This case study was submitted from one of our customers and provides a detailed look at how running one of our carts can be an ideal venture for the right person.
What a wonderful way to make money while attending school. Last spring a couple of guys who attend Michigan University purchased two carts and started their own business. Last I heard they were doing quite well with it. As most businesses this requires a lot of hard work but the benefits can be rewarding.
Ok here’s some info on the Hummer which is in my opinion a top of the line hot dog cart, superior to most with the exception of the A101 which is a restaurant on wheels.
Hummer: costs $3499.00 + $155.95 + crating & delivery fee = $3654.95
- 1/2 ton highway suspension system which allows it to travel up to speeds of 110km/hr behind your vehicle.
- 18 gauge all stainless steel custom made cart, these are made by hand by the manufacturer Willy Dogs which by the way was featured on the food network channel last night.
- Operates and heats water and steam table with a 20lb propane tank (not included due to regulations)
- Tons of under cart storage for all of your items
- A large insulated box to keep your drinks or meat product in, this is wet/dry ice held.
- Hot & cold water handsink
- one sink is included but additional sinks can be added as optional
- 5 bay steamtable. 3 large pans, 2 small. Plenty of room for a great menu.
- 1 7/8 inch ball towing package installed
- Light kit included but not installed due to vehicle variances
Health Department Regulations
Every county is different even though we all live in the same state. By the way I live in Fort Wayne, Indiana and have been running hot dog carts here for 6 years.
Call your county and ask questions.
Do you need a commissary? A commissary is a licensed food establishment that will vouch for you, stating in a letter that they will let you use their place for storage and preparation of food as well as cleaning the unit. This could be a bar, restaurant, gas station or meat market that you have obligated yourself to purchase all your meat from. They will need to give you a letter to give to the county.
Depending on your food choices you will probably need someone to be a certified food handler. This isn’t a huge deal. It consists of food safety education, I teach the classes and administer the exam here in Ft Wayne for $115.00. My next class is in February. This is a state exam. You may find that you could take it on campus. (Certified Food Manager Exam) approved by the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals.
Your cart will come with a small start up kit to include mustard dispensers, tongs and a couple of other items. The only thing you would really need to purchase to start up your cart is a ice model condiment tray, apron, hat and fill your propane tank to be off and running.
Not sure how much your permit is, each county is different. My runs about $195.00 per year.
Here’s a projected profit model to look at. Each will differ depending on your food choice and cost:
| Sold/Day | 100 | 150 | 200 | 250 | 300 | 350 |
| Average Vend | $3.50 | $3.50 | $3.50 | $3.50 | $3.50 | $3.50 |
| Cost: Hot Dog/Sausage | $0.35 | $0.35 | $0.35 | $0.35 | $0.35 | $0.35 |
| Bun | $0.20 | $0.20 | $0.20 | $0.20 | $0.20 | $0.20 |
| Condiments | $0.15 | $0.15 | $0.15 | $0.15 | $0.15 | $0.15 |
| Drink | $0.27 | $0.27 | $0.27 | $0.27 | $0.27 | $0.27 |
| Chips or Cookies | $0.20 | $0.20 | $0.20 | $0.20 | $0.20 | $0.20 |
| Total Cost per Vend | $1.17 | $1.17 | $1.17 | $1.17 | $1.17 | $1.17 |
| Daily Net Profit | $233 | $349 | $466 | $582 | $699 | $815 |
| x 5 Days Weekly | $1,165 | $1,747 | $2,330 | $2,912 | $3,495 | $4,077 |
| x 4 Weeks | $4,660 | $6,990 | $9,320 | $11,650 | $13,980 | $16,310 |
| x 52 Weeks | $60,580 | $90,870 | $121,160 | $151,450 | $181,740 | $212,030 |
Assumptions: average vend consists of a Hot Dog, Chips, & Drink for $3.50. Average working day is from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. (Peak lunch hours)