If you know anything about Cushmans, you know how hard it is to find one in decent shape, let alone one that has a hot dog cart body attached. This is sooo cool, I really love it. Geoff has decided to sell his, so I thought I would let you know about it…
This cart has a 1980 Cushman Truckster flatbed 4 wheel 22hp.
Runs on propane fuel.
Transmission just changed. 3 speed left hand shifting.
New clutch, etc – too many new upgrades to list here.
Current California registration.
Top speed is about 24 mph if you dare.
The dog unit has a LA County Permit
Propane inspection for the steam unit with sticker on Hotdog unit
120v Refrigerator
wired for 120v
Tiki Torches light up using the 120 V power connections.
2 water pumps, 1 for hot water, 1 for cold water
new 6gal potable water tank
new 25 gal waste tank
Generator hookup (gen not included)
Shoreline hookup
Has 2 propane tanks, 1 for the engine, 1 for the steam unit
I used this cart at a Tiki Bar that had no food of any kind
Did well. Im just getting too old to be on my feet doing hot dogs
This cart attracted a crowd with all the decorations on it and Tiki torches on at night
Asking $8500.00 Can not deliver must pickup on a trailer. Geoffrey Sackson geoff@thetikidog.com
818-438-3912
Looking to get into the Hot Dog business? I am offering an excellent Hot Dog Cart along with a “Complete Success Package” (The Package Includes EVERYTHING you will need to start selling hot dogs – PLUS 10 HOURS OF ONE-ON-ONE CONSULTING to help you get started doing things right the first time! (Plus a whole lot more! – see below) We can have you completely set up and ready to “sling like a pro” in a week or two!
CONTACT THE SELLER: Rick Hahn EMAIL: richardthahn@gmail.com
Unfortunately, many new hot dog slingers spend their hard-earned money on a cart before they have enough knowledge of what kind of cart they need, what features they need, what makes a good (or bad) cart, and what to do once they get their first cart. They spend the most when they know the least. I know that I spent thousands of $ and a bunch of time “learning the ropes” to learn how to be a good – and profitable slinger. I can – and will – save you a bunch of time and money.
Part of the challenge is that when we start out, we don’t even know half the things we will need to know! (We don’t know what we don’t know ?) That’s where the consulting comes in. I will work with you to figure out things like:
• How your plan for what you want to sell and where you will be selling will affect what kind of cart you need (and what features you will need)
• How to choose a menu
• How to determine how many menu items to sell
• Should you accept credit cards? What is the best Point-of-Sale system to use?
• How to manage inventory so you don’t end up having to throw away your profits
• How to determine pricing to ensure profit but not lose business
• Should you buy cheap hot dogs and buns?
• What percentage of your sales should your food cost be in order to be profitable?
• Do you need liability insurance?
• Where to get liability insurance at a reasonable cost
• How to keep hot food hot and condiments cold (for many hours in the HEAT)
• Should you steam your buns?
• How to answer customers who say you are too expensive
• When and how to give away free food • Should you sell at events?
• How to know how much food to take to events
• How to decide whether to do private events…and how to charge
• Where to shop for food items
• Where to shop for supplies items
• How to determine the best type of location FOR YOU
• How to find the right location by location type
• What kinds of signs/signage will you need?
• How to hire people to sell for you
• How to ensure employees are motivated to sell more and NOT motivated to steal from you
• How to find a commissary
• How to pass the health dept inspection
• How to evaluate whether Facebook will work for you in growing your business
• Do you need a website?
• How to market your business
• How to interact with customers
• How to use gloves effectively and efficiently
• How to manage inventory to avoid waste
• How to get free ice for your on-board cooler
• Where are the best places to buy:
a. Food items
b. Signs
c. Flags
d. Cooking supplies
e. Logo apparel
f. Logo design
I sure don’t know everything; but I know enough that I’ve sold over $300,000 of hot dogs in 3 years. I’ve owned 7 carts in two different states and had a number of successful employees selling for me. One of my specials was named “Best Hot Dog in the State” by Food and Wine Magazine.
