1-on-1 hot dog business coaching

Start your hot dog business with me in your corner.

You can figure everything out yourself, or you can work directly with someone who's already doing it.

I'll help you make smarter decisions about your cart, permits, menu, pricing, branding, content, events, sales and getting your business launched.

No fluff. No generic business coaching. We're building YOUR hot dog business.

Choose your coaching package Not sure? Start with a private call

Private call $297
8-week launch $2,500
12-week build $5,000

Vern at Vern's Hot Dogs

10,000+ Pieces of content created
50M+ Organic views
$10M+ Equipment and franchises sold through organic content
Operator Running Vern's Hot Dogs

Choose how much help you want

Three ways to work with Vern

Every package is private, 1-on-1 and built around YOUR market, YOUR cart and YOUR goals.

Package 1

Private Launch Call

$297one 60-minute call

One focused 60-minute private strategy session with Vern. For when you need direction, want answers specific to your situation, or want Vern to review what you're planning.

If you upgrade to an 8-week coaching package within 7 days, your $297 will be credited toward your coaching package.

Book my private call

What's included

60-minute private video call
Cart and equipment guidance
Startup questions
Menu and pricing feedback
Permitting/health department discussion
Branding and positioning feedback
Content and social media feedback
Event and catering strategy

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Personalized next steps

Launch With Vern

$2,5008 weeks

8 weeks of private 1-on-1 startup coaching. The best choice if you're serious about launching your hot dog business and want Vern helping you through the whole process.

Start my 8-week launch

Limited availability because every client works directly with Vern.

What's included

8 weeks of private coaching
One 45-minute 1-on-1 call each week
Direct messaging access between calls with reasonable response boundaries
Cart and equipment planning
Health department and permitting guidance
Menu development
Food-cost and pricing strategy

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Branding review
Launch planning
Catering and event strategy
Sales and outreach strategy
Content and social media strategy
Help pursuing first paying events
Weekly accountability and next steps
Access to Vern's real-world experience, systems, lessons and mistakes

Package 3

Build It With Me

$5,00012 weeks

12 weeks of higher-access, hands-on coaching. For the person who doesn't just want advice. You want Vern involved throughout the build and launch.

From idea to operating hot dog business.

Build my business with Vern

Everything in Launch With Vern, plus:

12 weeks of private coaching
Higher level of direct access
Cart configuration review
Equipment review
Branding and visual identity review
Menu creation and optimization

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Pricing and margin review
Health department submission review
Launch strategy
Catering packages
Event pricing
Sales materials review
Outreach strategy
Content plan for marketing your business
First-event planning
Post-event review and optimization

Coaching is a service delivered over private video calls. Nothing ships. Coaching does not include a cart unless a package explicitly says so. No revenue or business results are guaranteed.

You don't need another course.

There is plenty of free information online about starting a hot dog cart.

The problem isn't finding information.

It's figuring out what applies to YOUR business.

What cart should you buy?
What does your health department require?
What should you sell?
What should you charge?
Should you sell on a street corner, work events, cater businesses, attend festivals, or do all of the above?
What equipment do you actually need?
How do you get customers?

That's what we'll work through together.

Why work with Vern

Advice from someone doing the work.

I actually run one
I operate Vern's Hot Dogs. The advice you get comes from working real shifts and real events, not from reading about them.
I know the equipment
I sell carts through Hot Dog Cart HQ and buy and test equipment before I recommend it. You'll know what you actually need and what's a waste.
I've built businesses
Before hot dogs, I co-founded Bin Blasters, a bin cleaning franchise that grew to 40+ locations. Systems, branding and sales are what I do.
I know how to get attention
I've created 10,000+ pieces of content with 50M+ organic views, and sold over $10M in equipment and franchises through that content. I'll show you how to turn your phone into your best marketing tool.

This is for you if...

You're seriously considering starting a hot dog business.
You've already started but feel stuck.
You're preparing to purchase a cart.
You don't want to waste thousands of dollars learning everything the hard way.
You want to build something professional, branded and profitable.
You're willing to actually execute.

This is probably not for you if...

You're just casually researching hot dog carts.
You're looking for a get-rich-quick business.
You aren't prepared to put in the work.
You only want basic questions answered that can be found online.

What we'll work on

Everything it takes to launch.

Cart & equipment
The right cart for your plan, what to add, what to skip.
Permits & health dept
What your jurisdiction is likely to ask for and how to prepare.
Menu & food cost
A tight menu that's fast to serve and profitable.
Pricing
Street, event and catering pricing that protects your margin.
Branding
A cart and brand that look professional from day one.
Events & catering
Where to set up, which events to work, how to package catering.
Content & outreach
What to film, how to post, and how to turn views and outreach into paying events.
Launch plan
A clear week-by-week path from idea to open for business.

