Start Your Own Hot Dog Business

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Everyone loves to eat hot dog sausage. Kids and adults love buying hot dog burgers from hot dog machines and vending carts. People's love for hotdogs and hot dog supplies are great reasons why you will find it a good idea to start a hot dog business.

Starting a hot dog business can be a very profitable venture, especially if you have the right business plan and know of several ways of operating and starting a business selling hotdogs.

The following are things that you have to know when you are considering the idea of becoming a hot dog vendor or starting a hotdog cart business:

The hot dog recipe

When starting a hotdog restaurant, the most essential thing you must prepare is the hot dog recipe. Ensure that the hot dog you want to sell in your hot dog machine has a delightful taste that your clients will love. Your hot dog recipe will dictate the likeliness of your hot dog start-up business to succeed because your clients will surely patronize your products when you give them the best hot dogs in your hot dog kiosk.

Where to start your hot dog stand

Choosing the best location to start your hot dog stand will also be crucial to the success of your business. Therefore, selecting a location for your hot dog catering business is wise. Make sure that you choose locations where there are a number of your prospective clients.

Other things that you will need

It would help if you also considered what you would need to operate a hot dog concession business. Among the things that you need to purchase are hot dog equipment and hot dog vans or hot dog vehicles if you want to offer your hot dog products in various locations. You may also rent only a hot dog cart or trailer from desirable dog rentals available in your area. Getting a hot dog license or a hot dog permit may also be necessary before starting your business.

Watch this Video to Learn from a Hot Dog Business Owner and Know the Best Tips to Start the Business

