Opinions Please...A Vegetarian Hot Dog Fast Food Place...Would it fly?

[masmdu]

Thinking of trying to open a vegetarian hot dog place near a local university with about 15,000 students.

What do you think of the idea? I figure I'd need about 200 customers a day to make the #s work.

Would you eat there?

Just Veggie dogs (w choice of onions, veggie chilie, slaw)...chips ...drinks.

Price: Dogs $1.25~1.75 / chips $.50 / Drinks $.75

Thanks

ALSO: what is the best tasting veggie dog? I am partial to Morningstar Veggie Dogs.

[BJW]

1. Yes!

There's a chain in Seattle that serves veggie dogs--doing quite well.

[rfranklin]

No, people may claim they want to eat healthy, but they.....

really want all the fat, salt and sugar they can cram in their gullets. And that is why McDonalds is still going strong.

[villager]

2. I'd sure as hell eat there

We need more veggie fast food...

[NMDemDist2]

3. think if you added veggie burgers you'd have better luck or any other

veggie staple. maybe some nice salads ??

that's a pretty small niche with just vegdogs

[masmdu]

15. I like the idea of a wider menu too...but the space available is tiny and

codes / landlord prohibit a grill ... so no burgers.

[Xithras]

51. How tiny is tiny?

You said you'd need 200 sales a day to stay in business. Since your menu is fairly lunch oriented, most of your sales are going to come in between 10AM and 4PM. That means you need to seat 34 people an hour to break even. Most people, when they sit down with friends, will occupy a table for 15-30 minutes for eating and chatting.

Allowing for the solo eaters, you need at least 10 tables to cycle that kind of volume. Any less than that and you'll have people walking out because they can't find a place to sit and eat. And remember, this is just for your 200 sale minimum.

Solution? Charge more or offer more expensive merchandise to reduce the number of people needed to make this work. How about latte's?

[mattclearing]

62. I think it's going to be a take-out...limited or no dining area. n/t

[masmdu]

66. Mostly Take-out with a counter that could seat 4. No tables...but right

next to the place is a University commons area with benches, picnic tables and low brick walls that often have folks sitting on them drinking & eating.

[grace0418]

112. I just saw a show where someone opened a hot dog

place where they couldn't have a grill. They used a panini maker to cook the dogs. I don't see why you couldn't also cook the burgers in something like that. It wouldn't take up much space and would just be an electric appliance, not a big ole grill with a grease trap and whatnot.

I really think you're going to need to offer more than just veggie hot-dogs. Especially if you want to attract 200 people per day.

[Rick Myers]

4. You'd have to find GOOD veggie hotdogs

I've tried alot of them and never found one I liked. But it's a good idea.

[YOY]

5. Location? (other than by a University) Major Urban Center?

It depends on location and marketing... Most so for location.

[friesianrider]

6. Well...

It depends on how big of a place you're thinking. 15,000 students isn't terribly big, so if it is just a small relatively no-frills place it may do well. I know I'd eat somewhere that offered veggie dogs. And, you may consider other veggie things like veggie burgers, veggie chicken sandwiches, etc.

I wish you all the best if you decide to do it - I wish there were more vegetarian places around!

[Angry Girl]

29. Yes, more veggie offerings! Maybe falafel on a stick with dipping sauce?

Falafel sandwiches with all the trimmings? Falafel doesn't go bad quickly either. Great with tomato, lettuce, cukes, yogurt, dill, cumin...

Vegetarian chili in a cup would be nice too.

And miso soup with tofu.

"California rolls"

URGENT! Timing is critical to save earthquake victims before winter!

[KamaAina]

49. And you could call the falafel sandwich the "Bill O'Reilly"

just like the Carnegie Deli in NYC names sandwiches after celebrities! :evilgrin:

[Angry Girl]

69. UGH! Worst marketing campaign EVER for falafel

Eeeeew! You're horrible! NOBODY's going to want to eat an "O'Reilly"!
:puke:

[friesianrider]

88. Definitely...anything people could eat quickly or take with them.

The Morningstar Farms Grillers are REALLY good (but only if you do them on the grill and get them a little burnt - but I like mine sort of crunchy anyway) :)

[Book Lover]

7. Expand the menu a smidge and yes

Don't make it veggie-only. Students want to eat with their freinds, not all of whom are vegetarians.

