How to Start $2K/Week Hot Dog Food Trailer Business
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ต.ค. 2023
- Have you ever considered opening a hot dog food truck? We stopped into Howard's Hot Dogs to chat about his food trailer! Howard has the night shift, opening at 10pm and closing down at 2am. Everyone stopping in seemed very excited to get their late night chili hot dog. Howard doesn't do any events just focuses on consistency and customer service to build his brand further. We talk more about how he got started, entrepreneur advice and great late night stories! Check him out below!
FB: / howardshotdogsconeyisland
Instagram:
/ extramediumstuf
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@6FigureRevenue
He's right downtown where the bars don't serve food past 9 or 10. I stumbled over there with my buddies and thought the inside of his trailer looked like a doctor's office 😂👌 clean kitchen and delicious food!
This Guy spewed more meaningful info than some so call expert or business guru charging people for information that is so easy giving
My thoughts exactly. This guy knows his stuff.
These are the guys you want to listen to, not the gurus who never ever sold anything in a booth at the festival !
Low overhead, protected from the elements, good profits, low startup cost. If you are a people person, this is a great business!!
God bless this guy.
He's got the perfect attitude & personality for this operation.
Howard probably doesn't realize he is living the Dream. Corporate and Government work is for the Birds. He is his own money, he reports to no one. Hope to achieve that independence someday.
He reports to the local health department along with local, state, and federal taxes. There's alot of extra expenses he's not talking about. It isn't Easy Rider😂😂🤣
I agree about government and corporate, been there done that! I recently left the corporate world and am thinking about starting a food truck. Big decision for me.
@@moosespeak6140not to mention debt that people try to justify as (good debt) lmao
@@scaled-daddy22 in today's time and age you literally have to go into debt to have a food cart or truck. Debt is debt when you can't pay it.
@@moosespeak6140 nah not necessarily people go into debt because they don't know how to utilize money
Listen to this man he speaks the truth. We sold shaved ice for twenty years.
So refreshing to hear so much cristal clear cut to chase information with full transparency. Much respect, sir. God bless
Just discovered this channel. Quality video, sound and content without all the fancy annoying editing like other channels. Please keep it up!
First time viewer and really enjoyed the video. As someone who owns multiple small businesses I'd like to add on to something he touched on. You really do control your own success. Being successful is usually a lot more work than people see or realize. Anytime I make a friend who works a normal 9-5 and learn I own my own businesses, they instantly think I can just take off and do anything I want since I control employees hours or make the rules but in reality that's the opposite. Multiple weeks out of the year I'll be working 7 days because an employee is out or a problem arises that I need to fix. As an owner your day never ends. At any point you could get a call for an endless amount of things that you alone can fix. I love being in the position I'm in because there are lots of positives but many people don't understand the times you work extremely long hours or miss important family events because you have to make sacrifices to keep the ship afloat.
Heavy lies the crown.
I work for myself and never work more than 20 hours a week. I made 372K last year
I have friends that are the owner. I keep telling them, that is why I am not the boss, when things go wrong.
I'll tell you why this job would not be worth $2k a week for me.
I would be eating the hell outta my profit!
Hot dogs, especially Coney dogs, ARE THE BEST.
Nah you'd be sick of them 2 weeks in.
You spelled kraut dog wrong 😂
🤣@@Mr_Clean
@@Mr_Clean Kraut dogs are pretty good also
I learned that lesson when I worked for Gean & Jude’s‘s hotdogs Nations number one hotdog in River Grove. I worked there for three months and I gained 30 pounds.
But they work me like a slave. I was crushing fries sometimes for six hours straight it was terrible and then when do they said you could eat all you wanted I would eat two double dogs fries, Coke tamale because I burn so many calories then I’ll just pack them on and then I’ll be tired and go to sleep, and then they were just accumulate
I think now if I went into it, I’d be OK I’ll be able to make the money and not eat the food. I think once in a while, I probably have some thing, but I have to eat a specific diet with no oil in it so I’m very strict on what I eat.
What a down to earth guy! This was interesting to listen to. I've started a couple business, some successful, some not. But no one is going to believe in you as much as yourself. It's sometimes very hard to believe in yourself, but it's the most important thing
I know “coney islands” are a Detroit thing, but those hot dogs would be unrecognizable in Coney Island, NY. It would be a Nathan’s dog with kraut, onion sauce and mustard. If you got them from Nathan’s, you would get them grilled on a flattop.
If you are ever in Traverse City check out Howard's Hot Dogs!
