I still think none of you are paying enough attention to store fitting cost – Subway are over the top – but for all that just look at the fitting costs of franchises to get an idea. Quality doesnt come cheap.

And in reality – if you spend $60000 fitting costs – which is certainly not high end – it needs amortizing over max of five years, which is close to $1000 a month + finance costs before you get off first base. That debt will make  you find it harder to get other finance to expand – and could have been another fully functional catering trailer.

Dont know how US law is but in the UK If the business does not work, you will still have to pay the lease up, and the contingent liability of a premises lease is what bankrupts a lot of failed retailers. At least you own the asset if yo buy a trailer.

As I said – i have done both – and would never go back to high street retail.

We didn’t even bother to go that far since the basic concept is not doable considering the high rent factor. Unless you have a very low rent & labor cost, B & M Hot Dog Shops are not the most desirable way to go. I agree, carts and trailers are the best solution for a Low volume/income product like Hot Dogs. Before the rest of you B & M people jump in, let me say there are exceptions, but few & far between.