Hot dogs are arguably the most popular portable food in America. Not only are they delicious, they're cheap and easy to make. While hot dog carts are prevalent at most local events, permanent hot dog stands aren't nearly as common. If you're considering stepping into entrepreneurship and you thoroughly enjoy serving others, you could do well to open a hot dog stand in your town.
Construct bold, colorful signage for your hot dog stand. Procure benches and picnic tables for outdoor seating or stools and tables for indoor seating. Create a theme for your stand, such as one that is locally or regionally relevant.
Select a structure for your hot dog stand. If your downtown stays busy, you might do well as a mobile street vendor. Start-up costs are also significantly cheaper than opening a permanent stand. Used hot dog carts start at about $1,300. Otherwise, select a location that gets good car or foot traffic for a permanent location. Look for existing restaurants that can be refurbished, to minimize construction costs and zoning issues. Stake out each potential location on a workday and a weekend day, taking note of foot and car traffic. Select the busiest locale. Ensure that your locale has plenty of parking. If you live in a northern climate, consider finding a location with room for indoor seating. Ensure that the location is properly zoned.
Build a menu of hot dogs and sides. Design your own signature hot dogs or create a menu list of toppings that customers can use to create their own. Chili, cheese, sauerkraut, jalapenos, mustard, relish, ketchup and onions are popular topping options. If your region is known for a particular food, create a signature, regional dog or special sauce. Chips are a much cheaper investment than potato salad or coleslaw since they have a much longer shelf life. Consider polling passersby about which sides they would prefer.
Contact your health department to obtain the necessary permits and licenses and download study materials for the food handler's test. Schedule a test date for obtaining your food handler's permit. Once you've selected a location for your restaurant, you'll need to set up an inspection of your restaurant. Prior to inspection, you'll need to provide proof of liability insurance.
Contact beverage and snack suppliers. Purchase napkins, paper plates, hot dog holders, foil, hot dog equipment, warmers, stainless steel preparation tables and refrigeration. Visit local farmers to sample their meat and purchase high-quality, all-beef hot dogs.
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