My research into this type of business in the northeast found the startup cost and red tape cost prohibitive. Find a location, pay rent or share a percent of sales, insurance, licenses and permits, propane, running a generator, the cost of the trailer, overhead, cleaning and maintenance plus your time in shopping and prepping not selling food. I was looking at close to $100,000 before I would ever even make my first sale.
It’s honestly sad all the red tape. You get a burning desire and get beat down at every corner by fees, inspections, licensing, and other overhead. All of a sudden your 100% margin turns into 5%.
Also what makes no sense is the permits/inspections. If you’re serving trash word of mouth will make it known. Word of mouth is both a saving grace and a cruel reality.
I thought it was very informative and what a great humble human Howard is
This man needs to live streaming his nights work....ppl will be glued to it
That's a fabulous idea!
I went through the same same thing in 2010 and after. I thought a LOT about opening a fast food biz, but I did software instead because that was my thing. I succeeded also. But I really really admire this man, because I would have rather opened a hot dog stand. Just something I always wanted to do. So congrats to him! I love this story. Wish I could buy some dogs from him. :)
A great video an in depth and candid statement about his position about what works for him and not a modified business model and his understanding of growing your customers not the menu.
What a great, informative interview. As someone who is about to jump all in on a hot dog/pulled pork vendor next year, I plan on jumping in any opportunity to be at local events. I've had a side business with rebuilding and reselling washers and dryers for over 10 years. I do still enjoy it but I love grilling and chilling. I hope that by being in as many places as possible within the first few years, I can find a good regular spot to be. But, I às I currently work a part time job and the washer dryer stuff, I believe it is important to keep several avenues of revenue coming in to absorb any crazy changes in this economy. Stay Blessed yall!
You had me at pulled pork : ). Good luck
Remember that cheez whiz is a good priced add on. Whiz dogs are great!
Do what you love. He is 1000% correct. My mother taught me that. She was a bookeeper, and she often said she would do her job - even if they didn't pay her. If you have a passion for something, you can succeed! Just do it! Learn, listen and then go for it! And good luck.
Howard is a gem
This is an amazing interview. Great job. God bless Howard and the host and their staff and everyone in the conversation chat.
This is the type of stories that inspire simple concept but hard work will make it great video! and great story ! thanks
Great to know he is in TC...as Michiganders and fellow Detroiters, we'll definitely look for him next time we're in town!
What he isnt telling you is you are still an employee, your company makes such and such a month but what you allow your company to pay you is the difference between a successful business and a failing company, your company will make all this money but you dont its not a bank account
His dip in buisness from 2022 vs 23 shows how fucked many economies are worldwide, shows that so many working class people generally speaking have had their salaries completely decimated and many have had to go through multiple lines of employment since the pandemic nearing bankruptcy and much worse! I wish him all the best seems a great guy and a true hospitality bad ass hard working honest guy !
Yes you are very correct. The more power lunatic leftists get, the more they take advantage of the vulnerable to justify retarded policies like defunding police yet increasing spending, artificially inflating wages, and hurting small business like this guy. It's disgusting how leftists in North America are creating an elite government welfare state class and poverty industrial complex that never has to show up to the office more than twice a week meanwhile they are fucking small business like this with 10 percent tax increases every fucking year!!!!
And what does Biden do to help the working class people in this tough time…. Send a shit ton of money to Ukraine
@@notafortnitegamer why do you angry gulubois and RINOs keep repeating this dumb point? Ukraine is fighting against USA enemy for complete bargain: the billions sent is 2% of the total USA military budget and less than 0.25 percent of total GDP and Z E R O americans have died while Russia implodes. go have another cup of borscht
They just told us this week at my work they are increasing health care plan costs, a thing I have never used in the 7 years here, so there goes another $100 a month.
@@p.chuckmoralesesquire3965
cry us a fucking river. yall employees also got huge wage gains last 3 years while we fucking bled.
regards,
-small business owner
Great questions and and helpful information! Thank you so much! 💥
Believe in yourself and your dreams! That's AWESOME! This is how you can do it. Just Try!
Hey thank you for the video I started 1 year an 1/2 ago and working Friday and Saturday 6 days a month making about 8k a month the days that I work sat/Fri is very stressing but I only work 2 days a week and 3 weekends
How often do you get held up?
That's Awesome! I'm interested in starting up like you guys! Very inspiring!
$8,000 take home pay after all costs and taxes? For 6 days of work?
@@jordanbabcock9349cocaine ain’t cheap 😂😂
8k in 6 days?
What are you charging, $25 for a hot dog?
This is the most inspirational video I've ever seen.
6:23 i totally agree with that mindset of fixing things on your own.
