1. Location Selection
A typical restaurant operator is generally required to commit to a long-term lease and he/she better hope they choose the right location. If they don't, they are stuck in a bad location and forced to pay a hefty penalty for getting out of the lease early. On the other hand, the operator of a mobile food business has the ability to change locations at almost any time should conditions warrant. Further more the owner of a mobile food business may find that he can operate in more than one location. For example, he may run a lunch time business in one location, then move to another location better suited for evening business and operate in still another location on the weekends.
2. Initial Capital Costs
The cost for a building lease, leasehold improvements, equipment, seating, etc., for a fixed location restaurant can easily surpass $150,000. And if you do pick a bad location, all that money spent on leasehold improvements is lost. You can't take that with you. With a mobile food business your investment and exposure is so much less. Most successful mobile food operators start with one cart, then grow as they learn the ropes, adding additional concession stands and/or vehicles, hiring employees, partners or subcontractors.
3. Time Commitment
A typical restaurant owner is tied to his business for excruciating long hours, sometimes 7 days a week, every week, month in, month out. According to an old adage, the two happiest days in a restaurant owners life is the day he bought it and the day he got rid of it. Notice they do not say "sold" it, as that is not always the case. On the other hand, the mobile food operator can pick and choose his hours. Most hot dog vendors work 4-6 hours a day depending on the event/location set up at. Some even start out as a part time venture, working only the weekends, building the business before making a full time commitment. And the truth is, the hot dog vendor will earn more GP than 90% of the "struggling to survive" restaurant owners out there. Plus he'll be able to enjoy his life and spend quality time with his wife and kids. On the other hand, according to published statistics, the majority of new restaurant owners will last less than one year, lose all their investment capital, probably file bankruptcy. Is it worth the risk? You decide.
Mobile Food Cart Facts
No special eduction or business experience required
Full training and ongoing assistance is available
You are your own boss
Choose your own hours
Choose your own locations
Grow as big as you want, when you want
This is a Recession-Proof business
Works just as well when the economy is weak
You've got real job security
Unlimited income potential
No layoffs here. People eat hot dogs every day!
Everybody loves a good hot dog
The hot dog cart business is not a new trendy fad. It's a given!
Talk about a low stress job!
Start your business fast
Make money your first day. All cash!
You don't have to quit your current job
Work weekends to start, then grow into full time
Extremely high profit potential
Low overhead. Minimal operating costs
The hot dog cart business can be profitable all year round in any climate
Hot Dog carts are perfect for indoor and outdoor use