Every city, county and state may have slightly different regulations for their food cart vendors. Usually, it is the county that dictates how the cart must be built. Sometimes the state and city will also require some additions or modifications. It is always important to find out these regulations before purchasing your hotdog cart. If […]

How To Clean a Stainless-Steel Hot Dog Cart
Stainless steel is known for its ability to resist corrosion and rust, which is why it’s a popular choice for commercial appliances and hotdog carts. However, dirt, dust, and grime can put stainless steel at risk for stains and discoloration. Luckily, you can clean stainless steel to make it shine again if you follow certain […]

Best Combo Items to Sell at a Hot Dog Cart
It’s always a good idea to have some additional items for sale at your hot dog cart. This is great for your customers who might like the idea of a combo, and it allows you to make some extra cash! Here we explore the add on items we think work best at a hot dog […]

The World’s Most Famous Hot Dog Eating Competition
The Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is an annual American hot dog competitive eating competition and easily the most prominent eating competition in the world. Nathan’s held its first hot dog eating contest on July 4, 1916. It is held each year on Independence Day at Nathan’s Famous Corporation’s original, and best-known restaurant at the […]

Dress Code for your Hot Dog Cart Staff
It is important that a person’s appearance conveys the professionalism expected in the food service industry. Having your staff dress professionally and consistently will help set you apart from your competition and make your customers comfortable. Customers will remember the positive experience they had at your hot dog cart and become regulars in no time at […]

Keeping your Hot Dog Cart Condiments Safe
The completion of a food handling program before starting a hot dog cart service is strongly advised. We also urge that you check with your county or local city health authority to determine the specific local codes that apply to vendor carts in your location, as these might differ from one place to the next. […]

Hot Dog Cart Employee’s Guide for Employers
When hiring and terminating hot dog cart employees, great care must be taken. It might turn out that the kid’s uncle is a hotshot lawyer (or the mayor, the chief of police, the newspaper editor, the Health Dept. inspector, etc.). But seriously, many employee problems can be avoidable by following a few simple steps. Even […]

What is a Commissary, and Why Do you Need One?
Depending on your health department, you may require a hot dog cart commissary. Commissaries include restaurants and delis, which produce and preserve specific consumable food products for you on a short-term or permanent basis. You shouldn’t feel burdened by the health department’s restrictions when preparing and storing perishable items if you have a commissary close […]

Licensing and Permits
The cost of an annual health department license may range from $50 to $250, depending on the county. A waitlist is available for cities with limited availability, like New York. If you are putting on a special event such as a car show or sporting event, you will need a license. Find out what the requirements […]

Hot Dog Cart Health Code Guidelines
Foodborne disease outbreaks in the United States are most often caused by poor personal hygiene, especially improper hand washing. These outbreaks are preventable as well. This case is a perfect illustration of the old axiom, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. You could lose your business in one such incident. Follow […]