[Beaverhausen]

8. oops...sorry I didn't see your post about the grill

But veggie burgers can be heated in other ways...

[Mutley]

78. George Foreman grill.

:D

[Warren DeMontague]

I would go with the person who said "add more choices"

Veggie burgers, FRESH organic salads-- I think there are lots of people who want to eat healthy but it's not terribly convenient. But I'm not sure if veggie dogs, alone, will carry the place.

[annabanana]

9. What holds a veggie-dog together?

(just curious)

[dogman]

10. Questions.

Is a veggie dog called that because, like its' namesake, it is made from the leftovers from some one making something like a salad? What do they taste like?

[Nabia2004]

56. Never had one, what does a vegi-dog taste like?

I eat vegi-burgers all the time, yum.

[Critters2]

71. Morningstar Corn dogs are my fave!

They're every bit as good as the ones made from dead animals. I love 'em. Have corn dogs on your menu, and I'll be a regular...depending on where you're located, of course!

:thumbsup:

[friesianrider]

95. Mmmm....mine too!

Corn dogs are one of the things I really missed when I became veg, but I have to say that the Morningstar Corn Dogs are KILLER! Even my non-veggie friends love them!

[movonne]

11. Depends on how tasty it is...

[MsTryska]

12. don't you need to do your market research first?

ie - what % of your population is vegetarian?

[masmdu]

19. I've read that 9% of the general population is Vegetarian and 15% of the

college population is.

[MsTryska]

27. 15% of YOUR college population?

not all colleges are the same.


you ahve to do your market research - and as someone uptop said - also location research.


soemthing like 90% of all restaurants fail within the first year. it pays to do as much research as you can before jumping in.

[Telly Savalas]

100. What she said.

Once you've done desk research to establish the feasibility of such a venture (i.e. there are enough vegetarians in the area to support it, etc.), you might try to probe the tastes and preferences of your market. One thing to try would be to set up a yahoo email account and put some fliers up around the university which say something like:

ARE YOU A VEGETARIAN?

We're planning on opening a vegetarian fast food restaurant and are interested to know what you would like to see in such an establishment. Email your suggestions and ideas to *******@yahoo.com

It's not the most precise method of qualitative market research in the world, but it's an extremely inexpensive way of getting some feedback. A bookstore that recently opened in our neighbourhood did this.

This of course assumes that you're going to diversify your menu, which is something that would dramatically increase your chances for success. On that note, one idea worth exploring might be to offer a "vegetarian brown bag": a cheap sack lunch consisting of a little fruit dish, a small salad, a veggie sandwich, and a cookie for desert. It'd be something students could pick up on their way to campus in the morning to eat later, thereby avoiding a busy and crowded vegetarian-unfriendly student union cafeteria. But again, you'd wanna do some market research to see if students at your school would actually want this.

[MsTryska]

13. deleted. weird double-post. nt

nt

[afdip]

14. just blindfold the customers and give them a salad . . . .

[Beaverhausen]

16. Lots of sports stadiums are carrying them now

http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=45581

[lakemonster11]

105. Yeah, but in my experience the management thinks they don't

have to actually cook them like they do the meat hot dogs.

At Safeco Field, they have all of the meat hot dogs out on the grill where they get nice and brown---I ask for a veggie dog (at the ONE stand in the stadium that has them) and they pull a lukewarm one out of a steam drawer and slap it in a bun, still quivering.

Now, the vendors outside the stadium all carry veggie dogs, and they grill them up properly and will even smother them in grilled onions for you.

:rant:

[immoderate]

17. If you want to make money, offer a choice.

Frankly, (no pun intended) I don't know how veggie hot dogs taste. If they taste like regular hot dogs, what flavors them?

Whatever you do though, I wish you success!

--IMM

[pitohui]

18. no i wouldn't eat there

what's in a veggie hot dog, carrot peels? do most vegetarians really eat fake food?

[Beaverhausen]

79. They are usually made with soy. They can be very tasty

it isn't fake food...it's healthy food!

[pitohui]

98. oh soy...the killer of the amazon and the pantanal

seems like there would be a moral issue on top of everything else

and soy is indeed fake food, a cheap cattle food promoted and sold at inflated cost to naive humans, nasty tasting too

[sui generis]

20. coupla things

You probably would need to offer a meat one anyway, the same way there is a single "vegan" menu item on many meat menus. This is practical economic sense at a university.

