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After eight years as a chef in a high end retirement home I recently quit my job. I was fed up with the constant holocough bullshit, as well as terrible employees, management, and owners. My wife is successful enough in her job to support me until I figure out my next move, which I'm not taking lightly as I've never worked a job less than five years. Recently I've been doing lots of research on Vendor/Hot dog carts. I'm in a small rural town, that doesn't have many options for people to eat, so I figured high end hot dogs/Sausages and small batch BBQ could create an affordable option for the locals, as well as create a job for myself without having to piss with any of the reasons I left my last job! Do any of you have experience, opinions, and/or ideas. Its just a thought for now, as I'm out weighing risk vs. rewards

After eight years as a chef in a high end retirement home I recently quit my job. I was fed up with the constant holocough bullshit, as well as terrible employees, management, and owners. My wife is successful enough in her job to support me until I figure out my next move, which I'm not taking lightly as I've never worked a job less than five years. Recently I've been doing lots of research on Vendor/Hot dog carts. I'm in a small rural town, that doesn't have many options for people to eat, so I figured high end hot dogs/Sausages and small batch BBQ could create an affordable option for the locals, as well as create a job for myself without having to piss with any of the reasons I left my last job! Do any of you have experience, opinions, and/or ideas. Its just a thought for now, as I'm out weighing risk vs. rewards

(post is archived)

[–] [deleted] • 2 pts

I know someone with a food truck and someone with a coffee truck. They can move to events and they've been successful for years.

[–] • 0 pt

I like the thought of mobility in my job, and owner/operator means my success would be solely up to me. Do your people make decent livings on that alone?

[–] [deleted] • 1 pt

They abandoned physical locations that were unprofitable and a headache. Now they are flexible, free, and self sufficient. They meet new contacts at events for more opportunities.

[–] • 1 pt

Nice, I keep thinking if I succeed on a simple cart, I could expand into new realms, and maybe eventually sell or lease the hot dog cart

[–] • 1 pt

I used to sell Khlav Kalash, crab juice, and Mountain Dew from a cart. Did pretty well, until my location was forcefully renovated.

[–] • 1 pt

Sun glasses. Dollars per pair. High mark ups. Don't forget these types of extras. People will pay $20-$50 per pair while you can get them for $1-$5 per.

This is why there is a monopoly on glasses in America.

Traveling carts for fairs and shows is another option. Though obviously this includes additional vending fees.

[–] • 1 pt

I've read fairs can bring in huge profits, but would need to work up to that as the fees are ridiculously high

[–] • 1 pt

There are many smaller venues like this. For example, antique shows or those giant "garage sales" some places run every weekend or once a month. Frequently they offset from each other in the area, allowing vendors to travel to each event. These can be $100-$200 for the event permit. Obviously you need a truck and expect to work on weekends.

[–] • 1 pt

Thats a good idea, I dont mind weekends, and the beauty of running my own cart would mean they aren't mandatory

[–] • 1 pt

If there is a strip club near you, it's pretty profitable (cash wise) to set up in the parking lot there. People are coming out drunk, hungry, and horny, and you can rope them in with one of those.

[–] • 1 pt

I used to do a lot of even security and there would often be more than a few food trucks at each event.

We would hang aroud them at the end when most people would leave and I would often strike up a conversion with the cooks.

Almost all of them would have a same background as you, worked in kitchen for years and then said "fuckit". Others inherited the business from their parents.

They said that most important thing in business is to know when and where people are going to be, and from my observation having a recognizable and catchy brand and decorated will get you a lot more customers than a plain truck next to you, no matter who has better food. You know how people are.

Also you would have to make sure to be 110% informed on all laws, permits and other legal and regulations crap before you invest a cent into anything. Better pay a lawyer now than later.

[–] • 1 pt

I've been researching all the laws, license, ect. Much I already new because of my leadership role in kitchens....but I definitely appreciate the comments

[–] • 1 pt

Do your research in the region you want to operate in. What kind of prices do hot dog carts and/or food carts charge for events and what is the volume of business? How many days a week can you book an event or somewhere to set up with foot traffic? There's definitely opportunities everywhere to sell food to people conveniently. Every microbrewery without their own food service basically has a food truck or two outside on the weekends. A large neighborhood near me does a food truck night during the week in the summer. Corporate centers where they have people working in the office tend to be good spots for selling lunch foods.

[–] • 1 pt

In Germany, we have something called "Gulash Canons" (search for Gulaschkanone) selling stew, which is a lot healthier than hot dogs. In America, you can call it Patriot Canon or Freedom Canon and be a hit :-D

[–] • 0 pt

Interesting....ill look it up!

[–] • 1 pt

In Amsterdam, there were a bunch of “Frijtes” vendors, they were hopping during lunch. French fries with various choices of toppings. Mostly potatoes, and some “dishes” with a smattering of tasty animal parts.

[–] • 0 pt

I went once, I definitely member berry the French fry carts, and pickled fish vendors

[–] • 0 pt (edited )

Who the fuck is walking around eating goulash???

Do you drive around eating muesli?

[–] • 1 pt

That sounds like a great idea. I can't offer advice, but wish you the best of luck.

[–] • 1 pt

Standing there all day, hoping someone will buy a hot dog..nah.

[–] • 1 pt

Yeah I get that, but if it worked it would beat any other bullshit I put up with at a 9-5

[–] • 1 pt

True...just bring a barstool, and smoke weed 24/7 bro

[–] • 1 pt

Lol, it is legal here....and I figure that can't hurt hot dog sales, but I think if I elevated the product it would sale much easier. I'm obsessed with smoking meats so here is an example: Hot dog on a steamed bun topped with pulled pork, mustard slaw, and bbq sauce, a bag of chips, and a drink for $6....average profit per sale would be around $4