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General Questions
Where is Hot Dog U located? I am not based in Chicago. Will the information I learn at Hot Dog U help me in other locations?Why should I attend Hot Dog U? Who is Mark Reitman? What's the most important piece of advice you would give to me if I were opening a hot dog stand business?What prior business or foodservice experience do you need to take the course?How much does it cost?How Can I Take This Course For Free?How much will it cost me to go into business after I pay for the course?Will you still help me after I graduate if I have questions?How much does the average cart owner make per year?If I attend Hot Dog University, am I required to use Vienna Beef products?What is your favorite brand of hot dogs?
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Q: Where is Hot Dog U located?
A: Hot Dog University is located at the Vienna Beef Factory and headquarters at 2501 N. Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647. Just look for the big Vienna sign! Specific directions are available in the "Our Program" section page of this website.
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Q: I am not based in Chicago. Will the information I learn at Hot Dog U help me in other locations?
A: We have had students from all over the country come to study at Hot Dog University. The materials and course work are specifically designed to be relevant to the business wherever you are going to be working.
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Q: Why should I attend Hot Dog U?
A: We started Hot Dog University because we believe that the hot dog cart and stand business can be one of the most rewarding, fun, and successful endeavors for entrepreneurs. By attending Hot Dog U, you are preparing yourself to launch your business with all of the necessary tools to make your dreams come true. From choosing the right cart or stand location, to basic information on pricing and marketing, we help take the mystery out of the process. We have condensed decades of experience in the business into a comprehensive two-day course and set of materials that will set you up for success.
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Q: Who is Mark Reitman?
A:
Mark Reitman was born and raised on the west side of Chicago. He began his multi-faceted career working behind the soda fountain at his father's drug store on the west side of Chicago in the mid-Fifties. During high school, he flipped burgers and made malts at Henry's Drive-In. While attending Southern Illinois University, he managed the commissary of the largest dorm on the campus. After graduation, Mark became a teacher, counselor, and school administrator. Prior to his retirement as an educator, Mark opened a hot dog cart business. He worked the 100th Anniversary of Harley Davidson and the U.S. Cellular Days Tall Ships events. He later contracted with Prime Outlets in Pleasant Prairie, WI to serve hot dogs outside their stores. In 2006, he opened Hot Dog University, a two day business school offering would-be vendors the opportunity and experience to successfully launch a career in the mobile and retail food service business.
With literally a lifetime of food service and Hot Dog Cart and Stand experience, not to mention a warm and engaging teaching style, we couldn’t find anyone better to serve as the Professor of Hot Dogs! This business is Mark’s lifelong passion, and he brings that energy and enthusiasm into the classroom.
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Q: What's the most important piece of advice you would give to me if I were opening a hot dog stand business?
A: Enrolling in Hot Dog U is a good start to ensuring your future success. If you learn the "in's" and "out's" of the business, ask questions, and make connections, you will be well on your way to a successful career in the hot dog business.
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Q: What prior business or foodservice experience do you need to take the course?
A: None. One of the best things about operating a hot dog cart or stand is that the unique nature of the business requires no prior food service experience to get started. By attending HDU, you will learn all of the ins and outs of this specialized food service industry, and get all of the information you need to move forward in starting your new business with confidence.
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Q: How much does it cost?
A: The Hot Dog Cart course is $699
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Q: How Can I Take This Course For Free?
A: Complete your studies at Hot Dog University for the Cart Course ($699) and take advantage of both of these amazing offers, totaling $700 in rebates and gift certificates!
Receive up to $350 in rebates when you purchase Vienna Beef Sausage products:
All HDU graduates are eligible for a $5 rebate per case of qualifying Vienna Beef Sausage products, up to $350 in total rebates. Just save your receipts and send them in along with a simple form within a year of completing your Hot Dog University Course, and within 4-6 weeks you will receive your check.
Get a gift certificate for $350 in Vienna Marketing Materials:
Want to brand with Vienna Beef and increase your marketing arsenal? Complete your Hot Dog University Course and get a gift certificate for $350 in Vienna Marketing items. Get noticed with Vienna umbrellas, signs and posters. Fit yourself and your employees with Vienna aprons. Get Vienna t-shirts, hats and visors to wear or use for giveaways for your customers. Just place an order within a year of completing your course and receive your marketing items within 4-6 weeks.
Combine these two offers and your Hot Dog University Course pays for itself!
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Q: How much will it cost me to go into business after I pay for the course?
A: There is a range of start-up costs for beginning one of these businesses, and during the course you will be guided through all of the different costs associated with getting started. The hot dog cart and stand business requires minimal start-up costs with a high potential for quick profits, however there are many variables which is why attending HDU is so important!
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Q: Will you still help me after I graduate if I have questions?
A: HDU is committed to supporting your success well beyond your attending the course. We are available to answer questions and offer advice. We are always here to help you with branding and marketing materials, simple and streamlined product ordering, and helping you share the stories of your success with us and your fellow alumni!
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Q: How much does the average cart owner make per year?
A: The amount of money individuals can expect to make will vary depending upon a multitude of factors, including the operating costs, location, demographics, and sales.
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Q: If I attend Hot Dog University, am I required to use Vienna Beef products?
A: It is very important to us that our students understand that this is not a franchise program, nor does your attendance of HDU obligate you in any way to Vienna Beef.
Do we believe that your time here will show you that Vienna Beef has the highest quality, best tasting products you can sell? Absolutely.
Do we know that as a company, Vienna Beef provides an unparalleled amount of support to businesses that choose to brand with Vienna Beef and sell their products? You bet!
But Hot Dog University exists to help you succeed no matter whose products you choose to sell.
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Q: What is your favorite brand of hot dogs?
A: Vienna Beef of course.
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