108 Comments

Laurie Bennett said on January 13, 2009
Very helpful, would like to start hot dog cart/business in Bloomfield, town not very helpful in getting license. Looking forward to reading more info from you.
john said on February 12, 2009
The idea of being an entrepreneur sounds interesting. Starting small is usually the way to go. Should I begin with a burger/hot dog stand with a grill or invest in a small trailer with the two and include sandwiches and wraps?
telesia said on March 22, 2009
i would like to get more information on business idea on how to start with my own hot dog business.
shirley yanavok said on March 27, 2009
I am very interested in getting one of these carts and starting my own business...
Kristin Frederick said on April 8, 2009
I am hoping for the opportunity to gather as much information as possible from you, regarding the start up do's/don't of the hot dog world! Thanx!
Bruce said on April 24, 2009
i need some information on starting a BBQ / HOT DOG mobile catering business. what licenses do i need in texas?
Chris said on May 2, 2009
Nice article I am looking forward to getting more info on all the in and outs dos and donts to the hot dog opportunity.
Qin said on May 4, 2009
it is possible if i start the hot dog business in China? how could i get all those sandwiches or sausage? thanks and looking forward to hear from you.
josie said on July 7, 2009
i'm looking to open a hot dog restaurant and need some more info like start up costs, equipment. anyone?
Douglas said on August 20, 2009
I'm very interested in starting a hot dog vendor business, which I intend to use 1/2 the profits to also start my real estate business. any ideas are helpful. email me or look for me on myspace/stormdragon.com
Ernest Washington said on August 25, 2009
I would like information on how to start my Own Hot Dog business and where do I get the Equipments from.
Laurie said on September 27, 2009
I have the perfect location but i need the rest information like how to start and how to buy equipments.
Cynthia said on September 27, 2009
Helpful tips from VERY new owner to hot dog vending business! Do Not Buy a cart until you do your research with
1.county health dept. mobile food vending dept.
2.City licensing.
I made the mistake of purchasing my 1st cart only to find out it would be $$$ to get it to pass health and city guidelines. Have a new cart that's ready to go. DO YOUR RESEARCH ON THE 2 AREAS 1ST!!
Cynthia said on September 27, 2009
When ready to purchase your cart make yourself a checklist from any health or city guidelines needed to pass inspections & licensing to operate. You can purchase from private parties for as little as $500 or established vendors for up to $5000.
Maxine said on October 17, 2009
Thank you for the very helpful tips. I am planning to start a hot dog shop in Singapore. Could you tell me how I can import hot dogs from the US, and the equipment as well. Is there a company I can liaise with? thank you.
alfred kekan said on November 26, 2009
I want to start this business in south africa gauteng in pretoria
sujit.shetty said on December 10, 2009
Just want your advice to bring the concept to india. I reside at prime location in bombay-Dadar & quite interested to start the concept here, in bombay. please advice if you can provide further details to start the same here. my cell number is 09594440274 also do email me at the earliest.
caroline kooper said on December 14, 2009
i am a namibian and will like to get curses on sewing clothes and interior and decor and catering business and want to start a mobile hotdog business also need guide and courses if possible thank you yours caroline
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Adriana said on January 21, 2010
Hello, I would like more information on hot dog carts. I am interested in starting a business which offers hot dogs, as well as healthy food. Thanks.
nicole said on February 1, 2010
Hello i live in nj i had opened a hot dog stand i was wondering about the taste you are to have for a hotdog i am not sure what to put in the hotdog
tozama said on February 3, 2010
I would like to start a hot dog business selling at schools, where do i find the hot dog stand, hot dog selling license, and how do i get people to work for me, as i plan to approach several schools. i am in port elizabeth, eastern cape, south africa
Neeta Arjun said on February 8, 2010
Hi, I am from Durban KwaZulu Natal, South Africa and I am looking for a recipe to make vegetarian hot dogs or sausages. Can anyone help..?
Lee said on February 9, 2010
I am in Central Ohio - and I have a Hot Dog Cart for sale. This is a turn key operation - meaning - all you have to do is fire it up, heat the dogs and make money! My cart is a tow cart - meaning you can tow it behind your vehicle. It is stainless steel - in good shape. Only the serious - should inquire - email me at nurse6595@aol.com
rick raymond said on February 13, 2010
how do i start my hot dog business in st. ignace, michigan u.s.a.
Al said on February 13, 2010
I have a situation in a southern city where a long time hot dog store owner is retiring. He is interested is selling to me and wants me to propose a figure. This is a stand up indoor store with room for maybe 10 customers. It is busy for about 3 hours a day but fairly steady from opening at 10:30 am to closing around 6 pm. He says he does about 800 a day in gross sales. Store is now open almost every day of the year. So figure 350 days and a gross of 280K. Costs average (per current owner) around 125K a year but that includes the owner being there every day almost the entire day. I don't want those kinds of hours so I am adding another 50k to costs for wages. Is this even feasible? And if so at what purchase price?
