This Guy spewed more meaningful info than some so call expert or business guru charging people for information that is so easy giving

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!

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.

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.

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.

This man needs to live streaming his nights work....ppl will be glued to it

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

If you are ever in Traverse City check out Howard's Hot Dogs!

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.

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.

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!

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.

I thought it was very informative and what a great humble human Howard is

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.

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. :)

This is the type of stories that inspire simple concept but hard work will make it great video! and great story ! thanks

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.

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

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 !

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

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

Great questions and and helpful information! Thank you so much! 💥

Great to know he is in TC...as Michiganders and fellow Detroiters, we'll definitely look for him next time we're in town!

This is an amazing interview. Great job. God bless Howard and the host and their staff and everyone in the conversation chat.

Howard is a gem

This guy just screams confidence! Love hearing him.

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....😋😋😋

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.

Coney Island is 30-40 minutes away. We call it mustard chili & onions. It's also branded as a Texas wiener.

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.

6:23 i totally agree with that mindset of fixing things on your own.

Believe in yourself and your dreams! That's AWESOME! This is how you can do it. Just Try!

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

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!!

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

Great video. I just upgraded from a hotdog cart to a trailer.

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!

Last year we had some "festival" at our great big park, and a vendor was actually selling corndogs for $10 each and did not include a drink or fries ! Another vendor was selling fries for a little over $7 and it was a single order for one person ! They had rides set up there, and the ticket prices for each ride was unbelievable ! I know the operating costs for the rides and all the vendors, are increasing every year, but are we going to reach a point where a corndog will cost $15 or $20 each ? If so, I'm pretty sure vandors, rides, and festivals will become a thing of the past !

Step 1: Have the money to buy the food cart.

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.

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.

This is the most inspirational video I've ever seen.

Excellent video. Thanks. New subscriber. I plan on starting a food cart of my own in the future. Appreciate appreciate this valuable information.

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

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

He reminds me of Steve Martin.

Thanks for this video! I would buy this guy a drink . Transparent and insightful.

At least he is trying and not criticizing in the comment section.

Thanks for this channel, very informative, entertaining. Keep it up!

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

Good job sir you wouldn't take no for a answer I love your motivation keep up the good work 👏🏿

Looks bright & clean

you do what you know. hell ya, thanks bro. removing 1 item from my amazon save for later. had a feeling and you just helped big time

Those food trailers r all over Miami.Florida n no 1 is making a penny...it's The new business trend

13:33 "amount of customers" Howard, you shattered my heart. But I will let it go because you are such a great guy.

More power to you if you can stay in this business

Excellent series bro, I love this channel!

EXCELLENT VIDEO Thank you for sharing this... 4:55 ... are these your prices today? Seems a little low.

It's so clean! ❤

You’re doing great Howard!!! Good luck!!!

A great interview and super answering of questions. GREAT advice. Thank you, Howard!

S/O to Detroit I'm starting in Michigan aswell lets go great video

Thanks for the insight Howard

Real salt of the earth guy. Simple business strategy, contentment and stability

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. 👍

respect for giving Detroit some love

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

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!

Damn bro, 1,000,000+ views in 8 months. I am glad to see someone succeed

Great content! Dude has his stuff together!

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.

This is a great interview.

I look forward to making the hike and finding ya

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?

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.

Thank u for this I needed this

Nice trailer, enjoyed the video !

I like his idea keep it Simple

great idea.

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.

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!

I needed this video. Thank you good sir and may you be successful forever

Dude thats a sweet looking stand!!

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.

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.

My old man always says money is on the streets. You just have to be there to find it. Iam looking into starting with a cart and a scooter what u see a lot in asia. Try to get a couple of these and i do the supplies.

We must keep the American dream alive!

Great video!

Very inspirational

I'm glad I watched this video

Even now in 2023 this happens no chance's given js but the dream of yours is still alive and vary well

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

This has to be one of my favorite hotdog vending vodeos.

Special Transitory Food Unit? Really? STFU?!? That's peak Michigan right there!

You know what would be really cool for your hotdog truck that white wall in the back you should put a mural of a cartoon something related to a hotdog that’ll make it so fun to visit your stand instead of just white wall just a thought 🌭 🌭

I literally just looked up fully furbished trailers and its 12k$for a 8x14 so almost double this one with ac and fryer griddle whole shabang 😂 hes geting riped off

Outstanding..