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@hellboythegreat seems to have a pretty comprehensive list
I wanted to help out and add the following in the hope that it would help you.
1)
Don't compete on price. You'll loose.
Someone can (and will) undercut your price. If you compete on price alone, you'll end up lowering that price until your margin is inadequate. This fundamental business law applies to many industries, but especially "street meat" vendors.
2)
Develop 3 easy to understand products and expand on those products only when your demand, supply and profit are all constant (aka: sales plateau).
Folks often think that they need to provide an entire range of products or services to make money. The truth of it is that a couple of simple products that are done really well will make more money than an entire range of products. You can't make everyone happy and (very generally) people will buy what you tell them to.
3)
Thinking deeply about this, in my area I would offer 2 general products and one signature product.
2 general products: The Hotdog and The Sausage.
I would source the largest, best looking hotdogs that I could find. I would find a busy and well prepared niche local sausage maker. I would order an exceptionally large quantity of both and negotiate my price down as low as possible. With a smile on my face, I'd say something like "How many hot dogs do I have to order for them to be free?" I would then store them in a freezer in my garage.
Very importantly, I would develop a "Signature" product. This hot dog would be so delicious that my local newspaper would want to write about it and people two states over would drive for 5 hours just to buy this signature item. I don't know how I would accomplish this, but this would be the goal. I would likely start by having a local baker perfect a low volume (signature) bun recipe and end with an all beef hotdog that was made with love in my own kitchen.
This signature item can have a strong markup. However, it's a smart move to take a loss on your signature item for predetermined number of sales and then increase the price. This will allow people to enjoy (and promote) your signature. Then, when you have people hooked, you'll start raking in the money. This comes from my upcoming book, "how to sell Cocaine by Rob Brown."
Who knows what the signature would be... but you need one. It needs to be newsworthy. You need to want to make a logo out of this signature item it's so good.
I hope that this helps you out!
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Hot Dogs
With the usual Toppings: Relish, Ketchup, Mustard, Cheese, etc.
Foot Longs
Same toppings as a hot dog usually.
Chili Dogs
With Chili, Cheese, and minced onions
Slaw Dogs
With Slaw, and sometimes served with Mayo
Italian Sausage
Usually has onions and ketchup and/or mustard
Turkey Dogs
A lower fat option.
Tofu Dogs (for the vegetarians)
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Beef hot dogs for those who are scared of pork.
They make chicken hot dogs too.
the cheese filled hot dog
corn dog (yum!)
There's a wikipedia list linked below with an incredibly long list of ways to cook and serve a hot dog from all over the world. I think that's a great starting point.
Source(s):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_dog_variations
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http://runswithspatula.blogspot.com/2009/06/downtown-dog-house-lansing-michigan.html
Honolulu dog: Ham, pineapple and swiss cheese
Philly dog: Green peppers, onions, swiss cheese
San Diego Dog: Relish, onion, bacon, tomato, cheddar
http://www.americasdog.com/
http://www.centerstagechicago.com/restaurants/americasdog-navypier.html
Buffalo Wing dog: Bleu cheese, buffalo sauce, celery salt
Westport: Mustard, relish, bacon, sauerkraut
Here's a wikipedia entry that has some amusing regional and country variations on hot dog toppings:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_dog_variations
Good luck!
Tags: food, hot, street, dogs, coney
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The vender in question made an extremely simple dog (standard hot dog) that they put into a unique bun. The hot dog bun used at this vender was not your typical fold open type bun. Instead, this bun was a solid bun with a hole at one end for the dog to slide into. While the taste of the hot dog was typical (though I must say I love mustard and the way the did mustard was to dunk the whole hot dog in a container of mustard before slidding it into the bun) the fact that the bun was unique keeps this little street vender in my mind!
Wikipedia explains this as well: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_dog_variations#Europe
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Source(s):
about.com and Oscar Meyer
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I've never tried this but what about an Italian Style Hot Dog that has marinara sauce, olives, and cheese.
For some reason Onion rings taste really yummy on hot dogs maybe you can just put beer battered onion rings with ketchup or BBQ sauce, its a nice mix.
There are so many ideas I think you can adapt from Pink's they have been successful for so many years. My favorite from Pink's is the Lord of the Rings Hot Dog.