Gary R said on April 1, 2010
www.hotdogprofits.com THAT is the place to get your training. He will even sell you the plans to make your own cart that will pass most inspections. As for the licensing thing...YES...do your homework. Where I live, most every county and city won't allow a cart because of all the politics surrounding the competition it gives restaurants. Funny how that works....a hot dog cart isn't considered a full restaurant (that can open anywhere!) but it is considered competition for them....lol! Love it!
Mudcake said on April 17, 2010
Hi, I'm from Singapore and would like to inquire on how to open up my own food store in Los Angeles, California. Can someone please advice.
TOZAMA said on May 3, 2010
I AM IN PORT ELIZABETH, EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, AND I WOULD LIKE TO BUY OR HIRE A HOT DOG CART/STAND, WHERE CAN I GET ONE IN THIS AREA? AND WHAT PRICE AM I LOOKING AT?
Mandla said on May 13, 2010
I would like to start a business of Hotdogs in Joburg and klerksdorp in South Africa but I do not have the start up capital where can I get help. Especially now we are hosting 2010 FWC in south africa.
M GOVENDER said on May 14, 2010
Hi, i would like to know if there is any areas that is available in Durban to start a Hotdog business.
lincoln navy said on May 18, 2010
i would like to open a hot dog stand in Harare or a little bit out of the capital, Zim.
Jay ing said on May 25, 2010
I would like to start a hot dog business, on the delta, for all of the boaters, and fisherman. 2513 del rio dr. stocton california 95204. 209-430-5448. thank you...
arnold louw said on May 26, 2010
i would like to start such business in durban, i would like to known the capital involve and if i dont have the capital, where to get it
Mike said on May 28, 2010
Portland, OR. I recently started my own hotdog business. I did not know anything about the business but fortunately I stumbled up the book "The Black Book of Hotdog Stand". It was the best teacher that I ever needed. I am making $500 plus every night in 3 hours. Check it out, Just google it.
Mary said on May 30, 2010
Is there more information regarding starting a Hot Dog Stand that you offer, if so where do I obtain the information? We live in Walton County in Florida. Also, is there a small business loan, grant, etc. for women to start their own business that anyone might know of? Thank you, Mary
Gail Davis said on June 1, 2010
This is so great!! we were just talking about opening up a Hot Dog Stand/Cart or whichever just last week, now i know how. please send me the much needed info on doing this, this summer. It is almost here and i have a really good hot dog sauce (my own Blends) for really good hot dog.What must i do to get started? thanks a lot
ambrose mercy said on June 8, 2010
please how do i start a hot dog stand here in abuja, nigeria and with what capital
linda carlan said on June 10, 2010
I would like to start a hot dog cart business in haltom city, tx 76117
Carlos Rosario said on June 10, 2010
I would like to have information on how to start a Hotdog cart business in Roxbury NJ. 07850
Lisa Sperlongano said on June 13, 2010
I would like to know what I need to do to start a hotdog cart business in Rhode Island. Can I sell anywhere? or do I have to ask someone in that town or the state of Rhode Island.
carl said on June 14, 2010
i'm from minneapolis, mn and i want to start a hot dog stand. my question is how i go about that
Mike said on June 15, 2010
Portland, OR. There are too many people are looking for information on how to start hot dog business. There are few books on the market but most of them are not very good for what you pay for them. Here is my recommendation: The black book of hotdog stand.
Randy Ibanez said on July 9, 2010
I'd like to sale a american hot dogs around our area here in mt druitt rooty hill or plumpton shops but the thing is i don't have much knowledge how to start my own business. help pls....
Carlos Rosario said on July 20, 2010
would love to start a hotdog truck business in Roxbury NJ 07850.
michael said on July 23, 2010
is the licensing required in florida hard to obtain to open a hot dog stand? is there a different type of license for conducting business in private property (ex: supermarket parking lot) compared to public property (ex: beach boardwalk)? what kind of insurance do you need to have if any? your response would be greatly appreciated and i will be looking forward to it. thank you in advance, michael h.
shahid said on August 1, 2010
I LIKE TO START HOT DOG SHOP IN BARCELONA WHICH DIFFERENT THEN OTHERS
Reggie said on August 3, 2010
if i had a cold sandwich shop could i start a grill in the back or on the side of it st pete, fla.
millie said on August 6, 2010
I want to start a hot dog restaurant, what do I need to start (cost)
Luis said on August 14, 2010
I am thinking of moving to Saint Augustine fl and opening a hot dog stand. However I have no idea on how to begin. Is Saint Augustine a good contender for such venture? What should i do first? How do I go about finding the location, license , buying the cart etc. Also is it required to have any type of insurance? Any information you can give me will be greatly appreciated. thanks LC
ALINA said on August 17, 2010
I AM INTERESTED IN OPENING A HOT DOG DELI. HOW DO I START? WHAT KIND OF LICENSE WOULD I NEED AND WHERE DO I GET IT? AND WHAT ARE THE COSTS TO START THIS BUSINESS? I LIVE IN HIALEAH, FLORIDA.
Martha said on August 17, 2010
I would like to start hot dog business or sandwich business what do I need to start I live in Lusaka, Zambia.Thanks
Karen said on August 20, 2010