Or #2, go upscale. Make many varieties yourself and serve them all chi-chi. I think someone is doing this with corn dogs and there are NO meat items on menu (no hot dog center), but they're a bit more pricey and sit-down; the corn dog advantage is that you can embed seasoning and veggie chunks in the batter.

[Systematic Chaos]

21. I have been a fan of veggie dogs since my first taste.

They're better than most regular hot dogs all by themselves, but once I have them dressed up the way I like them on a whole grain bun, I'm in heaven. If you opened that up by UNLV I'd have to find a way to visit you at least once a week. :)

[spindrifter]

22. If pigs have wings!

Your prices are darn cheap. Need to consider adding sauerkraut to that line-up of condiments.
I would patronize a simple veggie-dog diner.

[Coastie for Truth]

23. Only on the West Coast

Santa Cruz? San Francisco? Berkeley? Maybe San Luis Opisbo?

[I Have A Dream]

24. Yes -- I'd eat there if they tasted good.

I've been trying to find a good vegetarian hot dog myself, so I can't recommend anything.

[baby_bear]

25. Check out Cyber-Dogs web site

http://www.cyber-dogs.com/

It's a place in Seattle and they welcome franchises. They feature vegan hot dogs but it's a full-ambience place.

I would go vegan, not just vegetarian.

I think it would be a big seller near a college.

b_b

[satireV]

33. Did you see the PRICES at Cyber Dog????????? Sheeeeeesh!

3.50 is the cheapest.. and that's with NOTHING on it.

6.50 for a Breakfast Dog.


But they ARE located on Pike.

[flamingyouth]

97. Yeah, they're actually in the convention center.

I'm sure their rent isn't cheap. But I've eaten there and it's pretty good. :hi:

[masmdu]

26. Great feedback so far...Truly appreciated...keep it coming!

;)

[Angry Girl]

72. Just so long as we're all invited to the Grand Opening!

This advice does not come free, my friend!
:party:

[karlrschneider]

28. Sounds like an oxymoron to me.

If I'm gonna eat a hot dog I want it made out of meat, not some mishmosh of ground up goo...

[masmdu]

36. Mishmosh goo is only a small % of the actual ingredients...what do you

think is in a "meat" hot dog anyway?

[Wickerman]

41. LOL, we are taking about hotdogs here, ya know!

If I'm gonna eat a hot dog I want it made out of meat, not some mishmosh of ground up goo...

And what hell kind of hotdog is made of anything less? I'd say a veggie dog is far more predictable choice. THe Jungle by Upston Sinclair comes to mind.

[William Bloode]

42. I don't see the point either.

Why make it look like a dog? It sure as shit ain't gonna taste like a real dog, so why the masquerade? Is it to fool yourself or others?

Now that i have said the above i will say it could work. Specialty places like that often do o.k.

Never tried veggie dogs, so i am not sure of their appeal taste wise. I have had some rather tasty veggie burgers though. I wouldn't figure it would be hard to make a decent tasting veg dog. I mean you can get a relatively decent dog made from mostly tasteless turkey. So i don't see why it can't be done with vegetable protein.

[girl gone mad]

73. mishmosh of ground up goo.

hello... that's exactly what a hot dog is. The leftover bits of animal. Hundreds of different parts from thousands of different animals that weren't good enough to be sold any other way, ground up into goo. Toenails are allowed.

[friesianrider]

89. Because there's no such thing as vegetarians or anything...

(whispers to herself...*hello?*)

[Glimmer of Hope]

30. This is a great idea!

I am a vegetarian and love it when I find something to eat that is accessible and quick. (this is not easy) If the dogs are tasty and and a good price, I think you will find a lot of customers.

I would post on VeggieBoards.com and ask what the best tasting dog is. They would know.

[marbuc]

38. Why wait let's determine this now

What is the best tasting veggie hotdog, and why?

[Systematic Chaos]

47. My favorites (in no particular order):

Smart Dogs
Yves' Veggie Cuisine Jumbo and Spicy varieties
Tofurky sausages (okay, not hot dogs per se, but still fabulous!)

[lakemonster11]

106. I really like Boca sausages, particularly the "smoked" variety

I once had some grilled at a party and I had to triple-check to make sure I had gotten the veggie sausages and not the brats everyone else was eating.

Tofurkey has beer brats made with Full Sail Ale that I've been meaning to try.

