888-368-2495
Q. Do I need any special licenses?
Yes, see section under Permits and Licenses

Q. Do I need approval from the local Health Department?
Yes, in almost every jurisdiction Health approval is required. Because this is such a crucial part of getting the business started and continuing, we will guide you through these steps. When carried out properly, it is pretty straightforward. See Health Section.

Q. Do I need any experience to do this?
No. That's one of the best things about the hot dog cart business. Anyone can get into it. You do not need a formal education or business background. We will provide you with all the tools and training required.

Q. Do I need to do any selling?
Yes! You have to smile and be friendly with your customers. You sell yourself.

Q. How do I get started?
Call one of our representatives at 888-368-2495 or complete our short contact form.

Q. Do you provide financing?

We have established programs with our lenders who will provided financing for our clients who are purchasing the Newberrys Dog'nTwist concession vehicles. Amounts and terms are  subject to the credit worthiness of the applicant. Prior business experience is not required. Call us for further details and/or a credit application. Additionally the relatively inexpensive acquisition of a Dog'nTwist business may be achieved through your local banking relationships.

Q. What does NSF mean?
National Sanitation Foundation, a non-governmental agency that sets standards for food service equipment manufacturers and provides third party conformity regulation of the established standards. Hot dog carts come under NSF/ANSI Standard 59 for Food Carts

Q. Do I purchase product directly from you?

No, you are not required to purchase directly from us. We have established accounts with local and national vendors for most products we sell. We will set up your accounts and assist you in initial ordering and receiving. Additionally, we receive as a group, "National Account Pricing" on many products.

Q. Can I sell other items at my business that are not specified in the format?

Yes; however, we believe in the KISS ("keep it simple stupid") business principle. Do not try to reinvent the wheel. We suggest you follow the proven business concept. Once you get you skills and your speed up, you can add other items depending on your area and/or the size of your unit.

Q. What are the hours of operation at my business?

This is entirely up to. Some vendors keep their regular jobs and work the weekend special events only. Others work their fixed locations Monday through Fridays. Some vendors work the breakfast crowd, serving up our stuffed pretzels and coffee from 7am-10am and then switch over to hot dogs for the lunch trade from 11am-2pm. Some vendors like to work the late night crowd setting up near popular bars or night clubs. 

Q. What size concession vehicle should I start with?

That depends on your location and on what you can afford. The best choice in our opinion is an enclosed cart which you can operate from year round regardless of weather conditions. Also, the larger cart provides for more room, 2-3 operators, more product to sell and thus greater income potential.

Q. Can I work this business alone or will I need help?

Again, the answer depends on the business. Too much business for one person to handle is a good problem to have. Then again, many locations require service seven days a week. Owner operators are the goal of this franchise but it may be necessary to involve a spouse, close friend or family member as an employee from time to time.

Q. What if I lose my location?

If you lose your location involuntarily, through no fault of your own, within one year, we will secure a secondary location at no charge.
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Q. Is this a franchise?

No. There are no franchise fees. No royalties. We provide the equipment and the training. We coordinate or set you up with necessary permits, insurance, uniforms, marketing materials, location, commissary, suppliers and everything else needed to get off to a successful start. There is a one year guarantee on the equipment. These units are solid steel body construction and 18 gauge stainless steel throughout. With proper care and maintenace you should get 20 years or more of trouble-free service. We also provide ongoing support and support for an indefinite period. 
 

Q. Aside from the initial cost of the cart and associated fees what other funds will I require?

As a rule of thumb, we advise prospective vendors to budget an additional $3,000 or so for inventory, supplies and capitalization purposes.

Q. How much can I make?
Contrary to popular belief that does not depend solely on your location. It depends almost entirely on YOU. The average hot dog vendor make $300 per day. Some make more. Some make less. Others fail completely. Even though this business can be run by anyone regardless of their educational or business background, whether a person succeeds or fails depends entirely on him/herself. The most successful people are those who are genuinely happy, who smile and treat people courteously. Selling hot dogs is like being a performer. You must know how to "work the audience and entertain the crowd". If you are a grouchy person and/or don't like being around people, you will probably fail miserably.

Q. As the owner should I have a tip jar?
All hot dog vendors have tip jars. Why offend your customers. If they like your service they expect to tip you. It's a hot dog tradition. By the same token, never brag about how much you are making to anyone. Don't hitch your trailer up to your new Lexus. Play the part. Look the part. Have fun, smile and make money.