Here are some of their unique ideas:
Source(s):
http://www.pinkshollywood.com/pgz/menu.htm
Tags: food, hotdogs
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Source(s):
http://www.ninjagreens.com
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Answered Question
M$1
July 23, 2009 05:51 AM
Can you please help me think of the different types/styles of Hot Dogs a Hot Dog Cart could sell? Thank you in advance!
I know of the traditional:
New York
Chicago
Red Hots
maybe Chili Dogs
Are there any other types that are popular and well known? Any help is appreciated! Thanks!
New York
Chicago
Red Hots
maybe Chili Dogs
Are there any other types that are popular and well known? Any help is appreciated! Thanks!
- In Food & Drink |
- Tags: hot, dogs |
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Best Answer Chosen by Asker
| July 23, 2009 05:05 PM |
I wanted to help out and add the following in the hope that it would help you.
1)
Don't compete on price. You'll loose.
Someone can (and will) undercut your price. If you compete on price alone, you'll end up lowering that price until your margin is inadequate. This fundamental business law applies to many industries, but especially "street meat" vendors.
2)
Develop 3 easy to understand products and expand on those products only when your demand, supply and profit are all constant (aka: sales plateau).
Folks often think that they need to provide an entire range of products or services to make money. The truth of it is that a couple of simple products that are done really well will make more money than an entire range of products. You can't make everyone happy and (very generally) people will buy what you tell them to.
3)
Thinking deeply about this, in my area I would offer 2 general products and one signature product.
2 general products: The Hotdog and The Sausage.
I would source the largest, best looking hotdogs that I could find. I would find a busy and well prepared niche local sausage maker. I would order an exceptionally large quantity of both and negotiate my price down as low as possible. With a smile on my face, I'd say something like "How many hot dogs do I have to order for them to be free?" I would then store them in a freezer in my garage.
Very importantly, I would develop a "Signature" product. This hot dog would be so delicious that my local newspaper would want to write about it and people two states over would drive for 5 hours just to buy this signature item. I don't know how I would accomplish this, but this would be the goal. I would likely start by having a local baker perfect a low volume (signature) bun recipe and end with an all beef hotdog that was made with love in my own kitchen.
This signature item can have a strong markup. However, it's a smart move to take a loss on your signature item for predetermined number of sales and then increase the price. This will allow people to enjoy (and promote) your signature. Then, when you have people hooked, you'll start raking in the money. This comes from my upcoming book, "how to sell Cocaine by Rob Brown."
Who knows what the signature would be... but you need one. It needs to be newsworthy. You need to want to make a logo out of this signature item it's so good.
I hope that this helps you out!
| Asker's Rating: |
• Thanks for the thorough answer as usual Rob! I will try to simplify, and I already have two "signature" products in mind. I can't wait to read your book!
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Other Answers (11)
July 23, 2009 08:04 PM
How are the Coney Island style hot dogs made? Is it the same thing as a chili dog?
Report
July 23, 2009 06:29 AM
Some of the popular types include: Hot Dogs
With the usual Toppings: Relish, Ketchup, Mustard, Cheese, etc.
Foot Longs
Same toppings as a hot dog usually.
Chili Dogs
With Chili, Cheese, and minced onions
Slaw Dogs
With Slaw, and sometimes served with Mayo
Italian Sausage
Usually has onions and ketchup and/or mustard
Turkey Dogs
A lower fat option.
Tofu Dogs (for the vegetarians)
Helpful Answer?
(3)
(0)
Helpful: eatthatpopcorn, robbrown, carriep
Tip hellboythegreat for this answer
Reply
July 23, 2009 01:28 PM
In conclusion, they make sour crout dogs filled with sour crout and sometimes various toppings like onions and relish bits.
Report
July 23, 2009 09:41 AM
Kosher dogs are delicious! Beef hot dogs for those who are scared of pork.
They make chicken hot dogs too.
the cheese filled hot dog
corn dog (yum!)
There's a wikipedia list linked below with an incredibly long list of ways to cook and serve a hot dog from all over the world. I think that's a great starting point.