Choose your coaching package

Real carts. Real events.

This is what the work looks like

Photos from Vern's Hot Dogs events and Hot Dog Cart HQ builds.

Vern's Hot Dogs working a real event — Vern's Hot Dogs, working a real event

Street Boss hot dog cart with custom branding — Custom branded cart build

MAXIMUS hot dog cart with custom branding — Full-size branded build

About Vern

I'm not teaching this from a whiteboard.

I'm Vern.

I've spent years building businesses, creating brands, marketing them and figuring things out the hard way.

Along the way I've created more than 10,000 pieces of content, earned over 50 million organic views and sold more than $10M in equipment and franchises through that content alone.

Then I got into hot dogs.

I launched Vern's Hot Dogs, started operating a real cart, began catering events and eventually started helping other people get into the business through Hot Dog Cart HQ.

I've cooked the dogs.
I've worked the events.
I've dealt with equipment.
I've worked through health department requirements.
I've tested menus and pricing.
I've filmed and posted thousands of videos.
I've made mistakes.
And I've learned a lot very quickly.

If you're serious about starting your own hot dog business, I'll help you shorten that learning curve.

Vern

Work with me

Starting from scratch?

Need the cart too?

The Complete Startup Bundle is everything you need to open, with a private launch call with Vern included.

Sidewalk Starter cart
Custom pop-up tent
Custom umbrella
Custom table cover
Private Launch Call with Vern ($297 value)
Hot Dog Business Planner ($20 value)

See the Complete Startup Bundle

The bundle includes the Private Launch Call. The 8-week and 12-week coaching programs are sold separately.

Complete Startup Bundle: Sidewalk Starter cart with custom tent, umbrella and table cover

Questions

Frequently asked questions

How do I schedule after I buy?

I'll reach out to you directly within 1 business day of your order to set up your first call. Use an email you check at checkout so you don't miss it.

Do I need to already own a hot dog cart?

No. Many clients start before they buy anything. Working together before you buy usually saves money because you'll know exactly what cart and equipment fit your plan.

Can you help me choose a cart?

Yes. We'll look at how and where you plan to sell, your budget, your local requirements and your menu, then figure out the right setup. You're free to buy from Hot Dog Cart HQ or anywhere else; coaching doesn't require a cart purchase.

Can you help with health department requirements?

Yes. I'll share what I've learned working through health department requirements, help you understand what to ask your local office, and help you prepare. Requirements vary by state, county and city, so your local health department and permitting offices are the final authority. I provide practical guidance based on experience; I'm not a regulator and can't approve anything.

Will you fill out my permits for me?

No. You'll complete and submit your own applications because they have to come from you as the business owner. I'll help you understand what's being asked, review what you've prepared (in Build It With Me, that includes a health department submission review), and help you avoid common mistakes.

Can you help me develop my menu?

Yes. We'll build a menu that fits your setup, serves fast, and makes money. Menu development is part of Launch With Vern; Build It With Me adds full menu creation and optimization.

Can you help me price my food?

Yes. We'll work through food cost, margins, and pricing for street sales, events and catering so you're not guessing.

Can you help me find events and catering opportunities?

Yes. We'll work on where to find events, how to approach organizers and businesses, how to package catering, and how to pursue your first paying events. I can't promise bookings, but I'll show you how I go after them.

Can you help me with social media and content?

Yes. I've created more than 10,000 pieces of content with over 50 million organic views, and sold more than $10M in equipment and franchises through that content. We'll work on what to film, how often to post, and how to turn views into bookings and sales. I can't guarantee views or sales, but I'll show you exactly how I do it.

What happens between coaching calls?

In the 8-week and 12-week packages you'll have direct messaging access between calls for questions and quick reviews, with reasonable response times (not 24/7). Each week ends with clear next steps so you always know what to work on. Build It With Me includes a higher level of direct access.

What if I already have an operating hot dog business?

That works. We'll focus on what's holding you back: pricing, menu, branding, events, catering, or getting more consistent sales.

Can I upgrade from the $297 call?

Yes. If you upgrade to an 8-week coaching package within 7 days of your Private Launch Call, your $297 is credited toward your coaching package. Reach out after your call and I'll set up your upgrade.

Do you guarantee that my business will make money?

No. No revenue, income or business results are guaranteed. I provide coaching, experience, strategy and guidance. Your results depend on you, your market, your execution, local regulations, and many other factors outside my control.