I recently had a chance to review a great hot dog stand business startup guide so thought I'd do a quick write up.
The Black Book of Hot Dog Stand by Mat Chaudhry is a guide that explains all aspects of the hot dog business to beginners. It also offers numerous tips, tricks and secrets relating to the industry that Chaudhry has picked up during his many years in the business. In short, this guide tells you what to do and what not to do if you want to have a chain of successful hot dog carts in your city.
I was impressed by Mat's knowledge regarding locating a securing great hot dog cart locations. He also places heavy emphasis on winning short term concessions to operate at fairs, concerts and other events. He sets out a strategy for dealing with event organizers and for making the most of these opportunities.
The guide currently comes with a number of bonuses including a health department plan review and a number of hot dog recipes.
All in all, The Black Book of Hot Dog Stand is well worth it if you are looking to start a hot dog stand or expand your existing business. It is extremely comprehensive and covers everything that you need to know.
It comes with a money back guarantee so you have nothing to lose by giving it a go.
Check it out here >>.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Hot Dog Stand Business Forums
One great way to learn about the hot dog business is to interact with others who are in the same situation online. Online forums or bulletin boards give you the chance to chat to other newcomers to the business as well as have a chance to get advice and recommendations from those who are already successful.
Unfortunately, for those in the hot dog cart industry there are not really a lot of sites online to interact with others. Probably the best one is the hot dog vendor’s forum on Roadfood.com.
Unfortunately, for those in the hot dog cart industry there are not really a lot of sites online to interact with others. Probably the best one is the hot dog vendor’s forum on Roadfood.com.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Wall Street Journal Article on Starting a Hot Dog Stand
Sarah E. Needleman recently published an article on starting a hot dog stand of the Wall Street Journal blog. Th article is nearly two years old now and is fairly brief but she sets out some decent information and she interviewed at least one cart manufacturer. Check it out here.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Hot Dog Book - Startup Guide for the Hot Dog Business
If you have been looking around online for information on how to start a hot dog stand you will have noticed that there are numerous products out there that promise to help you.
One of them is 'Hot Dog Book', found at HotDogBook.com. The course has been put together by an experienced hot dog vendor called Mike Chilton.
I have yet to read this guide but it does look fairly comprehensive and the value is certainly there when you look at what is included.
Might be worth a read.
Other good guides include Hot Dog Cash, Hot Dog Biz 101 and The Black Book of Hot Dog Stand.
One of them is 'Hot Dog Book', found at HotDogBook.com. The course has been put together by an experienced hot dog vendor called Mike Chilton.
I have yet to read this guide but it does look fairly comprehensive and the value is certainly there when you look at what is included.
Might be worth a read.
Other good guides include Hot Dog Cash, Hot Dog Biz 101 and The Black Book of Hot Dog Stand.
Hot Dog Industry Information - National Hot Dog and Sausage Council
When starting out in the hot dog business and doing your market research, it is important to access as many information sources as possible.
Don’t forget to check out the website for the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council. It is packed full of industry data and statistics that you are sure to find interesting and useful.
Don’t forget to check out the website for the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council. It is packed full of industry data and statistics that you are sure to find interesting and useful.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Hot Dog Business Training with Hot Dog University
You have probably heard of the Hamburger University’ that has been run by Mc Donald’s for many years. Well, now the hot dog vending industry has its own training program called ‘Hot Dog University’.
Hot Dog U offers a comprehensive training program to students wanting to know how to set up and manage a hot dog stand. The program includes modules on purchasing and setting up a cart, ordering inventory and of course, how to cook delicious hot dogs that will keep locals coming back for more.
This course includes time in the classroom going over theory as well as practical activities. Students actually get some hands on experience as they set up a stand, cook hot dogs and work a busy cart over the lunchtime rush. A tour of the Vienna Beef plant is also included. Class sizes are generally under ten students.
The only downside is that the course is held in Chicago so you may have to travel some distance. It also costs $699, making it much more expensive than some of the other hot dog business training programs that you can buy online.
For Details see the Hot Dog University Site
Hot Dog U offers a comprehensive training program to students wanting to know how to set up and manage a hot dog stand. The program includes modules on purchasing and setting up a cart, ordering inventory and of course, how to cook delicious hot dogs that will keep locals coming back for more.
This course includes time in the classroom going over theory as well as practical activities. Students actually get some hands on experience as they set up a stand, cook hot dogs and work a busy cart over the lunchtime rush. A tour of the Vienna Beef plant is also included. Class sizes are generally under ten students.