A vender on my home town, going back to the 70's was a guy named Ray. He could push out the dogs and burgers, and all was cooked right in front of you. One night some high school kids came by (when drinking age was 18) and started calling him "Rapid Ray". Fast forward to today, it's a brick and mortar but with fast food truck vibes, and it is called Rapid Rays. Open all year. What made his burgers so special is that he would prep his food daily which included grinding his own beef and making patties. The most favored burger is "The Big One". I usually get a Big One with a clam cake thrown on top....mmmm..mmmmm..good. p.s. clam cakes also go good on dogs. Vicious Dogs had a segue on the Food Channel, and they showcased a bacon wrapped deep fried dog with sauteed bell peppers and onions topped with sweet chili sauce, then a sliced deep fried crab cake, then topped with tartar sauce, on a toasted bun. OMG is that good....😋😋😋
All on one dog?
Scooby Doo samich size😂
@@allmantree ya gotta try one and substitute a clam cake if you cant find crab cakes its the balls
I've noticed a similarity between this video and a similar one. The primary reason behind the success of these individuals' sales lies in their strategic placement between a large public parking lot and a busy downtown street with substantial pedestrian traffic. I am certain that the location plays a pivotal role in their success. The correlation between two different cities, Traverse City and East Lansing, and two different hotdog spots seems too deliberate to be a mere coincidence. The satellite view on Google Maps is essential for identifying ideal locations in any city.
Timing also plays a role here. In my area today you would be an idiot to try and open a food truck. They've become far too popular. There is far too much competition. You pay hundreds sometimes thousands of dollars every day just for a place to park your truck. And at one time you were only competing with other food trucks but today so many established restaurants are spinning off with their own food trucks that you're competing with them as well. And they have an advantage of having fully stocked kitchens and in some cases even small warehouse space.
Not to mention that food trucks have become more expensive than restaurants to eat at. Eating a hot dog chips or chips or fries and a drink from most of the food trucks in my area will set me back nearly 30.00 bucks.
It's just not a successful business model auto for start ups anymore. At least in my area.
@@toryquinton2677 That's obviously not true considering a food truck or trailer is portable, meaning go where the buyers are located. Give me a zip code, and I'll show you the optimal location.
Had a great time with this video. This guy seems really on top of things, but I was questioning the logistics a bit. He said Coney Dogs are 50-70% of his sales on any given day, and regular hot dogs are 20%. So let’s say 60% Coney plus regular dogs is 80%. It almost doesn’t make sense to even offer anything else since that’s the lion’s share of the business. Keeping preserves on hand and habanero jelly is a cool offering but probably comes out of his pocket book by the end of the year.
You’re doing great Howard!!! Good luck!!!
I am so glad to see someone from Detroit has went to the UP to sell coney dogs. Good job and keep up the good work
Actually, he's in Traverse City and that's a ways south of the Upper Peninsula, but I get your point.
Thanks for this channel, very informative, entertaining. Keep it up!
Coney Island is 30-40 minutes away. We call it mustard chili & onions. It's also branded as a Texas wiener.
Excellent series bro, I love this channel!
My buddies tried a food truck in my area and their biggest issue is finding a spot even though there is a ton, these property owners are viscous and often wanted thousands even for a weekend spot near a farmers market (which also don't exist in my area anymore thanks to greedy new property owners) they found a weekend spot for $500 per day and had to be gone by Sunday at 2 PM. Absolutely nasty in my area. It shouldn't be so hard or expensive.
What city was that in, sounds awful 😢
@@vitovitus1391 Glenwood Springs CO. One shitty ass tourist trap town Lol.
They were really "viscous", huh?!
@@SamiRemingtonStorm-ty6ro Not as viscous as your mom 🤷 💯
Yes it is VERY expensive trying to become a vendor. The baseball area wanted a $500 deposit and ten percent of my earnings, not to mention other costs thrown in.....
I used to live in Wakefield, MA there is a guy who has his hot dog stand at the top of Lake Quannapowitt. Guy is there on any day with good weather. I had to count 40-50 people there waiting one day. Got to talking to the guy and he said he has been there for years and paid off his house and cooking trailer (they cook em on a outdoor grill) and the truck he uses to pull it. Alot of money to be made with the cart/stand...but it is alot of work.
respect for giving Detroit some love
Thanks for this video! I would buy this guy a drink . Transparent and insightful.
Very interesting video and thank you for all the knowledge you game me and anybody wanting to start their own food trailer business. As you can tell from my channel name I am into bbq foods and one day I hope to start my own food type truck business just like you did. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE hotdogs and I would definitely buy from you and eat your hotdogs. Thank you for posting this video because you have given helpful tips on how to start and sucessfully run a food truck business. Congratulations to you and to what you've done and I wish you great success in your food truck business.
