Before you decide to go out there with your stand and begin selling hot dogs, you need to ensure that you are in compliance with all local regulations.
The requirements for running a hot dog stand differ between states and from country to country. Because of this, it is impossible to give precise information and thus, the following should be regarded as a rough outline of what you can expect. Make sure that you get accurate information regarding your obligations straight from local sources rather than listening to other folks in the industry who may not be updated with the latest information. Furthermore allow for a period of at least a number of months before all the paperwork and inspection relating to your licenses could be completed.
In the following report, we’ve outlined a few of the requirements which you could expect to face in your state if you would like to get a hot dog cart license.
Business Basics
At the basic level, you will be starting a business and this requires certain paperwork in itself. Your state might require you to have a general business license and a sales tax license.
Location and Permission
You can’t simply set up a hot dog cart anywhere. If you want to set up in a public place, you will need to apply for a vendor’s license. These are frequently in limited supply so find out in advance if you need to get on a waiting list or bid for a license.
Vendor’s licenses or food server’s permits are generally issued locally through either the police department or other authorities responsible for the space in question. Your license might require you to comply with particular city ordinances which may or may not limit your activities.
If you plan to run your hot dog cart on private property then you will have to have permission from the owner and you still might have to comply with city zoning laws and other ordinances.
Health Authorities
Perhaps most of all, you will have to have appropriate certification from your local health department before you can prepare and sell food to the public.
Local health boards will usually have strict requirements relating to your equipment and they’ll perform regular inspections. They’ll have requirements on your carts hot and cold running water, refrigeration and sinks.
You could face restrictions on the kinds of foods that you’re able to sell from your cart. Meats which are cooked from a raw state are generally frowned upon so sticking with pre-cooked hot dogs is easiest. Certain condiments and toppings which need refrigeration like cheese and mayonnaise may be also off limits.
As a hot dog stand operator you will also face strict rules dictating food hygiene and how your cart is to be cleaned on a daily basis. In certain states, you’ll be needed to take a short course on food hygiene and safety.Your business might be needed to have a commissary. This is a place where you can go to store your equipment, prepare food and store inventory. It is basically a commercial kitchen which has passed health inspection and that you have written permission to use. Numerous hot dog vendors have found that they’re able to use the kitchens in local churches, restaurants or schools as commissaries.
The process of getting licensed to run a legal hot dog cart business can seem a bit daunting at first. However, if you contact local authorities and speak with them openly regarding your plans they ought to be more than happy to give you advice and guidance.