I would like to know what the first steps to opening a hotdog restaurant on long island, new york. I already have a location which was an office, but would need to be renovated to a restaurant. Where do I start?
Rona said on September 13, 2010
I had a restaurant before but unfortunately it didn't work. So now, I am looking at starting a BBQ/hotdog business here in the Bay Area. How much it would cost me to rent/buy a food truck/cart?
vimal said on September 19, 2010
Respected sirs, I AM VERY MUCH INTERESTED IN OPENING A HOT DOG SHOP IN MY HOME TOWN OF COIMBATORE. HOW CAN I START? WHAT KIND OF ACCESSORIES I NEED TO BUY & WHERE GET IT? AND WHAT ARE ALL THE FORMALITIES SHOULD FOLLOW IN THAT. PLS LET ME HAVE THE ALL DETAILS REGARDING THE SAME SIR PLS
jose said on September 26, 2010
Whatever you do stay clear of wileydog hotdog carts out of Canada goes under various business names. Carts are defective, unsafe and the owner will not honor the warranty. Further info please contact @ joeshotdogs@yahoo.com be careful buy American.
klisien said on October 14, 2010
i need some info about opening hot dog/BBQ restaurant.. where can i buy the equipments..? how much do they cost..? with how much money can it be open..? in few words every thing related to this business waiting about your sincere answer.. greetings from Europe
dave said on October 16, 2010
Greetings, My name is Dave I've been in the hot dog vending business for 25 yrs here in southern Ca. I've done very well for myself, and I still love the business.I.m in the process of selling the biz so I will have some free time, until I open something else up. I have lots of experience and lots of stories. I'm sure I can answer any questions. Best wishes
Eve said on November 3, 2010
I need information about how to write a proposal on renting a premise want to sell hotdogs.Zimbabwe
Georgianna said on December 10, 2010
I am located in Mount Joy, Pa lancaster county. I have a brand new hot dog cart that I have not used ready to go. We are relocating and I am purchasing another business. If you live in the vicinity or close to me, please let me know. I am selling it fully equipped with pans, 4 sinks, umbrella for $2,000. Write to me at lancaster4u@gmail.com.
Lara said on December 12, 2010
I am based in the UK, but would like to start a hot dog business in Abuja, Nigeria. Where can i buy the hot dog stand/ cart from. Is it possible to make the hot dog myself, if so where can i get training from, or where can i purchase the hot dog from. Thanks
Gilbert Gamez said on December 28, 2010
My dream is to open a very unique Hot Dog venue on Ventura Blvd, California. I need help to start up my Million Dollar Investment.
LA TEJANITA'S HOT DOG STAND said on December 31, 2010
i would like to hear some of the stories of when you were in the hot dog vending business. i'm planning to start a business as well, i already have the hot dog cart but before i spend money on permits and other requirements i would like to know from other people if it's a smart move.
joe said on January 5, 2011
Westchester County, New York. I am looking to buy an established hot dog business in a successful location. I would like the business to be run from a truck, not a cart. If you are considering selling soon, or in the near future, contact me at my e mail address.
Karen said on January 24, 2011
I'm wanting to purchase a hot dog cart. The locations that i would be interested in are Duval, clay and St Johns county in florida. how do I get a license to sell hot dogs in all three of those countys. What kind of license do i need to purchase and how much
Mel said on January 26, 2011
Hi! Me and mom have been talking about started a hot dog cart business here in Dallas, TX.. I Have wrote down our business plans, start up cost, different functions we could cater to and ect. But honestly we don’t really know where to start. What do you recommend that we do and where to start? Could you give us some financial tips as well? Anyone feel free to answer our questions. ..Thanks!
Hameed said on January 27, 2011
I am thinking of moving to Orlando fl at Disney Downtown and opening a hot dog stand. However I have no idea on how to begin. What should i do first? How do I go about finding the location, license , buying the cart etc. Also is it required to have any type of insurance? Any information you can give me will be greatly appreciated
PATTY said on February 7, 2011
Cook County, IL. Looking for info on starting Mobile hot dog business.
Evan Razzaque said on March 3, 2011
I am interested opening hot dog cart business in broward or palm beach county in florida. Need info on locations, restriction, licensing, etc, I am a beginner. Thank you Evan
ashlee said on March 15, 2011
I already have the equipment to start a hot dog business but my main problem is what type of sausage for the hot dog and sauces do sell in a white dominated area. I hear that white and black people have different taste in food. Any recipes will help. Am in south africa
Tendai Musanhi said on June 27, 2011
where can I buy the hot dog machine and how much does it cost?
Karen de Beer said on June 28, 2011
How do i go about applying for a vending license in Cape Town. please get back to me on this, i keep posting these questions in my work hours as it is where i spend most of my time. Please do send me information to my work email address or my personal one at kitty1008@gmail.com.
Karen godfrey said on July 4, 2011
I'm retired, content with my income but am intrigued with the prospect of a hot dog business of some sort. Have winning recipes i'm enthusiastic about, love dogs, and love animals (especially dogs). Although I would not mind having some funny money for myself, I would love to share profits with animal shelters.
