Opening a hot dog stand- Where do I start?

Question

I am thinking of opening a hot dog stand for next summer. The menu would be simple - hot dogs, italian sausage grinders, hand cut fries, soda, water, hard ice-cream and novelty ice-cream bars (strawberry shortcake, chocolate eclair, etc.). I am thinking of using a concession trailer and I have a great location available to use - I just don't know how to go about getting a trailer. I am looking for something inexpensive, but eye-pleasing; small, but efficient to use; and simple, but with everything I need.

Where do I start?

Answer 1

Your first step is going to be to contact your county department of health. They'll be able to supply you with all of the information you'll need, as far as what is allowable and what isn't. For example, where I live you couldn't serve the hand cut fries unless your trailer were located at a fair. Once you know what you can do legally, you can begin the hunt for a trailer on ebay or craig's list, both are good sources for used equipment. Also, go to "Roadfood" web site and do a thurough search of the forums - you'll find a lifetime's worth of information there. Then if any questions remain, the folks at Roadfood are very freindly, knowlegable and hepfull. (link is below)

Oh and, good luck.

Answer 2

You could start with a basic cart your first year and see how it goes.  You can get a 10' square canopy for a roof, and they break down and set up in just a few minutes.

The hot dog guy in our town does that and he is selling them all day long.  I think he is doing about 200-300 a day and he probably takes home about half of that, maybe more. He's been doing it for years.

Google food cart--the first few were for hot dogs.

A truck with everything would be $20,000+ unless it was something on its last legs.