just starting out

found this site today and can't say enough about the knoledge that everyone has...i will read via over and over the many posts...

In the meantime, here is what I am looking for guidance on:

1. Do you have to have a serv safe certificate in order to get the local health certificate? also, i was wondering if each town has their own rules when it comes to health standards and hot dog carts?

2. How many sinks are really required by law in Mass for hot dog carts?

3. What should come first? business license, health inspection of cart or purchase of cart?

I am thinkng about doing local fairs, events, etc and possibly setting up on a permanent location on weekdays. initially I plan on only selling hot dogs with condiments (kethup/mustard), soda and chips...

Has any one deal with the Bridgewater health inspectors or known someone who has operated a cart in this area?

And lastly, if i get a health inspection in my local town, would i need to get another health inspection if i went to another town for a fair, carnival or even a permanent location?

Thanks

Hey Tubba, we're neighbors!

I'm in Attleboro (I won't go to Bridgewater to set up if you don't come to Attleboro )

So, let me help you out:

1. You DON'T HAVE to get the ServSafe certification to get the health certificate... IN SOME CITIES/TOWNS. I don't in Attleboro, but if I cross the border (across the street) to Norton, I do. So you do have to call any/all towns you MIGHT think of working in to get that answer.

2. IN ATTLEBORO, only one sink is required on a dog cart. Again, you have to call around to the various Health Depts to see if regulations are different in other towns. Do this BEFORE ordering your cart.

3. FIRST, get the business license from City/Town Hall (maybe you can get the cart first and THEN get the licensing/permits, but I'm getting those first before the cart... someone here can correct me if I'm wrong please). THEN, order your cart, and LAST get the inspection from the Health Dept inspector (he can't inspect if you don't have the cart first, eh!)

See if you can get permission to park the cart somewhere on/near the Bridgewater State College campus.... I'll be if you are persistent/consistent, you'd have a regular crowd there soon.

And lastly, you WILL NEED TO GET a SEPARATE license/permit and health inspection (in MA) for EVERY CITY/TOWN you decide to work in!!! BIG p.i.t.a. I'm starting out just in my own town first this year. We'll see how it goes, and if I feel it's worth the aggrivation, I'll look into other areas. But if I can make my money here in one place (city), it's easier to manage that.

If you are thinking of local fairs, I hope you have a second person in mind to help you out. Doing an event by yourself will be very difficult... ask anyone here.

Let me know if you get set up before April/May... I'll come out and visit you and we can compare notes.
Best of luck

Thanks Janski for your input on my questions. I am really looking forward to getting this running (hopefully within the next 2 months. I will let you know when I am setup and vice versa. I will definitely compare notes. Best of luck and don't worry...won't compete in your neck of the woods.