dirt cheap. "What - A - Bargain!"

Hmmm...interesting.

So allow me to elaborate. The world has shifted for some of us, which means no beef, no pork, no lamb. Pretty much we are eating chicken and turkey for meat products, low sodium etc. So I am trying for a concept aimed at those who want healtier fare.

s a result I was looking for the best of the turkey or chicken franks. So far Applegate Farms has had the best product I have found. They are certainly a step up from tofu pups and the like, and that healthy Choice garbage. Price wise they are not particularity cheap at 3.49 for 8 so they would certainly have to sell at full retail but I understand your points and appreciate them.

Thanks.

Yet another request for opinions by someone who's already made their mind up. Go ahead, sell the ones you think are the best, may you have great success and prosper for years.

quote:

Originally posted by PaulBPool

Yet another request for opinions by someone who's already made their mind up. Go ahead, sell the ones you think are the best, may you have great success and prosper for years.

My mind is not made up. I am seeking the best of the Turkey/Chicken line and soliciting opinions there of.

Additionally, Hutt's helpful comments already helped me with direction on a few advertising nuances.

quote:

Originally posted by FuwaFuwaUsagi

My mind is not made up. I am seeking the best of the Turkey/Chicken line

Personally I think selling fake food is so silly. If it's good for you and your diet eat it, otherwise don't try and make something from nothing. Sorry I know you'll not like this post but why in the world would anyone want to eat a fake hot dog? If your into healthy foods only eat a really good hot dog once in a while it won't kill you. Otherwise never eat one if you feel strongly about your diet. It seems to me that Roadfood is just not about diet dogs, or for that matter diet anything.LMAO
Jack

quote:

So allow me to elaborate. The world has shifted for some of us, which means no beef, no pork, no lamb. Pretty much we are eating chicken and turkey for meat products, low sodium etc. So I am trying for a concept aimed at those who want healtier fare.

The real question is this: How much of a market is there for "some of us" "who want healthier fare"? If I'm looking for a good hotdog, I'm not going to a cart selling turkey or chicken dogs. I have tasted so-called "premium" turkey and chicken dogs, and although I wouldn't say they were disgusting, none that I have tasted have made a memorable impression and were rather bland by comparison to standard dogs.

Just do the customer a favor and put up a sign of what your selling. I stopped by a cart in town a year ago to get a dog... Figured it would be a hot dog, but instead it was the nastiest tasting dog made from turkey you could get. Became a pot hole filler. It was a waste of my money, and I'm sort of glad to see he's out of business now.

So Called "Healthy Hot Dogs" is an oxymoron and represents a very small percentage of all Hot Dog sales! When people buy a Hot Dog at a cart, restaurant or convenience store, they don't expect a Healthy Dog. They want a good old fashioned, tasty, flavorful hot dog. They will eat the "Healthy Dog" at home and satisfy themselves that they are "Eating Healthy", but when they eat out it's "Gimme the Grease & Fat!
If you already have a business, just ask your customers what THEY think about the subject. If you're just opening up, stick with the basics and experiment later. KISS!

quote:

Originally posted by Foodbme

So Called "Healthy Hot Dogs" is an oxymoron and represents a very small percentage of all Hot Dog sales! When people buy a Hot Dog at a cart, restaurant or convenience store, they don't expect a Healthy Dog. They want a good old fashioned, tasty, flavorful hot dog. They will eat the "Healthy Dog" at home and satisfy themselves that they are "Eating Healthy", but when they eat out it's "Gimme the Grease & Fat!
If you already have a business, just ask your customers what THEY think about the subject. If you're just opening up, stick with the basics and experiment later. KISS!

Well said. My opinion as well.

Agreed 100%. No one wants a "healthier" hotdog. If I want to eat healthy I'll just skip the hotdog entirely rather than settle for a turkey frank.

Real Hotdogs are made from real beef and that's just how it should be.

Just a note from the voice of an avid dieter: ME. And I own a dog cart. My personal diet is that of a low-carb type... not low-fat, not low-cal (you can't have it all). I've been ever so successful with this diet over the years, and it allows me to eat REAL food, not some processed wannabe foods.

So, what's on my cart? ALL Beef dogs, not mixed dogs, not turkey or chicken dogs... all beef. I can eat all beef and still eat healthy. My doctor said so! If you are steaming or boiling, I don't think the chicken or turkey dogs hold up as well or as long anyway... they are going to look funky faster too.

What DOESN't work for my diet is BREAD :( I'm wishing that some day someone will come up with a low-carb hot dog bun and I'll be all over that!!!! In the meantime, if I have a dog, I eat one without the bun, cut it up or just bite into it dipping it into my condiments as needed.

