Carts Of America

We are one of the largest factory direct showrooms in the Midwest United States, Located in northern Indiana. Carts of America sells a full line of hot dog carts and mobile food stands that you can view and purchase any time. Our carts are made from one of the highest qualities of stainless steel available in the food service industry, that is why we back them with a manufacturer’s 1 year warranty that protects you from major issues in your first year of ownership.

If you are just starting out in a new vendor cart business or are looking to expand your cart business with a more complex model, we have what you are looking for. Please check out our model line-up by clicking on one of the pictures above or "Hot Dog Carts" in the menu selection bar. If you don't see exactly what you need, check out our extensive list of "Cart Add-Ons" or we can custom build a cart to your exact specifications.

The business is operated by Jim & Debra Osborne of Fort Wayne Indiana, who started their own hot dog vending operation in 1999.

Debra retired from a career in the medical field to pursue her dream of owning her own business. She is currently a Certified Food Safety Instructor and exam administrator for the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals as well as NEHA. She teaches classes in her spare time lending her knowledge of food safety to those who are in need, or new in the business of food service. Her background of two new previous full service restaurant start-ups provides her with the knowledge and experience of all that go into a new business. From the initial business plan to starting on a shoestring budget she can provide you with priceless experience and information.

The hot dog vending operations were started in Fort Wayne Indiana in 1999. The first year was started with a single hot dog cart while still working part-time for a major insurance company. The work day with the corporate insurance company ranged from Monday through Thursday, ten-hour days and events were booked on Friday through Sunday. The regular location was at the local Lowe’s Home Improvement stores. We purchased 3 carts, one for each location and operated in front of the stores on weekends for the first couple of years. We grew and gave up our least profitable location to service special events and corporate picnics. We also participated in fairs, festivals, special events… especially our car clubs. We became so busy we had to add a 4^th cart.

After a year or so in the business we were asked to bid the city’s Park & Recreation contracts for the softball & soccer fields. We took the bid and began business at these locations on a regular basis. The following year we took the bid for the city pool facilities, which

added 3 more locations. Everyone loved our level of service. We were asked to bid the city’s indoor ice arena kitchen and developed a 116 menu item deli where we still do business today 7 days a week during the hockey season.

Jim has many years of production and tooling experience. He helps our vendors with their cart issues and repairs. He is an

excellent resource for all of your mechanical needs and has been Deb’s best resource for all of the modifications and repairs over the last 9 years. Jim has been factory trained by the manufacturer and has a high level of expertise in his field. His skills are not limited to just repair or the mechanical side of the business.

You can find Jim operating one of their food carts just about any time he has a chance, he likes the business and is a really great cook too !

As you can see by their experience, when you call you will talk to someone who actually works in the business and knows the ropes of starting, owning and operating your own business, they have helped many people start their own businesses and become successful food business operators. Many of their customers still call just to talk about the business. They are happy to help you in any way they can.