The only downside is that the course is held in Chicago so you may have to travel some distance. It also costs $699, making it much more expensive than some of the other hot dog business training programs that you can buy online.
For Details see the Hot Dog University Site
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Hot Dog Stand Recipe - You Can Make Yummy Stadium Style Hot Dogs Right at Home
By Laura Maness Brown
I made hot dogs the same way pretty much for years. They were always okay, but nothing to brag about. I think maybe in the back of my mind, the lowly wiener was just not important enough to warrant creative input from my imaginative culinary side. Then one day, I decided to try something different.
As a youngster, I was taught to boil the wiener in water, put it in a bun, and squirt various condiments on top. But as I grew and advanced in culinary skills, I knew there had to be a way to improve on this method of cooking a hot dog.
Things that go great with hot dogs are: potato chips, baked beans, coleslaw, or potato salad.
This method of cooking the lowly wiener is now a regular thing around my house. My family loves them, and they really are good. Here's what you'll need:
* All beef wieners (you can eat that other "stuff" if you want, we only eat beef wieners; we also prefer bun length)
* Soft buns (you want fresh buns here, not stale, although you can steam stale buns back to life if you insist on using old bread - I have other uses for old bread such as Bread Pudding with Amaretto Sauce)
* Hot dog relish
* Sauerkraut
* Diced onions
* Mustard and ketchup
* Kraft shredded mexican style four cheese blend
* Hot dog chili sauce (Castleberry's is our favorite)
* Laura's homemade cole slaw
* Butter
* Tin foil
* Crock-pot
* Cast iron skillet
Now, you do not have to do everything the same way I do it. I am letting everyone know how I do it, and you can adjust as you see fit.
Please note the hot dogs need to spend some time in the crock-pot in order to be good, and the steaming method I mention below is great. Plan properly so the dog packets get to warm and meld inside their "packet" in the hot crock-pot. I normally make the dogs and allow them 45 minutes to an hour in the crock.
About an hour before dinner, turn the crock-pot on low and let it get warm.
Heat up the iron skillet, and add a tablespoon of butter.
Fry the beef wieners in the iron skillet.
When they have a good "fry" on the outside, sort of like you get if you grill them, remove and place inside of a fresh non-stale soft bun (I am very particular about my bread being soft and fresh)
Immediately wrap the assembled bun and wiener in tin foil, sealing all edges.
Place in crock-pot.
Repeat with remaining buns and wieners.
Cover the crock-pot and leave it alone.
Heat up the chili in the microwave or on the stove.
Prepare the other condiments.
Get everything on the table, including drinks, chips, dip, whatever.
Then get out one assembled dog at a time for each diner, keeping the rest in the crock-pot with lid on to remain warm.
These warm up really great. Simply take the bun and wiener combination out of aluminum foil (do not forget this step in order to avoid a nasty microwave incident), wrap loosely in a paper towel, and microwave about 10-15 seconds. Do not overdo it, the bun will get hard.
Alternate method: I tried this once and it was even better. Place a rack in the bottom of the crock-pot before adding hot dogs. Add one tablespoon or so of water. Be careful, you do not want to have the dog packets sitting in liquid. The idea is to lightly "steam" them instead.
I usually eat two hot dogs, each made as follows:
Version #1: (ingredients are in the order used) mustard, ketchup, relish, chili sauce, cheese, onions
Version #2: (ingredients are in the order used) mustard, relish, onions, sauerkraut, homemade coleslaw
Now, a note here about slaw. There are all kinds of different ways to make coleslaw. There is also slaw mix that can be bought in a bag. I am as particular about my slaw as I am about my bread. My momma made coleslaw pretty much the same way for years, and it always tasted good.
If you've ever eaten bad coleslaw, you'll remember it. Some fast food restaurants have the audacity to CALL it coleslaw, but it is more like tasteless cardboard "stuff." Did it ever seem to you that the slaw in many restaurants is often stark white, as if it is all made entirely from the cabbage core? Makes you wonder what happened to all of the GREEN stuff.
I'll be sure to place a link to my coleslaw recipe at the end of the article, so be sure and grab that and try it with these delicious stadium style hot dogs.
I am very picky about certain things: fresh bread is one; fresh milk is another; good tasting coleslaw is important; I think the hot dog chili sauce by Castleberry's is great; I use the Kraft Mexican style four cheese blend almost daily; I want to know what is in the meat I eat. However, to each his own. Enjoy!
The difference between good and bad coleslaw is not hard to distinguish. A delicious hot dog deserves delicious coleslaw. You can get the recipe I use for homemade coleslaw and adjust it to your liking.
