Well fellow Welders, I am sorry to have to do it, but drastic times call for drastic measures. With the lack of pipe going in the ground and the need for Rig Welders diminished for the time being, I have come to the conclusion that, "A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do". So, after MUCH research, and given the small investment, I have ordered my first Hot Dog Cart. Yes, you read that right, a Hot Dog Cart. I've talked to Vendors all around the country and am convinced that while weenies won't make you a millionaire, it's a cash business with unlimited possibilities and low overhead. When you figure that every single item that you sell gives you a better than 100% profit, you can't go wrong. I'm curious as to others thoughts on this idea......... See ya at the Fair.
http://www.americandreamhotdogcarts.com/hot-dog-carts/ventura/ventura-features.php
Wow if you are are not joking this is a peculiar world we live in. Just a month a go a guy asked for a layoff from the outage I am on because him and his partner were opening a hot dog cart business. He got plenty off laughs over it but he and you are right hard cash money in the hand is better than wishing you were making welds sitting by the phone. He does have a pretty good area to operate with pittsburgh having so many sport venues and an outdoor activities.
I'm not kidding. It's a done deal. My cart will be here June 1st. I've already scheduled a couple of gigs. Pres. Bush is coming to our small town for the 4th of July and I've secured a spot there. Several of the Vendors that I spoke to said that the cart will pay for itself plus some in that weekend alone. The population here is expected to double over that weekend. Motels as far as 60 miles away are already getting booked up for this deal. It's really exciting. And, being summer time, my wife and daughter and I will be able to spend some quality time together. Heck, if we wanted, we could hook up to it, head south to the beach and make a living while getting a tan....lol
why the hell not cash in hand is better then hoping some of these companys are gonna pay you at the end of the month like I read on here alot
I was talking to a lady running a dog stand one day, she said she cleared $80K the previous year. Not bad at all.
what did that cart cost you if you dont mind me asking
3300.00 for the cart, 800.00 shipping. The cart in the link is the one I got. They do sell the smaller "Malibu" model which is cheaper and looks to be a very nice cart for the money. I got the Ventura. They show it with the flat Stainless, but it comes standard with the Diamond Plate. Of course I wanted the Diamond Plate. Much "Cooler".
Your a welder, you shoulda just built one :P Interesting idea. Let us know how it goes.
A lot of jurisdictions require a NSF stamp on fixtures for food service equipment especially on steam and cooler trays to get a permit. Building a BBQ pit and serving sandwiches fresh off the pit is one thing. Slicing or chopping the meat then having it sit around along with condiments is another thing entirely. Some jurisdictions require a Certified Food Handler certificate even on a one person operation.
Just think, if you get a good compressor station gig after you pay it off you can run the roach coach off the site and make all the money. Even better with the beer license! You could even create the ROW DOG. The possibilities are endless!
Seriously, you do what you have to do in these times to put beans on the table, nothing at all wrong with that. I've done plenty of labor intensive work to pay the bills in bad times and wish I'd had an opportunity like this. Wish you luck.
JohnJohn
Work is work, money is money. There is nothing wrong with doing what it takes to provide and get by. I've done real work, digging ditches, laying brick, land scaping, roofing, etc. Your idea strikes me as just as good an option as any. Two things are going to sell no matter what the economy does. Food and drink. Suggest you get a beer license to go with. You'd do well.
When people are happy, they drink.
When people are sad, they drink.
no kiding you could sell a can of beer for almost anything you want, drunk people will pay anything
I, for one, would be very happy to buy a hot dog and a drink from you. And if I knew the hot dog cart operator was a welder, I would buy a bunch, knowing that you know quality control better than anybody.
I think you should name your cart something related to welding - Welder's Wagon, The Ark in the Puddle, something like that. Anyone else have some names to suggest?
Happy new adventures to you!
Bob Garner
Thanks Bob. That's a great idea! Any suggestion fellas?
Pigs On The Wing. (A Pink Floyd Reference).
Good luck with the new gig! Maby see u in action one day. If u wana go welding related how bout (The Rod Bucket hot dog world) LOL! Or stick with bullsnbets, u selling at any rodeo's?
Probably no Rodeos. They already have Concessions. Bike Rallys, Festivals, Car Shows, anywhere that there may be alot of people. I got a call Monday and may be heading out to Pennsylvania. If so, my Cart may just have to wait a bit. I bought the Cart as a Secondary Source anyway, so if I have a Welding gig, I'm Welding. Thanks to everyone for all of your input. It's been great to read yout posts.
Bullsnbets,
This is kind of ironic. I was watching a show on the Food channel the other day about hot dogs and their history. A small portion of it focused on hot dog cart vendors. The way the said it, it can be VERY profitable if one places themselves at the right events and locations. IMHO you should have no problem making profit with it. And as for me, if I can put 2 and 2 together if I see you, you can bet you will have my business. :-)
Also consider that when set up like this, it is almost guaranteed customer satisfaction. All you have to do is provide a quality dog and bun, and they apply the condiments, so they are getting exactly what they want. Combine that with an affordable beverage and BINGO, happy campers all around.
Good luck with the Pennsylvania gig, and keep us posted on the location of your first hot dog venture.
jrw159
where in PA are you headed to?
Far North I think, not sure yet.
let me know im dead center north as you can get before NY
Heck, when your not doing gigs maybe you could still hit the pipeline about lunch time!
Looks like I might be headed to chase rigs once again. If anybody hears of any lines that aren't manned up, let me know, free doggs for ya.....lol. Would sure love to stay out of those Cellars.
when you headed up north is that where the boom is now
Advertise your welding business on the side of the cart.....there may be some tax deals where you can use for deductions....at the very least mention it to your tax guru and see what they say.
Bullsnbets hot rod hotdog
You get it hot either way
"The Welder's Weiner". Now that would catch some attention!
TOO funny! I would definately go with that!!
my dad has a grave digging business........... its pretty much recession proof.........
I plan to be cremated. All men are cremated equal.
I'm donating my body to the local medical college. They even do the death certificate and pick up the body. And all at no charge. (I'm actually serious).
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