HERE’S WHAT YOU GET –
The CART
The cart is a one-year-old Big Dog from Ben’s Carts. I’ve owned 7 carts, and this is my second Big Dog. I also had a Cater Pro from Ben, I built 3 carts from Steve’s E-Z Built plans and had a piece of junk from a company that shall remain nameless. (Remember when I said we spend the money when we know the least…? This is what happens we buy a “cheap” cart….a $3000 mistake ?)
In my opinion, the Big Dog is the best general purpose hot dog cat you can buy. Here are just a few reasons why I think that:
• It’s a workhorse. Solidly built. Will literally last forever.
• The parts that will eventually wear out (the burners, gas line, water heater) are of high quality and can be quickly sourced and easily replaced even if you are not too mechanically skilled. (and BTW, I am including a spare burner and gas line for you)
• The removable tow bar is genius! I can’t tell you how many bruises I’ve gotten on my legs from running in to the tow bar on my other carts. Ouch!
• A HUGE feature that many of us don’t know we need until we buy a cart without it, is INSULATION. And particularly the insulation between the burners and the on-board cooler (the one you will use to keep your meat cold). MOST carts either don’t have enough – or ANY – insulation. Just last week I was helping out a new slinger who just spent $3500 on a new cart last month. He hates the cart so much that he is going to try to sell it after using it just 7 days. One of the reasons is the lack of insulation. He burns himself every time he reaches over the firebox to open the cooler. And his cooler gets warm after just an hour of use!
• The Big Dog holds TWO propane tanks INTERNALLY. You will appreciate this fully the first time you run out of propane and don’t have a spare tank!
• There is a tremendous amount of on-board storage. I routinely carry 175 buns, napkin dispensers, gloves, deli sheets, bags, straws, lighters, spoons and forks and other misc supplies in my bread box. Awesome to not have to carry around additional storage containers!
• The optional flip top is fantastic compared to either individual pan lids that we have to remove 100 times a day, or flimsy roll-tops.
In addition to all the great features and options of my Big Dog, I also added a custom folding side shelf that I use to hold my condiments, deli sheets, napkins and point-of-sale reader to accept credit cards. (Check it out in the photos!) This is a great feature since if frees me from having to put all these items on a separate table. This cart also has 4 sinks, so it can be used in virtually any locale. (If your health dept requires less than 4 sinks, you can simply cover the extra sinks. I’ve done this in Florida…3 of the sinks have removeable plates over them)
Right now, Ben sells a new Big Dog equipped like mine for – $5,113. Big Dog cart – (if you become a Hot Dog Mafia member) – $4277
Hot Dog Mafia membership – $347
Flip Top – $287
Water heater and pump – $137
Battery – $25
3rd Wheel – $40
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Total – $5,113
If you were to buy this cart new I would congratulate you for making a wise decision. BUT…you can’t get one for at least 90 days (per Ben’s website) because, like so many things, inventory is tight due to supply chain issues. AND….if you buy from me, you will also receive ALL of the following PLUS the 10 hours of consulting!