Now that the colder months are coming, I will be posting a lot of great cold weather recipes. I have been perfecting my Cajun Gumbo Recipe for years now, and it is beyond compare in my humble opinion. Watch for it on my website, The Rancher's Daughter, and test it for yourself. Thanks for reading!
REPRINT RIGHTS statement: This article is free for republishing by visitors provided the Author Bio box is retained as usual so that all links are Active/Linkable with no syntax changes.
Article Source: Hot Dog Stand Recipe - You Can Make Yummy Stadium Style Hot Dogs Right at Home
I made hot dogs the same way pretty much for years. They were always okay, but nothing to brag about. I think maybe in the back of my mind, the lowly wiener was just not important enough to warrant creative input from my imaginative culinary side. Then one day, I decided to try something different.
As a youngster, I was taught to boil the wiener in water, put it in a bun, and squirt various condiments on top. But as I grew and advanced in culinary skills, I knew there had to be a way to improve on this method of cooking a hot dog.
Things that go great with hot dogs are: potato chips, baked beans, coleslaw, or potato salad.
This method of cooking the lowly wiener is now a regular thing around my house. My family loves them, and they really are good. Here's what you'll need:
* All beef wieners (you can eat that other "stuff" if you want, we only eat beef wieners; we also prefer bun length)
* Soft buns (you want fresh buns here, not stale, although you can steam stale buns back to life if you insist on using old bread - I have other uses for old bread such as Bread Pudding with Amaretto Sauce)
* Hot dog relish
* Sauerkraut
* Diced onions
* Mustard and ketchup
* Kraft shredded mexican style four cheese blend
* Hot dog chili sauce (Castleberry's is our favorite)
* Laura's homemade cole slaw
* Butter
* Tin foil
* Crock-pot
* Cast iron skillet
Now, you do not have to do everything the same way I do it. I am letting everyone know how I do it, and you can adjust as you see fit.
Please note the hot dogs need to spend some time in the crock-pot in order to be good, and the steaming method I mention below is great. Plan properly so the dog packets get to warm and meld inside their "packet" in the hot crock-pot. I normally make the dogs and allow them 45 minutes to an hour in the crock.
About an hour before dinner, turn the crock-pot on low and let it get warm.
Heat up the iron skillet, and add a tablespoon of butter.
Fry the beef wieners in the iron skillet.
When they have a good "fry" on the outside, sort of like you get if you grill them, remove and place inside of a fresh non-stale soft bun (I am very particular about my bread being soft and fresh)
Immediately wrap the assembled bun and wiener in tin foil, sealing all edges.
Place in crock-pot.
Repeat with remaining buns and wieners.
Cover the crock-pot and leave it alone.
Heat up the chili in the microwave or on the stove.
Prepare the other condiments.
Get everything on the table, including drinks, chips, dip, whatever.
Then get out one assembled dog at a time for each diner, keeping the rest in the crock-pot with lid on to remain warm.
These warm up really great. Simply take the bun and wiener combination out of aluminum foil (do not forget this step in order to avoid a nasty microwave incident), wrap loosely in a paper towel, and microwave about 10-15 seconds. Do not overdo it, the bun will get hard.
Alternate method: I tried this once and it was even better. Place a rack in the bottom of the crock-pot before adding hot dogs. Add one tablespoon or so of water. Be careful, you do not want to have the dog packets sitting in liquid. The idea is to lightly "steam" them instead.
I usually eat two hot dogs, each made as follows:
Version #1: (ingredients are in the order used) mustard, ketchup, relish, chili sauce, cheese, onions
Version #2: (ingredients are in the order used) mustard, relish, onions, sauerkraut, homemade coleslaw
Now, a note here about slaw. There are all kinds of different ways to make coleslaw. There is also slaw mix that can be bought in a bag. I am as particular about my slaw as I am about my bread. My momma made coleslaw pretty much the same way for years, and it always tasted good.
If you've ever eaten bad coleslaw, you'll remember it. Some fast food restaurants have the audacity to CALL it coleslaw, but it is more like tasteless cardboard "stuff." Did it ever seem to you that the slaw in many restaurants is often stark white, as if it is all made entirely from the cabbage core? Makes you wonder what happened to all of the GREEN stuff.
I'll be sure to place a link to my coleslaw recipe at the end of the article, so be sure and grab that and try it with these delicious stadium style hot dogs.