[Joanne98]

31. Add onion rings and fried mushrooms......

Something for the unhealthy eaters.

[masmdu]

32. I'd like too but no Fryers allowed in the location I'm considering...TINY!

:)

[SillyGoose]

70. You may be interested in this oven....

http://www.airmasteroven.com/index.html

We had this oven at a food concession we owned and it solved a lot of problems for us. You can make fried foods, burgers, grilled items, etc. without a hood system and without an open grill.

If you want more info about it, feel free to PM me.

I like your veggie dog idea but, like other posters, would encourage you to expand your menu just a little. This oven would help you do this.

[masmdu]

84. great find!...thanks.

[Xithras]

34. Don't use the word "Veggie" or "Vegetarian" in your sign or ad.

The trick to making any business fly is marketing, and this is especially true when you expect most of your clientele to be walk-ins. The problem is that many people have preconceived notions about what vegetarian food is, and will avoid a "Vegetarian Hot Dog" stand simply because they'd perceive the food to be bland and uninteresting. You need to get them in the door first.

Try a label like "Healthy Dogs", and market your restaraunt as a healthful alternative to fast food. Instead of labelling your dogs as "Vegetarian" and taking on all of the possible negative connotations, use the term "Meat-Free".

You won't get rich from this kind of business, but you might be able to make it fly. If you're depending on university traffic to stay in business, don't forget to factor weekends, spring break, and inter-semester periods into your budget. During those periods the campus will be practically empty and you will have few sales.

As for your pricing, just match whatever your local Weinerschitzel charges. You essentially offer the same product, so your price should be comparable.

BTW, do veggie dogs actually taste like hot dogs? I've never tried one.

[Xithras]

40. A few more thoughts.

I have to agree with the others here who are suggesting that you offer a more varied menu. Not having a grill is a hindrance, but what about a cooktop? Soups, sandwiches, and baked goods could round your menu out nicely.

Also, look into setting up a DSL line and a WiFi hotspot. That could be a big draw around a university.

Remember this though: One of the most important factors with any restaraunt is ATMOSPHERE. Olive Garden sells terrible imitations of Italian food, but they're wildly successful because their atmosphere is great. You can offer the greatest vegetarian food in the world, but if people don't like coming into your restaraunt because it's sterile, bland, and white...or worse, dirty, poorly lit, and musty...you'll have a hard time staying open. You need to think about the entire experience when planning a business like this, not just what items you'll offer on the menu.

[masmdu]

52. Unfortunately the space I'm looking at is tiny and would have a counter &

take-out window only...Not a sitdown place...so, though I like the DSL suggestion and Atmosphere comments they don't quite apply.

[Xithras]

77. Atmosphere is still important.

Can you put out a few outdoor bistro sets for seating? What's the surrounding area like? Just because you have nothing indoors doesn't mean you can't create atmosphere outdoors with an interesting color scheme, some well placed seating, and some decorative details and planters.

But a lack of indoor seating does bring up another problem. Without seating, your sales are going to plummet whenever the weather gets bad. People aren't going to stand in the rain and eat hotdogs. And if it snows where you live, forget it.

Most people want to sit down to eat.

[masmdu]

46. Hmmm...I wonder if it might not be better to specifically play up the "Veg

"Vegetarian" aspect. Laser targeting the market I would sell to. Vegetarians may stay away or not even enter a place called "healthy Dogs" ( or whatever) if they didn't know that the place served veggie dogs.

Some of the choices of dogs taste better than others ... I prefer morningstar veggie dogs...good stuff but NO, not exactly like a "real" hot dog.

[Xithras]

59. Are you certain the market is big enough in your area?

National statistics on vegetarianism are useless for these kinds of things because the density of vegetarians varies widely. If I hop into my car and drive two hours, I can be in the SF Bay Area where vegetarians are as common as cars. Where I live, on the other hand, vegetarians are quite rare.

From a business perspective, you never want to target a specific demographic unless you're 100% sure that it exists in your area AND you've verified that the demographic is actually interested in your product. It would be like opening an African American hair salon in rural North Dakota. The national statistics may say that 13% of the population is African American, but the population there is more like .1% Know your demographics, and specifically, know how they pertain to your area.