CART ITEMS
• Heavy duty lock and cable for securing cart
• 2 chocks for securing cart wheels
• 3 Cart umbrellas (2 Vienna Beef, 1 generic)
• 2 Tarps for covering cart
• 4 24-count chip-clip racks
• 12 FIFO mustard/ketchup squeeze bottles
• Condiment caddy
• 2 napkin dispensers
• Cart cleaning solution and spray bottle
• Storage containers for forks/accessories/other
• 2 propane tanks
• Spare parts for gas line/knobs/gas fittings
• Tool kit • Condiment System – keeps 10 condiments chilled all day in Florida sun (mustard/ketchup/mayo/bbq sauce/onions/relish/coleslaw/cheese/sauerkraut/pickles)
SUPPLIES
• Laminator for making signs/menu pictures
• Pack of 100 laminating sleeves
• Onion dicer (makes a full quart of diced onions in 1 minute)
• 12 Cambro 1-quart containers w/lids
• 4 Dish tubs for storage/moving items to/from cart. (i.e. buns/meats, etc)
• 2 6-gallon water jugs
• Extra Pans (1/4, 1/9, ½)
• 52-Quart Roto-molded Cooler (Yeti type)
• 50-Quart Coleman rolling cooler
• Square Card Reader
• Square Bluetooth Chip/Card Reader ADVERTISING/SIGNS
• Feather Flags (including poles) – 3
• Extra 5-gallon concrete bases for feather flags – 2
• 24in x 36 in metal A-Frame sign holder (holds 2 signs) MY RECIPES
• Chili
• Chili that will be approved by Health Departments that don’t allow chili on hot dog carts
• Pulled pork
• Coleslaw
• Bacon Jam
DOUBLE BONUS! Complete “Instant Lemonade Business” – Everything you need to start selling Fresh-Shaken Lemonade (except lemons ?): This is terrific – and PROFITABLE – business in warm weather….. Here’s what you get:
• Lemon wedger (cuts lemons into 8 sections with a single stroke)
• Lemonade flag
• 60 inch lemonade table apron sign
• 200 cups with lids
• Recipe
• Demonstration of technique to make great lemonade every time
• Custom scoop for sugar (one scoop per serving)
• Ice scoop
• Straws
The cost for all of this is $4,900 – less than the cost of the cart itself. If you are within 1000 miles of Tampa, FL I imagine we can work out getting everything to you. Finally, Let me know if you’d like more pictures. All the best!
Here is a nice hot dog cart for sale, just the ticket to get you started in the hot dog biz or to expand your operation. It comes with a three compartment sink, two top of the line beverage coolers, an 18″ flat top griddle (nice!), and an umbrella.
The cart is located in New Hampshire.
If you would like to know more, email the owner, Terezk Vincent at terezkpl@yahoo.com or call him at 603-820-9191
Hi Steve… This winter I have been selling dogs on the side of the road and have been doing pretty good…. BUT… two weeks from now I have my first BIG BIG event 10-15,000 people ..really.
Promoters are saying 20k people but we all know they lie..lol Anyway is there any “formula” that one uses to know just how much food to have? This is a Jazz fest and the weather should be great. Just doing dogs and Brats.
There are 3 other food vendors one who sells greek food and two “consessions” . I will be the only one of my type. I have lots of big events planned this summer but I’m nervous about my first.
Please throw this out for help. I dont want to run outa food or have way to much.
Thanks,
Nature
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Hi Nature,
A good rule of thumb is to estimate that you’ll sell to 4% of the gate (the number of attendees). This can vary wildly of course but it’s a great place to start. Be sure to take into account weather, if there will be other vendors selling the same product as you, etc.
Also keep a notebook and record the details of each festival that you work. Record sales, entry fees, attendance, dates, weather, etc. Then next year you will have some really solid info to refer to.
How about you, slingers? What formulas or strategies do you use to plan for big events? Share them in the comments!
Hi Steve,
Just wanted to share a couple of pics with you.
Things are going very well now that the bugs are working out. Took more product than I ever have today and sold out in 2 hours.
This is so much fun! It’s the perfect retirement gig!
Did add Brats and those are doing well. So far it seems like the Chicago dog and pulled pork dog are doing extremely well.
As for the cart that I built from your plans, this thing has a ton of storage in the front. Right under where the sodas are sitting. That big door opens and is full length. It also has 3 full size steam tables and 4 sinks.
Thanks again for all your help and I can’t say enough good things about your program and the Cash tracker software!
Hot Dog Cart for Sale! Price: $9,000 includes everything Location: California Contact Person: Ernie Contact Email: info@oohdoggy.com
Don’t be a Weiner! Purchase this custom-built, ready-to-go mobile hot dog cart, and you can be a winner! The cart is custom built with top-of-the-line materials and fixtures for seller’s own personal use—boasts much more production capability than other commercial carts. Designed for efficiency, multi-use operation. (For example, the cart has so much production capacity, current owner has been doing both Dogs & Tamales.) Plus, the equipment requirements (expenses) meet the Health Department requirements to be permitted in San Diego, California. Adding these to an existing cart would be quite costly.
This practically brand-new mobile unit has been very well maintained. Ready to start your new business AND begin making money? All you need is this custom-built hot dog cart, and you’re ready to go! Don’t let it get away!