Of note: Just because I am on a diet doesn't mean I'm putting items on my cart that only I can eat.... I have things I can't eat, but everyone else can. I make a point of using quality foods that aren't full of fillers and other unknowns... that way if someone asks, I can tell them exactly what kind of real food I'm serving them.

PS: Most folks worried about low-calorie or low-fat foods are not going to look twice at approaching a dog cart anyway... probably because of what UncleVic mentioned... they don't hold up well and don't taste the same.

I haven't personally tried Applegate Farms dogs (sorry), but I do agree that you should clearly list what you are serving so that those who ARE looking for turkey dogs etc will know to look for you... and those who aren't don't get caught off guard. I would think that with those kinds of dogs, though, you would have to grill them to get any positive color, consistency, and taste out of them.

Best of luck to you.
Janski

My personal opinion: I tried several different brands of premium, locally made, turkey and chicken dogs, (not Applegate Farms), and none measure up to good beef & pork dog. The texture was mushy and the spice blend was made to try to duplicate the taste of a beef dog.

If you're going to serve these, please tell your customers what they're getting, just as you would if you're using all-beef or beef & pork dogs.

I will take 1 Chicken Dog a side of rice cakes an O'Douls some Bay Corn and a non fat carob chip cookie please...Russ

Chicken in a hot dog? Huh? Turkey in a hot dog? Huh? Why they have to be mystery dogs!

Interesting responses and much appreciated. My market data and trials suggest this will work fine. For those who are concerned, this would be advertised as non-antibiotic turkey franks, organic vegetables etc so people will certainly know what they are getting, no attempt at duplicity here. That being stated the firm negative responses are appreciated, not as much as someone pointing out that XYZ makes an even better turkey frank, but still appreciated.

Thanks, and I'll monitor the thread for additional responses.

Well, non-antibiotic seals if for me! Bring on the Applegate Turkey Franks! And, make sure it's skinless.

Please keep us updated on your location,sucess,sales and comments from your customers. Personally I dont think it will be successful but I have been wrong many times...Russ

Have none of you heard of about the Salmon Dog at Franktitudes in Miami? It is quite popular because of its low fat, low sodium and good taste. Not sure it is my cup of tea, but the guy is Nationally known for serving it. I offer a pheasant dog, which is also lower in fat and stuff...pretty popular, especially among people that want street food but a somewhat healthier alternative to a regular pork and beef dog. Although, the pheasant is not as popular as some of the other game sausages I sell. As for chicken, turkey, salmon or pheasant being a "fake" hot dog, I'm not sure they should be discounted with such disdain. They can be delicious, and with a regular hot dog available about every 50 ft near where I work, having an alternative available has proven to be a pretty good business move.

quote:

Originally posted by Russ Jackson

Please keep us updated on your location,sucess,sales and comments from your customers. Personally I dont think it will be successful but I have been wrong many times...Russ

Russ, I if ever pull the trigger on this one I'll let you know. The location I have in mind is in a park, on a very, very long bike trail and is intersected with a downtown with lots of historic shopping district shoppers and the like. The income is 2x the county average, and the people tend to be health conscious. In fact there are 6 fitness centers within 1.5 miles. I put in a sealed bid on the location 3 weeks ago for next year and I am waiting to hear back.

All that being said, I understand the sentiment. A long time back I ran a truck business and I did ok. But healthy fare it was not, though they were gourmet hotdogs.

I started thinking about this one, back in 1986, now as I am nearing a new phase in life my interest is back. 20 years ago the products simply were not there, now my opinion, and my opinion alone is you can get a pretty decent tasting turkey frank, no it does not have that sizzle of hot juice, nor the crisp skin of a real all beef wiener, but for what they are, and who the market is aimed I think it will suffice.

Regards,

quote:

Originally posted by biker jim

Have none of you heard of about the Salmon Dog at Franktitudes in Miami? It is quite popular because of its low fat, low sodium and good taste. Not sure it is my cup of tea, but the guy is Nationally known for serving it. I offer a pheasant dog, which is also lower in fat and stuff...pretty popular, especially among people that want street food but a somewhat healthier alternative to a regular pork and beef dog. Although, the pheasant is not as popular as some of the other game sausages I sell. As for chicken, turkey, salmon or pheasant being a "fake" hot dog, I'm not sure they should be discounted with such disdain. They can be delicious, and with a regular hot dog available about every 50 ft near where I work, having an alternative available has proven to be a pretty good business move.

Biker Jim, care to share your supplier? This sounds interesting. A pheasant dog? I am very curious, how are theses seasoned? Are they trying to mimic a hot dog like the turkey dog I mentioned or are they stand on their own merit type things?