You're usually safer offering a wider variety of products to appeal to a more generalized customer base anyway. There are PLENTY of non-meat products that meat eaters will buy (muffins, coffee's), and there's no practical business reason to turn those sales away. If you market yourself as a vegetarian place, non-vegetarians may not feel welcome or may assume that it's not meant for people like them. Unless you're a moralist who doesn't want meat-eater money on principle, I don't see the point in excluding that audience.

[MuseRider]

35. I would go there!

I like veggie dogs much better than veggie burgers although I eat those too. Mmmmmm. Not likely to find anything like that here in beef country but if I could go to your place I certainly would.

[DURHAM D]

37. What about kosher hot dogs? I am not vegetarian but only

eat the kosher dogs.

[lovelaureng]

39. I think that it's a great idea.

I am also partial to the Morningstar brand, their corn dogs are the best!

[justiceischeap]

43. I'm vegan, so I eat Smart Dogs

When I first went vegan and someone introduced me to veggie dogs, it was Smart Dogs... I was weirded out at first because they reminded me a lot of hot dogs but without the poop and hair. Smart Dogs are also Kosher.

Nutrition Facts
Per Single Serving
Serving Size (1)

Calories 45
Fat 0g
Saturated Fat 0g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 320mg
Carbohydrate 2g
Fiber 1g
Sugar 1g
Protein 9g
Soy Protein 7g

Ingredients
Made from water, soy protein isolate, wheat gluten, evaporated cane juice, salt, yeast extract, soy sauce (water, soybeans, wheat, salt), granulated garlic, carrageenan, spice extracts, natural flavors (from vegetable sources), vegetable gum, natural liquid smoke flavor, potassium chloride, tomato pulp. No nitrites. No MSG.

http://www.lightlife.com/smartdogs.html

44. I guess it depends on the students, if they

would want veggie dogs. I don't even know how many people are actually vegetarians or eat vegetarian food. None of my brothers or sisters are vegetarians, but a couple of their children are.

I would buy one of those for sure.

[catmother]

45. when i lived in new york we had a little place on 7th ave around

40th st. very busy place. can't remember the name. very small. it was strictly take out. in the morning there were various fruit/bran muffins, oatmeal, etc.

lunch -- they had a vegetable soup to die for plus various sandwiches on pita bread, chili, tofu dishes.

i sure miss that place. can't find any good health food restaurants in phoenix.

[Kali]

116. Really?

Man there used to be a bunch - and Tempe too, but that is all yuppified now.

[Sparkly]

48. I don't eat meat because I don't like the taste of meat.

Personally, I don't like imitation meat things meant to taste like meat.

(However, vegetarian chili can be great!)

50. agree with above

who mentioned atmosphere. Cater to something that students would love, like lots of music, OH and lots of BEER.

[Geoff R. Casavant]

53. I've got two points to make here

I have skimmed some of the other posts to prevent unnecessary duplication, but there are too many to read, so if I dupe I apologize.

I think a better idea would be to offer both meat and meatless dogs (be sure to keep them separate!) with a range of toppings and styles, including meat and meatless chili. Narrowing your focus to specifically vegetarian and specifically hot dogs seems like an invitation to disaster, and since your location doesn't seem to allow for burgers, etc. and you're stuck with hot dogs, it makes sense to ease up on the vegetarian side of the equation.

Second, I've never quite understood the psychology behind saying "I don't eat meat" then buying something vegetarian that looks and tastes just like meat. I say if you're gonna go veggie, don't go halfway and make your tofu look like beef, just enjoy the tofu as it is.

58. if you were raised eating hot dogs and hamburgers

and steak and pork chops, and meat balls, etc, it is really hard to not have something similar in your diet. I do remember some kids whose parents were vegetarians and healthy eaters when I was young, and boy did they go crazy for junk food.

[justiceischeap]

60. For a lot of us

It isn't the taste, it's the ethics... For me it's the ethics and the taste. The only reason I eat mock meats is because it's easy. Do any of them really taste like the real thing? Not quite but they're good in their own way. When I eat chickette, it doesn't really taste like chicken but it's tasty nonetheless.

And why ease up on the veggie side? I say ease up on the meat side. I think if people are hungry, if it's cheap and quick, he could very well be successful.

[madeline_con]

61. Ditto

as mentioned in msg # 57

[Beaverhausen]

81. Some vegetarians won't eat something cooked where meat was cooked

so having both might not work. The poster said the "stand" is tiny.