I am very picky about certain things: fresh bread is one; fresh milk is another; good tasting coleslaw is important; I think the hot dog chili sauce by Castleberry's is great; I use the Kraft Mexican style four cheese blend almost daily; I want to know what is in the meat I eat. However, to each his own. Enjoy!
The difference between good and bad coleslaw is not hard to distinguish. A delicious hot dog deserves delicious coleslaw. You can get the recipe I use for homemade coleslaw and adjust it to your liking.
Now that the colder months are coming, I will be posting a lot of great cold weather recipes. I have been perfecting my Cajun Gumbo Recipe for years now, and it is beyond compare in my humble opinion. Watch for it on my website, The Rancher's Daughter, and test it for yourself. Thanks for reading!
REPRINT RIGHTS statement: This article is free for republishing by visitors provided the Author Bio box is retained as usual so that all links are Active/Linkable with no syntax changes.
Article Source: Hot Dog Stand Recipe - You Can Make Yummy Stadium Style Hot Dogs Right at Home
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Preparing a Hot Dog Stand Business Plan
When it comes to starting a hot dog stand business you should take the time to prepare a business plan. The preparation of a plan is a great way to prove the viability of your business ideas to yourself as well as to other interested parties. A plan is a detailed outline of what you plan to do and what you desire to achieve with your business over the first year or two of operation.
A hot dog stand business plan should be set out formally and should consist of around 20 to 30 pages of detailed written content. Start out with a contents page to help readers navigate the report and finish up with an appendix where you can attach relevant information and supporting material. You can also attach a cover letter to your business plan if you are going to give it to someone to read.
Search for some business plan samples online and you will get an idea of the common sections that you should include. You can even find some examples of business plans specifically for hot dog cart businesses.
Set your hot dog cart business plan out into sections. These should include an executive summary and sections on marketing, operations, management and financial analysis to name just a few.
A plan will help you to plot a course towards success and give you a benchmark to measure your progress against. Start putting together a business plan for your hot dog stand today.
A hot dog stand business plan should be set out formally and should consist of around 20 to 30 pages of detailed written content. Start out with a contents page to help readers navigate the report and finish up with an appendix where you can attach relevant information and supporting material. You can also attach a cover letter to your business plan if you are going to give it to someone to read.
Search for some business plan samples online and you will get an idea of the common sections that you should include. You can even find some examples of business plans specifically for hot dog cart businesses.
Set your hot dog cart business plan out into sections. These should include an executive summary and sections on marketing, operations, management and financial analysis to name just a few.
A plan will help you to plot a course towards success and give you a benchmark to measure your progress against. Start putting together a business plan for your hot dog stand today.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Deciding on Hot Dogs for your Stand or Cart Menu
Hot dogs are, of course, the most important product for a hot dog stand vendor. How do you put your hot dog menu together? Here are some tips on menu variations:
1) Offering basic frankfurters is great but these days customers may request Polish sausages, kosher hot dogs or vegetarian dogs. Listen to your customers and adjust accordingly.
2) In general you can’t go wrong with top brands like ‘Vienna Beef’ although local suppliers may also have some great products to offer.
3) Offer double dogs for meat lovers and hot dogs without a bun for those on low carb diets.
4) There are many different regional styles. Find out how to prepare a ‘Chicago style’ or ‘New York style’ and consider promoting these as a way of making your stand unique in your area.
5) Hot dogs can be boiled or grilled.
6) Don’t forget that buns are a key ingredient too. Look for fresh, locally sourced products.
7) Combinations of toppings and sauces are endless. Find out what toppings are permitted under your license. Some toppings or sauces are popular in different states such as ‘red onion sauce’ in New York.
1) Offering basic frankfurters is great but these days customers may request Polish sausages, kosher hot dogs or vegetarian dogs. Listen to your customers and adjust accordingly.
2) In general you can’t go wrong with top brands like ‘Vienna Beef’ although local suppliers may also have some great products to offer.
3) Offer double dogs for meat lovers and hot dogs without a bun for those on low carb diets.
4) There are many different regional styles. Find out how to prepare a ‘Chicago style’ or ‘New York style’ and consider promoting these as a way of making your stand unique in your area.
5) Hot dogs can be boiled or grilled.
6) Don’t forget that buns are a key ingredient too. Look for fresh, locally sourced products.
7) Combinations of toppings and sauces are endless. Find out what toppings are permitted under your license. Some toppings or sauces are popular in different states such as ‘red onion sauce’ in New York.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Hot Dog Stand Business Guides and Startup Kits
While a hot dog stand business is a lot less complicated than other business models, you do nevertheless have to put some time into doing your research before you proceed to start your business.