Cool video!! I think I had one of his hotdogs after a show at Union Street Station. It was before the trailer. I'll have to look him up next time I am in TC!!
And?!
How was it you bozo?!!?
Thanks for the insight Howard
With all the crime after 10pm, I'd be reluctant to work those hours. So happy for him and I hope he stays safe for many years to come
Gun laws aren't to friendly either
@@The1WhoCanSee-yk2swI doubt gun laws would make a difference lol.
As a vendor in the making it's 10am - 5pm for me. I would DEFINITELY not consider late night or overnight open for business, too dangerous...
A great interview and super answering of questions. GREAT advice. Thank you, Howard!
Great stuff my man. I’ve always wanted to do that for a hobby, weekends near the bars, somewhere for the kids to make some money in the summer. You’ve inspired me to look into this more. Thanks and good luck to you! Do you hire summer students to help in the summer time? Maybe you could get involved with Uber Eats and Skip the Dishes?
Great content! Dude has his stuff together!
I’ve seen hot dog trucks serve burgers 🍔 they cook them the same way they to the hot dogs in water! Not bad especially when you’re serving a night crowd coming out of clubs,bars or games!
Great video. I just upgraded from a hotdog cart to a trailer.
Good luck
Enjoyed video. I live in Wisconsin, and we plan on being there for Cherry festival this summer. Only thing is we don’t drink so probably won’t want to eat at 10 at night. But if somehow I see you will want to say hi. Great job on explaining your business. I love the Traverse City area, great choice on choosing it
Step 1: Have the money to buy the food cart.
Used open air carts like the one he started with go for less than $2K on FB marketplace all the time. You can even build a cart that will pass health inspection for around half that. I built one for my cousin(pre-pandemic) and it was $800 in material including the Harbor Freight trailer.
That money can be earned in a few months. Your point is??
It can get very expensive just setting up a popup tent....
@theresacoringgray6885 no such thing as a free start up business.
Real salt of the earth guy. Simple business strategy, contentment and stability
Looks bright & clean
This is a great interview.
The man with the hotdog stand has a 300 level IQ. This dude is smart.
Excellent video. Thanks. New subscriber. I plan on starting a food cart of my own in the future. Appreciate appreciate this valuable information.
When did you start. Very cool story to hear about I've really been wanting to open up a food trailer in coming years actually found what seem to be ok deals for a trailer on Amazon just to get started😅 so hopefully soonish
The guy figured out the secret to success.
Source local when you can, and provide quality ingredients, versus cheaping out on your hotdogs just to make a few extra bucks.
Cause customers notice that immediately. You will get more business and make more money providing quality than you will selling garbage.
👍
Good job sir you wouldn't take no for a answer I love your motivation keep up the good work 👏🏿
At least he is trying and not criticizing in the comment section.
EXCELLENT VIDEO
Thank you for sharing this...
4:55 ... are these your prices today? Seems a little low.
I like how people say they spend money I spend money to on my car repairs as I am a independent contractor, but I write off my miles. I wish more people would talk about these things instead of pretending it’s a secret it’s only a secret to the people that don’t know and if you’re trying to learn, something teaches, teaches the full give us the full scope of what you’re doing that way you’re more valuable as a person and a human being, and not just a product of whatever
More power to you if you can stay in this business
Couple of things.
1) Location.Location.Location. He found a great location.
2)KISS he only sells few items.
3)Very important. Do what you love. Yup, if it's just about the money. Eventually you are going to hate it. The reason many people quit their high paying jobs or they stay and become miserable.
I can see why he's doing well in one of the hardest business to go into.
We must keep the American dream alive!
This has to be one of my favorite hotdog vending vodeos.
It's so clean! ❤
Thank u for this I needed this
S/O to Detroit I'm starting in Michigan aswell lets go great video
I like his idea keep it
Simple
Nice trailer, enjoyed the video !
Howard is 100% correct. Stay put and be consistant. We have a golfcourse with a restaurant and full bar. They really only cater to the players, but have a decent bar crowd when they are open. They are one of only three restaurants with 30k people in an immeadiate circle. They have good food, but the kitchen being randomly closed and them closing at 730 to 8 pm is just dumb. A place opened a mile away, pizza beer/wine and its packed 7 days a week. He added wings and other options and he told me its about being open the same hours everyday. The day you close early and your regulars stop coming, you are in trouble.
Dude thats a sweet looking stand!!