I found a very good turkey Italian sausage that grilled very well, and had the taste I wanted.

So any chance of some pictures of your offerings and the a list of the condiments you are serving and your cooking technique? Regular bun or something else? Sounds intriguing.

FuwaFuwaUsagi

I would definately try a Salmon Dog,Pheasant Dog or even a Chicken or Turkey Dog so long as it wasnt manufactured for economy reasons and someone said it was very good. I put all cheap dogs in the same catagorie no matter what the contents. I love Quality Hot Dogs and when done right they are as satisfying as Great Steak, Fish, Fried Chicken, Tomatoes whatever. But Crap is Crap no matter how you package it. And a Bad Hot Dog should never be sold nor given to children....Russ

You could sell the highest quality salmon, turkey, or chicken dog and I still wouldn't eat it. Because dogs made from these things taste horrible! That's the bottom line. I once went to a hot dog joint expecting a regular hot dog. Meaning beef or beef and pork. I took one bite and spit the thing in the garbage. Turned out it was a turkey dog. And from a reputable meat packer. I know some people like poultry dogs, veggie dogs and (gulp) salmon dogs. But not me.

Two years ago I was involved in a hot dog tasting. We tasted some 60 + brands blindfolded. Included were some uncured dogs, and some from Applegate Farms and Trader Joes. I'll have to look at the notes posted, but these were so bad that I and most of the panel spit out our samples. The dogs that scored highest were all beef, specifically Best's (Newark) and Nathan's with casing. The highest scoring beef and pork dogs were Thumann's and Sahlen's.

Hey Fuwa,
I'm not sure where you are located. I get a number of my products from some local sausage suppliers. If you feel like shooting me an email I can provide you with some names, although shipping could get pricey. I would recommend investigating your local butcher shops and sausage makers. You might be surprised at what you can find. The pheasant, by the way, is chopped with spinach, mushrooms, parmesan cheese and cayenne pepper and contrary to what John Fox might think they are delicious. I have sold chicken italian sausages, chicken andoiulle, chicken with apple, even chicken jalepeno brats. People do appreciate having a choice. They are by no means economy brats and I pass that expense right on to my customers. Yes, it has taken some time to "educate" the customer that it is okay to spend $4 for a hot dog. Or wait in line for 20 minutes to get one. And if they don't feel like doing either, there is a guy 50 ft away selling that beef and pork dog John was talking about for $1.50...not usually much of a wait there.

Don't get me wrong; just because a dog is made from beef or beef and pork doesn't make it good either.

And my point is, just cause they aren't beef or beef and pork doesn't make them bad. We all have particular tastes, my biggest seller is not my favorite dog. But it is still pretty damn fine. It's made of elk by the way. My favorite is made of reindeer.

I've never had an elk or reindeer sausage, so I won't comment on them. But I wouldn't assume that they are bad. If I was at your place, I would try what you had with an open mind. I've seen the piece on A Hot Dog Program that featured the guy who served reindeer dogs. I'd definitely try one at least once; more if I liked it. I've also seen Hot Doug's on Hot Dog Paradise and would try what he has. But I can tell you that I've had chicken and turkey dogs and stand by my statement that they taste horrible. Maybe you and your customers don't think so, but it's my opinion. And as I've said, I've eaten them thinking I was being served a beef or beef and pork dog. If you like them and/or can make money selling them, God bless you. Everyone's entitled to eat what they want.

Although I don't consider them a traditional hot dog, I have sampled andoiulle, (I loved it) bratwurst, (loved it) chicken brats (ok, not crazy about them), beef and pork dogs with jalepeno and cheese, (like it, but have to be in the mood) buffalo dogs, (ok, but a little dry) and all kinds of German sausages. And out of curiosity I would try rattlesnake too. But I can't guarantee I'd like it.

This article speaks about the concept of standardized foods, and modifications to these standardized terms:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/qa-ind2d.html

While I don't have time to research what the government says "hot dogs", "franks", and "frankfurters" have to be, I think most people would expect a food made with beef or pork & beef. Once you get away from those two meats, the average consumer would think he is the victim of a switcheroo. They become just another type of sausage, just as frankfurters are a type of sausage.

The title of this thread is hot dog brands. If I am in the market for frankfurters and find a vendor selling frankfurters with words in front of them such as "low fat chicken and turkey" I would consider the vendor one those health food store proprietors or possibly even a health food nut. I would leave them be in peace. I just would not patronize them. Now if the name on the enterprise was "The Healthy Sausage" or something like that I would look at the offerings. But, I would probably go for a high quality beef frankfurter if it was on the menu. One made from good cuts of meat, not those 99 cents a pound "meat" franks from Bar-S, Hygrade, or the like.