One great way to do this is to read some of the excellent startup guides that have been published on the topic of starting a hot dog stand. The best way to learn how to do anything is to learn from someone who has already done it. By buying a book or product that has been put together by an experienced hot dog cart operator, you will get the tips and advice that you need to start out in the right direction and to find success. By reading these guides you can also learn about some of the common mistakes that newbies often make and you can learn how to avoid them.
Do yourself a favor and invest some time and money into reading some of the great hot dog business information that is available for purchase online.
One great way to do this is to read some of the excellent startup guides that have been published on the topic of starting a hot dog stand. The best way to learn how to do anything is to learn from someone who has already done it. By buying a book or product that has been put together by an experienced hot dog cart operator, you will get the tips and advice that you need to start out in the right direction and to find success. By reading these guides you can also learn about some of the common mistakes that newbies often make and you can learn how to avoid them.
Do yourself a favor and invest some time and money into reading some of the great hot dog business information that is available for purchase online.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Scaling up a Hot Dog Business - Multiple Stands
How to expand a single hot dog cart into an operation with multiple locations?
So you have spent some time getting your first cart up and running well. You have developed your systems, have some experience and have found a location that is profitable. Now you want to look at taking on a second cart in another location.
This decision poses a dilemma for many hot dog stand operators. To some extent a profitable stand is easy to duplicate. However, there is one important thing to consider and that is your employees.
To manage multiple locations you will need help. You now need to go about acquiring a whole new set of business skills. You need to know how to find staff, how to train them and how to monitor them while they are carrying out your business. Only when you can master this step will you be ready to expand your business.
So you have spent some time getting your first cart up and running well. You have developed your systems, have some experience and have found a location that is profitable. Now you want to look at taking on a second cart in another location.
This decision poses a dilemma for many hot dog stand operators. To some extent a profitable stand is easy to duplicate. However, there is one important thing to consider and that is your employees.
To manage multiple locations you will need help. You now need to go about acquiring a whole new set of business skills. You need to know how to find staff, how to train them and how to monitor them while they are carrying out your business. Only when you can master this step will you be ready to expand your business.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Choosing a Name for a Hot Dog Stand
Does a hot dog stand business need a name?
It is easy to simply not bother with a name when you are just starting out with a hot dog stand. However, if you are serious about being in this business long term and want to start a chain of stands in your city then you should strongly consider choosing a name.
A name, in hand with a logo will help you to forge a hot dog cart brand in your area. Eventually, people will begin to recognize your brand when they see it and they will come back more often or visit your cart if they see you in another location. People prefer to buy from someone that they trust and with a hot dog cart brand customers can expect to get similar products and service no matter which stand they go to.
It is easy to simply not bother with a name when you are just starting out with a hot dog stand. However, if you are serious about being in this business long term and want to start a chain of stands in your city then you should strongly consider choosing a name.
A name, in hand with a logo will help you to forge a hot dog cart brand in your area. Eventually, people will begin to recognize your brand when they see it and they will come back more often or visit your cart if they see you in another location. People prefer to buy from someone that they trust and with a hot dog cart brand customers can expect to get similar products and service no matter which stand they go to.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Hot Dog Stand Location Tips
When it comes to locating a hot dog stand there are some basics that you should be aware of. While it may sound obvious, it is surprising how many hot dog stand owners ignore the fundamentals.
The first rule of success is to position your stand within close to proximity to a hungry crowd. You have to be in a spot when it is busy and at a time when people are hungry. Whether you are outside an office building at lunch time or outside a bar at two o’clock in the morning there are always opportunities to sell hot dogs.
One other important tip in the food vending business is that sometimes it is OK to embrace competition. If you always run away from areas that other vendors are working then you’ll end up in a quiet spot with no potential. Accept the fact that in most of the best locations you will have competitors selling fast food nearby. It is ideal to minimize the number of competitors if possible but don’t fret about this to the extent that you end up being scared away from the profitable spots.
The first rule of success is to position your stand within close to proximity to a hungry crowd. You have to be in a spot when it is busy and at a time when people are hungry. Whether you are outside an office building at lunch time or outside a bar at two o’clock in the morning there are always opportunities to sell hot dogs.
One other important tip in the food vending business is that sometimes it is OK to embrace competition. If you always run away from areas that other vendors are working then you’ll end up in a quiet spot with no potential. Accept the fact that in most of the best locations you will have competitors selling fast food nearby. It is ideal to minimize the number of competitors if possible but don’t fret about this to the extent that you end up being scared away from the profitable spots.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)