[Geoff R. Casavant]

103. I should have clarified

when I said "keep them separate" that I was referring to separate grills, so there wouldn't be any meat residue on the veggie dogs (or, for some of the folks I know, no hint of vegetable on the meaty goodness).

[friesianrider]

92. The logic is...

That many of us were brought up eating meat, and for a long time (and probably even now) I liked the taste of meat. It is hard to switch, but many people want to become vegetarian (as I did) our of my own ethical problems with the way animals are slaughtered, concern for the environment, and concern for my own health.

Most vegetarians didm't become vegetarians because they dislike meat. They generally do/did like meat but want to become vegetarian for reasons like I listed above. Veggie hot dogs, crumblers, fake hamburgers, etc lets us think we're still enjoying the things we like about meat without the suffering, environmental destruction, and clogged arteries :)

[SoCalDem]

54. Half & Half.. Veggie-lovers may have meat-eating friends

A signboard with equal amounts of both kinds of food would protect you in case one side's a flopperoonie..

There was a place that opened near us once that only served yogurt & non fat desserts.. Turns out after the initial "let's check it out", it failed because people like to eat in groups/pairs and if BOTH cannot enjoy what they;re eating, they look for a place that has something for all tastes..

You could "specialize" in veggie stuff, but it would have to be special..

work on your menu a bit more ..fwiw

[ultraist]

55. Why not offer veggie dogs, turkey dogs and regular dogs?

And see what sells the most? We used to buy turkey dogs that were pretty good, not sure of the brand.

I'd consider offering some more toppings too, to jazz it up. Jalapenos with cheese, dill pickle with sauerkraut, etc. You could give each dog a catchy name.

I'd also have some decent chips and soda, not the mainstream brands.

IMO, any small boutique type shop, needs to set itself off with some creative edge. Come up with a theme and make up names from that.

I went to a small cafe in Paris where the food was not particularly special, by every sandwich had the name of an artist and the place was hip and cute. It worked for them, the place was busy.

Good luck.

[Critters2]

74. Not turkey!!

Turkeys suffer worse than any other "food animal". They live miserable lives. I honestly think, veg though I am, that if you had turkey dogs to appeal to carnivores, I wouldn't even stop in for a veg dog. Really, don't serve turkey.

[ultraist]

80. Turkeys suffer more than chickens, pigs or cows?

Hmmm...not sure about that.

[madeline_con]

57. "... vegetarian hot dog ..."

See, there's the problem right there, IMO.

Why do some vegetarians feel a need to eat things shaped like meat? Can't you guys just admit you don't, and let your veggies be veggie shaped?

It's a bit like a PETA zealot opposed to "animal slavery" driving a car shaped like a horse. ;)

[Beaverhausen]

90. Just what animal is a hot dog shaped like?

[friesianrider]

93. LOL...well said my friend!

:thumbsup:

[Lilith Velkor]

108. This one!

[Kali]

117. a wiener dog, of course!

[friesianrider]

94. You assume most people are veg because they dislike the taste of meat.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=4306044&mesg_id=4306269

[JVS]

63. Offer both meat and vegetarian options

[uppityperson]

64. Our local stand has spicy veggie dogs that are good.

They are closed for the winter so I don't know what type. I'd eat there, good luck to you.

[nankerphelge]

65. We had a normal one...

that also served veggie dogs. It went under despite being in a college town. It wasn't the best location though.

[jokerman93]

67. How do the dogs taste?

Make sure you have a variety of delicious condiments and fresh chopped toppings! Sounds great. I'd buy.

:-)

[KaryninMiami]

68. As a veggie, I am always in favor of these things but

I've yet to find a veggie hot dog that I actually liked. Veggie Burgers-- yes - many are quite delicious. But hot dogs always seem to be either very bland or just not very good.

A vegetarian burger place would be great and there are a wide variety of different flavors available AND you can have French Fries which are not fried in meat soaked oil (not to mention vegan cheeses (for those who are very strict) and healthy buns, etc.

Just a thought..

[Critters2]

76. Interesting

I actually like veg hot dogs, but have trouble eating veg fake burgers. I love veg corn dogs!!!

[Beaverhausen]

82. Have you seen those Portobello Garlic burgers?

oh who makes them...I forget. But they work amazingly well as burgers.

[buddysmellgood]

75. Try a veggie hot dog stand first. If that works, you can think about

ramping up.

