Hi and thanks for your consideration to back my project. I've got big plans for this vegan hot dog bicycle-cart and I can't do it without your help. If you have any questions or comments I would love to read them. Please feel free to contact me though Kickstarter or just post it on the comment board.
Why do you want to do this?
- I fell in love with cooking in college and it's grown into an obsession of mine. There are several reasons why I like to cook, but the most important is I believe it can make people happy. I want to spread the word about how good vegan food can be and to offer more options to vegans in the Northwest. This business is about so much more than just hot dogs!
Why should I help?
- If you think spreading the word about the benefits of a vegan lifestyle by serving up tasty hot dogs is a good thing, then this may be your project to get behind. Vegan food is delicious and I want to share the experience with others. This project helps to grow the vegan message about compassion, the environment and personal health!
Give me the bullet points!
- All of the waste produced will be composted. That means 0% will go to the landfill.
- The cart is pulled by bicycle so no pollution/carbon will be emitted for transport.
- A vegan diet has nearly half the carbon footprint of a traditional omnivore diet.
- Efficient operation. This is a one person show. I'll do all of the marketing, graphic design, sales, catering and inventory.
- These dogs are delicious whether you're vegan or not!
- I will gladly take credit/debit cards!
- All dogs can be made gluten free!
- I want to be up and running by January, 2015.
Ok, so what type of wiener will be on these hot dogs?
- For the non-gluten free dogs I will be using Field Roast Frankfurters and on select dogs, Smoked Apple Sage Sausage also made by Field Roast. They're so tasty and they're made right here in Seattle! For the gluten free options I'll offer Jumbo Smart Dog's made by Lightlife and gluten free buns.
Will you be using any local products?
- Britt's (Seattle, WA) Caraway Kraut & Black Market Kimchi
- Daiya (Vancouver BC) "cheese"
- Field Roast (Seattle, WA) Frankfurters and Smoked Apple Sage Sausage
- Heidi Ho (Portland, OR) "cheese"
- Portland Ketchup Co. (Portland, OR) Ketchup and Mustard
- Seasonal produce (i.e. Walla Walla sweet onions, etc)
- More to come!
What will my donation get you?
- A bicycle cart (kind of important)
- A bike with company logo (also pretty important)
- A custom grill and gas mount integrated into the bicycle cart
- A mobile phone so customers can text/call in orders, etc.
- Business App to follow me and to see menu/specials for the day
- Permits
- Signage
- Business registration
- Point of Sale system
- Shared kitchen space
- Website
- Biodegradable food and drink containers, napkins, & forks
- 1 month inventory supply of food products (most of which is local and organic)
Where can I find you?
- The beauty of a mobile business is I can set up shop anywhere that I am allowed. Since I will operate via bike and not by truck or van, I can set up on sidewalks, tight areas, and in areas away from car access. I will always be equipped with a business phone where customers can text/call to find out where I'm at and/or to put in an order for pick up. If you need me for a catering event, I can be emailed directly from the Cycle Dogs website or by phone. So, I can't say where exactly I will be, but you'll most likely find me in urban areas in Seattle and sometimes Portland, OR.
- I suspect I will develop a routine of regular spots. Where those spots will be... we'll just have to wait and see! Tell me where you want me to be!
What will you do with the extra money if you exceed your goal?
- If there is money left over after everything has been purchased and the rewards have been fulfilled, I will donate my extra funds to Pigs Peace Sanctuary in Stanwood, WA. Let's put out some good karma!
Risks and challenges
With every new venture comes setbacks and since this is my first startup attempt there will be some learning moments. I've done all the necessary research to be in compliance with the City of Seattle, WA and the City of Portland, OR. However, the regulations are thorough and I suspect there may be a hangup or two. I'm prepared to assess any issue and to make the appropriate judgment on how to reach a solution without compromising my business values and mission.
Additionally, the trailer comes from Italy so if there are any problems with it, it's on me. The Pacific Northwest is know partly for it's can-do attitude. There are a lot of affordable resources available to help with repairs and modifications to the trailer. If a simple warrantee part from Italy won't fix it, I'll find a way!
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Funding period
- (30 days)