Major Items Include: • All Metal Frame—18 Gauge Stainless Steel exterior, Stainless Steel Doors & Doorframe • Trailer DOT Highway Approved. Has California License & Pink Slip • 12′ Wheels for Better Towing • All Cart Fixtures are NSF Where Needed or Safety Approved • 3 Burner (Cast Iron) • 2 Full Size Steam Pan Capacity (Mix & Match Pans to Suit Your Needs) • 2 20 lb. Propane Tanks • Hot & Cold Water: On Demand Water Heater (Propane), 5-Gallon Fresh Water, 10-Gallon Wastewater • Handwashing Sink, 9x9x5 (Cart Has Plenty of Space to Easily Add More Sinks if Local Jurisdiction Requires) • Refrigerator 2.5 cubic foot, Commercial NSF7 (Runs on 12V Battery with Inverter) • Stainless Steel Drop-in Ice Cooler, 23x17x12 • Plus, Too Many Cart Accessories to Mention, like Condiment Holders, Umbrellas, Steam Pans, & More! • Stand Alone COOLER / PAYMENT CART (CC / contactless): Helps Keep All your items off the ground. Not only for cleanliness but really enhances the professional look. • All Steel Construction • Square Stand For Contactless & Chip • 110 Can Stainless Beverage Cooler • 3 Side Acrylic Covid 19 Protection • 7.5 ft Umbrella • 13″ Heavy Duty Compact Black Manual Push-Open Cash Drawer with 4 Bill /5 Coin Till • Off Ground Storage Space Under Cooler
Sold AS IS. Serious buyers only!
Buyer must make their own arrangements for tow and transportation. Seller will NOT ship or deliver.
Mobile unit has successfully met San Diego California’s Health Department requirements so far. (This is one of the strictest counties in the country to pass Health Department requirements.) *NOTE: Buyer is responsible for meeting requirements in their location of business.
How often do you get the chance to buy an 80 year old hot dog company? Stewart’s All American Hot Dogs is a family business that was started in New Jersey back in 1936. Now located in Georgia, Stewarts still serves the same food from the same New Jersey distributor, just in a warmer climate.
The chance of a lifetime. If you would like to take over an existing business without the start up headaches, or buy an almost new rig that already includes all the equipment and supplies you’ll ever need to make great money anywhere in these United States, this may be your chance!
Sickness forces sale. Due to sickness, Stu is selling the whole kit and kaboodle – everything from the like new 14 foot trailer down to the napkin dispenser. Turn-key doesn’t even begin to describe everything you will receive in this package deal. Here’s a partial list:
7×14 Trailer custom built by Concession Nation October 2016
Consisting of one Ojeda freezer, one merchandise refrigerator, one 8 head soda machine, 80 pounds of ice, 3 hole “Duke steam table Modified 30 thousand burner each, wall mount shelf 2 12×72,12×96, 2 12×36, 2 12×24, work table, 100ft 50amp shore power extension cords, self closing door, 12x36dt ant fatigue cushion mat, menu holder 16’’ , 1 Champion 3400 watt gas Generator.
Napkins 2000,and Holder, Plastic knives , Forks , Spoons 600 each, Bouon Cubes 1060 Plastic soda lids, 500 Cup carrier, 800 22oz cups, 5 Aprons, hand sanitizer, #10 can of ketchup, 600 Mustard packets, 500 Hot Dog Trays, 700 2Pound trays, 3 bay sink, grease trap, fire extinguisher, Misc. cords for every type of hook up, 2 swooper flags, 2 trash cans ,towels dispenser full, hand soap dispenser, hand wash sink, Broom/dust pan, menu board sign, Pans: 1/9th with lids, 1/3 with lids, ½ with lids, full size with lids, roll top for buns, 25 gallon fresh water for soda machine, 50 gallon fresh water for sink, 75 gallon gray water, 2 5/16 Hitch for trailer 10 thousand weight limit, 6gallon hot water heater 25ft white hose, One case of stirring straws, 800 packets of equal, 2 cases hot trays, 3 condiment holders, 1/3 tray w lid, 11 full size trays, ½ tray w lids, 1/9 lids, 2 full size perforated pans, 1 extra spillage pan, 2 ½ size perforated pans, 2 valves for soda machine, 1 case pan liners, 2 cases tri fold napkin, 1 case hand sanitizer, 2 Universal soda hook up, 4 cases soda cup carriers, 1 case of napkins, 1 case spoons, 1 case forks, 1 case to go containers, 1 case to go bags, 1 case foot long trays, 3 #19 cans mustard, 3#10 Cans of ketchup, 20 thousand 7 ¾ straws, 3 hot dog burners, 1 case 12oz hot cups, 1 case hot cup holders, 5qallon igloo for liquid, 60 qt igloo, 1 case hot chocolate
Check out these photos. Everything looks brand spankin’ new! Wow.