[four more wars]

83. It;s all about the dog

with 15k students you can't just rely on the Veggies, you need to find a great product and convince Carnivores to want to buy them too.

Do that and you'll be fine

[LeftyMom]

85. I'm not crazy about veggie dogs (because they taste like real hot dogs,

which are gross) but if you had a good veggie burger or some tasty chili (which would be a good idea as a topping anyhow) I'd be there. :D

[Cleita]

86. Risky unless it were in India.

I've watched various kinds of vegetarian eateries go down the tube in my town, which is a college town. I think you are better off offering vegetarian options in a regular menu.

[KittyWampus]

87. You MUST Sell Sweets. Large Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Or Something

vegetarians crave sweets.

Also, students need sweets for the energy.

One of my housemates in University used to make large oatmeal cookies and sell them in stacks of the library during midterms and finals.

Made good money.

[sakabatou]

91. I haven't had a veggie dog, but the price also depends on location

[Dastard Stepchild]

96. Neat! I've always wanted to open up a vegetarian deli...

With sandwiches, soups and salads. Yum! :)

[flvegan]

99. Not only would I eat there, but

I'd promote it.

Let's see...I have pals at PETA (yeah, everyone make the "big shock" face), HSUS/The Fund, Farm Sanctuary, ADL...blah blah blah.

I'd also take care to ensure that your local animal advocates knew ALL about it.

Best tasting? Well, it's about taste. Some folks like one, some another.

Btw, if you offered beer, and had a barstool in front of your place, I'd be your "Norm"

[StellaBlue]

101. Yes

and there is a similar place in Soho in London

LOVE IT would eat there for sure

[Left Is Write]

102. I would probably eat there, especially if there were more choices.

And I'm not even a vegetarian. I love Morningstar Farms, though.

[moddemny]

104. WHOAAAA.........

Starting a business? Think about what might happen if you are successful...... you might make a lot of money and the concept could spread.... before you know it you might open more locations and start expanding and decide to go public...... When you are raking in even more dough it doesn't matter how fair you are to your employees, whether or not you give to charity, etc. YOU WILL BE HATED by a lot of the people here (not everyone, there are some people here who don't have a probelm with becoming wealthy in an honest way, they however will probably be too afraid to come to your defense, the anti-business crowd will drown them out----- after all there can't possibly a single good decent businessman out there they simply can't exist right?). You'll try to convince them "Hey, I was just trying to make ends meet, I had a good idea and then it just kinda took off." It won't matter, even if it's the simplest concept that almost anyone could have thought of and implemented with a little hard work, you will still be branded as RICH EVIL SCUM.

[NMMNG]

107. I'd eat there

Though, as someone else suggested, expanding to include veggie burgers would probably be a good idea. :9

[name not needed]

109. EVERYTHING IS DARK SIDED!

:P

[NMMNG]

113. Gargyls!!!! Slykiks!!!!

:rofl:

[philosophie_en_rose]

110. Maybe try a cart at first?

A hotdog cart would be somewhat portable. You could park in more than one place during the day and experiment. Also, the overhead would be far cheaper.

I hate veggie dogs, but I'd eat one at your prices. I think a lot of people would as well.

[obxhead]

111. NO NO NO.....

The idea is the BEST. You need a larger crowd to pull from though.

Most of my family is vegetarian, so I completely support you, but you are targeting a very, very, and (yes one more) very small population.

Students (speaking as one) are broke, bum bastards.

[AlienGirl]

114. You could count on my business frequently. nt

[AlienGirl]

115. Call it "Good Dogs," have a quasi-50's look

I'd advise using Yves soy-dogs; they are my favorite! You could also have the Boca brats, Italian sausage, and Polish sausage. If you understate the "veggie" angle, and focus on having yummy food, you will be likely to get some crossover from the omni population. (I've known omnis who enjoyed a good soy-based sausage.) Oh, and curly fries with spicy coating. ;9

The secret ingredient on a hot dog with the works is celery salt, btw.

Tucker

[Zookeeper]

118. I crave a good Chicago Style hot dog with yummy hot peppers...

Now, I don't really care if it's veggie or not, as long as I'm not suspicious that it's harboring mad cow disease, snouts, ears and other questionable animal parts. So, you might consider offering different toppings (Chicago, sauerkraut, sweet relish, etc.) and/or offering a hot dog that is made from actual meat instead of spinal cords and other odd animal parts.