A hot dog cart is one of the lowest-cost, lowest-hassle ways into street food: small, simple, quick to set up and cheap to run. Here are the ten questions I get asked most about starting one, answered plainly to give you a clear idea of how to begin.
Why a hot dog cart?
Small, simple and cheap to run, with a growing market behind it:
Sources: Euromonitor street-food foodservice data; market estimates, rounded.
What food training or certificate do you need?
A Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate, since you are handling food for the public. It is a one-day course (in person or online), straightforward and mostly common sense, valid about 3 years with a refresher recommended after. More on our food hygiene page.
How much is a hot dog cart and what kit does it need?
Typically £1,000 to £4,000. A cart usually comes with a bain marie to hold food hot, a handwash facility, storage, a cool box and an LPG gas bottle. Exact kit varies by maker and your preferences. See bain maries at mobcater.com for the hot-holding kit.
Do I need public liability insurance?
It is not a legal requirement but strongly recommended, and most event organisers and councils will want to see it. Get a few quotes to compare. More on liability cover.
Do I need a street trading licence?
For town centres and shopping areas, contact the local authority (some issue a street trading licence, some do not) or the landowner if it is private land. For festivals and concerts, contact the event organiser in advance.
Who do I register with to start?
Your local council. You must register your food business with them. They will check you meet food safety requirements, want to see your food hygiene certificate, and check how and where you store food.
Do I need to register as self-employed even if I only sell occasionally?
If you are earning an income from it, yes. See the best business structure for you: sole trader, partnership or limited company.
Is it hard to get permission for festivals and concerts?
Pitches can be competitive, so secure a spot as early as you can. For city centres, clubs, car boots and stations contact the council or landowner; for private land (a pub car park, a football club) get written permission from the owner.
Do I need an extra licence to sell soft drinks?
No, fizzy drinks are fine alongside your hot dogs. You only need an extra licence for alcohol.
What size cart and storage do I need?
Two broad types: a push-cart size and a small-trailer size. The push-cart is nimble, easy to store in a garage or secure space, and will not need towing, so it is the easier first option.
Any final advice?
Keep the cart and yourself spotlessly clean; customers read a clean cart and seller as clean, safe food. First impressions bring repeat custom, so keep smiling and give friendly service.
See more hot dog cart questions and answers from other caterers, or ask your own.
Budget it properly before you spend a penny
Most people guess what starting costs, and find out the hard way. The app’s Startup Cost Calculator itemises the lot for your setup, vehicle, kit, gas checks, insurance, licences and working capital, and saves your figures so the plan sharpens as real prices come in.
Try the Startup Cost CalculatorCalculators come with the Toolkit (£5.99/mo) · the 12-step guide is free forever, no card needed