Yours – for pennies on the dollar. From what I can see, this rig and the associated business is worth close to six figures, if not more. This is your chance to snap everything up for pennies on the dollar at $30,000.
Price: $25,000 or $22,000 for members. To find out more, call Stu at 856-297-1047 or email him at harry5001@aol.com
This is a classified advertisement. Click here for advertising rates.
Robin got her start in the hot dog biz almost a decade ago when she bought my Hot Dog Profits Premium course and a cart from DreamMaker. Since then she has built a lasting business that not only provides a great income, she’s able to take the whole winter off.
Robin writes…
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Hi Steve, I guess you haven’t heard anything from me lately. So I thought I’d check in and give you a smile?.
I’m into season nine now and consider myself quite successful. I sling in the summer and ski all winter!
This summer I’m hearing a LOT of positive comments from my customers. A few examples:
“I’m new here, but people tell me you’re pretty famous in the area.”
“You’ve got the best condiments”
“We know it’s spring when we see you here!”
“You’re an icon…”
“You’re an institution!”
“We look for you every spring!”
“That pink hat is famous!”
Just a few that I’ve heard this year. Steve, I could easily name more than a dozen slingers who started at the same time who went out of business in the first year. They all made the same mistake. If I was to offer advice to anyone going into it, I’d say the biggest mistake is over-investing.
I’ve seen people buy $35000 walk in trailers and offer huge menus thinking all that variety brings them in. Then they set up in a place where it’s very hard to get out of, and they only get half the people going by because only southbound traffic can get in and out. They don’t get enough money coming in to support the huge menu and have to throw out 2/3 of their Food.
A must for homework is to know how the traffic flows, how much there is, and how easily they can get to you. Next would be, what do people in that area like to eat. Not what YOU like to eat. If you want your stuff to sell it has to be what the CUSTOMER wants. It might take some experimentation and a few surveys, but once you find it, you strike gold! They’ll make a point of going out of their way to find you.
BTW, I’ve found a great way to chop onions, and you don’t even need a slice of bread. I use an Eskimo ULU knife. (Look it up) cut the onion in half, then slice it one way, turn the board 90 degrees and slice again. Then lay the slices down and chop to your satisfaction.
Robin/Lakeside Lunch
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Robin – great job. I’m so proud of you!!! Keep on doing what you’re doing and thanks for sharing some wisdom with the Hot Dog Profits readers.
Readers – let’s hear it for Robin in the comments!!!
Are you are still on the fence about starting your own hot dog biz? Here’s some quick inspiration for your morning from one of my Hot Dog Profits Premium members…
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Hi Steve, Robert from Virginia, wanted to let you know that I have surpassed $100,000 in sales since I started this business 16 months ago. Many thanks to you.
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Way to go Robert! You’ve done an amazing job!
Hey Slingers (or soon to be Slingers). I’m not saying that you will do as well as Robert but it is certainly possible if you know the secrets. In fact I have some students who are doing better than Robert (a LOT better).
This is a real business that takes work. You will get out of this business what you put into it.
If you’re looking for a get rich quick scheme, I don’t have anything to offer you. You might as well move along.
However, if you want to invest your efforts into a real business that is cheap to start, yet offers the potential of a six figure income, I can help you. Join HDP Premium. I’m keeping it super affordable for those who need it the most.
Things are going very well now that the bugs are working out. Took more product than I ever have today and sold out in 2 hours.