Source(s):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_dog_variations
Permalink | Report
Reply
July 23, 2009 12:32 PM
Just came across a couple hot dog restaurants in my travels recently. Here's some write-ups on them, that give some of the menu items. Other than the philly dog (pepperes & onions), these are pretty eclectic. May not work for a hot dog cart if you have limited space. But they are pretty neat. http://runswithspatula.blogspot.com/2009/06/downtown-dog-house-lansing-michigan.html
Honolulu dog: Ham, pineapple and swiss cheese
Philly dog: Green peppers, onions, swiss cheese
San Diego Dog: Relish, onion, bacon, tomato, cheddar
http://www.americasdog.com/
http://www.centerstagechicago.com/restaurants/americasdog-navypier.html
Buffalo Wing dog: Bleu cheese, buffalo sauce, celery salt
Westport: Mustard, relish, bacon, sauerkraut
Here's a wikipedia entry that has some amusing regional and country variations on hot dog toppings:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_dog_variations
Good luck!
Tags: food, hot, street, dogs, coney
Helpful Answer?
(1)
(0)
Helpful: snowplusbrd
Tip carriep for this answer
Reply
July 23, 2009 03:04 PM
I have to tell you about a hotdog cart vender I found while in the Czech Republic, while this might not really answer your question the fact that I remember this vender years later means they did something right. The vender in question made an extremely simple dog (standard hot dog) that they put into a unique bun. The hot dog bun used at this vender was not your typical fold open type bun. Instead, this bun was a solid bun with a hole at one end for the dog to slide into. While the taste of the hot dog was typical (though I must say I love mustard and the way the did mustard was to dunk the whole hot dog in a container of mustard before slidding it into the bun) the fact that the bun was unique keeps this little street vender in my mind!
Wikipedia explains this as well: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_dog_variations#Europe
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Reply
July 23, 2009 04:53 PM
Mmmm... Praha Falafel
http://img.skitch.com/20090723-8tj8r63yxh97fd77gsuugruigu.jpg
I've woke up some nights in a cold sweat wondering if they would consider mailing me some.
Report
I've woke up some nights in a cold sweat wondering if they would consider mailing me some.
July 23, 2009 05:12 PM
I just ate lunch but just thinking about the food over there has me hungry again...
Report
July 23, 2009 05:15 PM
Screw it... let's go.
I'll meet you in LGA and we'll connect on a flight together :)
Report
I'll meet you in LGA and we'll connect on a flight together :)
July 23, 2009 03:57 PM
Sauerkraut; turkey; tofu or veggie; cheese dogs; corn dogs; mini dogs; Cincinnati style; stadium dogs; Italian sausage with peppers and onions; Louisiana hot; taco dogs with hot sauce, salsa & cheese; steamwhistle with bacon & pickle relish; BLT dogs; cheesy pizza sauce dogs; pigs in kimonos with wonton wraps & teriyaki sauce; wow, now I'm hungry for a hot dog!
Source(s):
about.com and Oscar Meyer
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July 23, 2009 07:47 PM
I like the idea of a Western Hot Dog with BBQ Sauce and Bacon, I had something like that at Pink's Hot Dogs in LA. I've never tried this but what about an Italian Style Hot Dog that has marinara sauce, olives, and cheese.
For some reason Onion rings taste really yummy on hot dogs maybe you can just put beer battered onion rings with ketchup or BBQ sauce, its a nice mix.
There are so many ideas I think you can adapt from Pink's they have been successful for so many years. My favorite from Pink's is the Lord of the Rings Hot Dog.
Here are some of their unique ideas:
Source(s):
http://www.pinkshollywood.com/pgz/menu.htm
Tags: food, hotdogs
Helpful Answer?
(1)
(0)
Helpful: eatthatpopcorn
Tip innovativethinker for this answer
Reply
July 26, 2009 05:35 AM
Check with the city to see if hot dog stands are allowed. Some communities have health ordinances that put the kibosh on them.
Source(s):
http://www.ninjagreens.com
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If your area has a local "run for the cure" cancer event, set-up the cart with free hotdogs.
If the local womens shelter has a play-day at the park, bring in small hotdogs for the kids.
Charity is an amazing thing for small business. Carefully planning your association with a few local events will make someone travel clear across town when they feel like a hotdog.