Cool video, what kind of watch are you wearing?
I make around 12,000 a week in sales..
About 4000 in inventory
And about 3500 in payroll
And about 1500 in taxes
Profit is around 3,500-4,000 or soo a week
Thats good.
👍👍
Are you included in the payroll?
This man is super clever! So many other food stall owners Have the goal of Becoming "A Brick and Mortar Place" Because they see it on TV and it seems and sounds Better! Ignorant to ALL the bills like Gas,Electric,Staff etc. Same hardwork Fraction of the costs!
Great video, I watched one last night that they sold their Hot Dogs for 9-$15 in NYC. I live in Canada so for this nice fella to sell his for $4 or $5 is amazing. In Canada the prices of food are so high. We use to pay $2.99-$3.99 for a pack of wieners and now they are $6.99 and up and that is for just 12 wieners. I'd love to have my own hot dog cart.
A butcher with spices. People will remember that. If you purchase inexpensive off label chips, and soda. You can make good profit, while simultaneously beating out the competition. You want your customers show up for the hot dogs. You want them to drive from miles away for the product you offer. The money will come looking for you.
Good interview. He shared the ugly truth about the life and day of a food trucker but The beauty and advantage of being a mobile business is being mobile! You have to know when to relocate. Move to where the money is , your customers will follow you if you are utilize social media as you should. He missing out on those Corporate catered events festivals, fairs, family reunions, fireworks to depend on a bunch of loaded bar crawls. It’s was a little depressing in my opinion. He put that hot cart at the bar and hire the dude he only let work two times a year to run it in the summer. While u do festival and corporate mobile catered gigs with the trailer. When fall hit and it get cold put the trailer back up there. This would increase his sells, allow he to hire some help, increase visibility and expand his customers base. Praying for his success!
The first Coney restaurant in Michigan, Todoroff’s Original Coney Island in Jackson, Michigan, was founded in 1914. Detroit’s American Coney Island opened just a few years later in 1917 on West Lafayette Street in downtown Detroit. Nathan's began as a nickel hot dog stand in Coney Island in 1916 and bears the name of its co-founder Nathan Handwerker (1892-1974). But I still like a good Chicago dog
Me too, Gene's and Jude's.
What’s the difference between the coney dog and Chicago dog?
@@DavidSelfPaid Chicago dog is a hot dog, bun, sliced tomatoes, dill pickle spear, neon green pickle relish, mustard, and a shake of celery salt
@@michaelkendall662 so a coney dog is just a chill dog ?
@@DavidSelfPaid chili sauce no beans w onions and mustard
Unfortunately more and more municipalities are only allowing "event" food trucks and those that do allow street vendors charge an arm and a leg for permits and will fail your inspection if they dont like you. San Diego for instance charges $10,000 per quarter for a street vendor's permit and require separate permits for each event.
great idea.
Even now in 2023 this happens no chance's given js but the dream of yours is still alive and vary well
I'm glad I watched this video
I like it ,way to go
My brother has a food trailer like Howard and does chili,his feet are bad so he's thinking of selling his trailer, Howard has inspired me too sell speciality hotdogs.ty Howard!!!
Just get a mat for standing
@@Chaosking707 he has a mat, I told him he should've did pizza instead of chili and fries, they've got pizza ovens that can bake a pizza in about 3 minutes at 800 degrees.easier to prep pizza dough and sauce.
Those food trailers r all over Miami.Florida n no 1 is making a penny...it's The new business trend
You sure about that?
He said “POP” for a soda…! I love it! We say “pop” in the south too! 😎
Good for u sir continued success and happiness
I look forward to making the hike and finding ya
Hello Howard is was wondering where did you Purchase you Trailer ? and what size is it
Very inspirational
Along with the jelly dogs you should have a Pumpkin Blaster Dog.
They're not to hard to make.
First, when someone orders one, you hollow out a pumpkin...
I'll get back to you with the rest of the recipe, I'm busy right now.
I would open early in the morning and sell fresh baked croissants with a pot of italian coffee. Tsitching bro. Make an agreement with your local backery to prepare you some fresh doughnuts and cooks in the morning. tsitching baby. Business is on!
As a vendor in the making I only DREAM of the day when I can actually afford to even rent one of these trailers much less than being able to buy it. In the meantime it's a popup tent for me....
How many Dogs do you buy from your distributor each week? What is the most dogs sold in one night?
Thanks! Congrats on your business.
This guy should be in radio
LOL I was a radio personality for 20 years before my hot dog business.😁
@@howardbyrne3 Hahaha!! You have the skills!
Detroit 313 all day baby