ameena amuji said on October 17, 2011
i would like to know where can i buy a hotdog trailer and hotdog machine in southafrica and hoe much does it cost. can you email me plz. its urgent
imran abbss said on October 23, 2011
hi i would like to start a hot dog business, but i dont have information where to buy hotdog cart. i'm in barcelona spain give me some information where to get rolls, russians, sauces Regards imran , iabbasmoman@hotmail.com tel 0034-632139968 thanks
duc lam said on November 12, 2011
hi, I love to open a small sausages business but i don't know where can I get the licenses and what is the small sausage business need, like equipment, floor, sink,freeze...I live in toronto, canada. thank you.
sharon said on November 14, 2011
hi, i planning to start a hotdog business in singapore, pls advise any recommendation person that i can consult? thank you sooo.. much:)
VICKY said on November 15, 2011
I would like to start a hot dog business I reside in SOUTH aFRICA IN Gauten Soweto where i stay next to the school, any advice for the best recipe and how to start and how to charge also and how to choose the best sausage 078 960 2126. Also where to buy a hotdog trailer in Johannesburg
Edwina said on January 16, 2012
Hi i would like to start a hotdog business in RSA i would really appreciate it if i can get the receipt or suggest where i can get a good recipe.
Veronica v said on January 19, 2012
Hi I would like to start on the hotdog business in fort worth tx how do I start?
Richard Tassler said on February 20, 2012
Looking for dine in hot dog franchise information/opportunity in Orlando Florida.
Annie sun said on April 6, 2012
Want to start a hot dog business.would you gave me more information ?i live Kirkland aw
Zarina said on April 21, 2012
Could u please advise me regarding available mobile vending prime areas. Near industries where I can station my mobile vending cart. Thank u. Durban KZN
Hassan said on May 8, 2012
I am interested in starting a hot dog business in Cairo Egypt , the above information is helpful but I think it needs more details. Any one can provide relevant information ?
JT said on May 9, 2012
My town restricts "Transient Vendors" through an upgraded ordinance. What is the process for me to try and get them to allow vendors-Hot Dog carts???? Thank you
Brian said on May 23, 2012
Am in pretoria nouth, I would like to start my business, plz send me more information and where can I get hot dog stands. Thank you
Lien Tran said on May 23, 2012
Would love to dine in hot dog business. Single mom came from Asian with language barriers and a lack of experiences...Any ideas about location around Virginia ,plus relevant information ...is a big saving us life. Thanks in advance
bincy said on June 5, 2012
i would like to start a burger kiosk in singapore....would u let me know how much will be the approximate investment needed...and the formalities to be done....
Agnes said on June 7, 2012
I would like information on how to start up a hot dog shop in Bartlesville,Ok.
Luis said on July 16, 2012
I am planning to start up a hot dog cart business in San Antonio, TX. Where can I find reliable manufacturers of hot dog cart? Thanks
Mary Mokoena said on July 24, 2012
Please tell me about licensing and purchasing/renting a hotdog cart in Westdene area to supply students from UJ
Alice said on July 30, 2012
I'M LOOKING TO LEASE A STORE AND START A HOT DOG BUSINESS, I'VE WORKED RETAIL AS A MANAGER, BUT HOT DOG BUSINESS WOULD ALL BE NEW TO ME, WHAT KIND OF PERMITS, LICENSES, WOULD I NEED HERE IN N.J.? ANY OTHER ADVISE ON PURCHASING DOGS,ONIONS, KRAUT, WHAT KIND OF HEATING ELEMENTS DO I NEED?? THANK YOU....
miss kathleen sui ling tung said on August 17, 2012
i would like to run my own hotdog franchise in the liverpool area and can you post to me by post more information to me please okay.thank you.
miss kathleen sui ling tung said on August 17, 2012
i am from the united kingdom and i have got catering experience and i am from england uk and i am looking to open a hotdog franchise where i live that is in birkenhead liverpool merseyside and i need someone to help me to run it as well beside myself okay. so can you find somebody okay. that is honest and trustworthy okay. from kathleen sui ling tung.
Gary r said on January 15, 2013
Which is better, a cart or trailer ? And. Is it a good idea to be in front of a Home Depot or roadside near a junior college? Thanks
Dorthe Byth Hansen said on January 16, 2013
I am from denmark, and i would like to open a hot dog business in spain, Calle Punta del Roquito, 35627 Costa Calma, Fuerteventura, Las Palmas, Las Palmas, España. Where can i rent or buy a hot dog stand on Fuerteventura ? looking forward to hear from you. Dorthe
Narender said on February 12, 2013
Hi, great to know from you. i have plan to start hotdog business in India. I must care all information you given. i want to hear more about hot dog cart business. really I am very keen to do. Thanx, Warm Culinary Regards, narender bist
christian langille said on March 25, 2013
Hi, i am interested in starting a hot /dog cart in st thomas ontario. I would be interested in some more info. best regards christian
elizabet said on March 31, 2013
My business is located at katlehong , germiston, south africa I need funding or loan to start this business thank you
Blessings said on June 11, 2013
Hi am in Midrand and looking for a portable mobile braaing machine for hot dogs. Will also need to hear from anyone who has an idea on how to run this small business profitably while meeting clients satisfaction.

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