More than half (58%) of hot dogs are being sold at £5 and above, which gives operators a chance to increase profits.
The Hot Dog Report also found the most common average spend in outlets was the £5 to £10 bracket and 41% of sites that offer hot dogs saw a spend of £10 or more per customer.
The aim of the report was to highlight the opportunities for operators to drive sales and identify the current dining-out market and future trends.
Constantly evolving market
Managing director of food service information and insights company Horizons, Peter Backman, wrote the foreword for the report.
He said: “Within this constantly evolving market, there is still room for established products like hot dogs.
“One key area where operators can stand out is in the quality of their offer because today’s consumers are unwilling to give up quality for a lower price.”
Marketing controller at Westlers, Robert Burns, described the report as a “fantastic resource for those looking to gain a greater understanding of the hot dog category and maximise their sales”.
He explained the report had to be fun and reflect the true nature of the Westlers brand, which is all about people coming together to have fun.
Burns added: “With the continued trend towards premium products, hot dogs and premium frankfurters represent a great chance for operators to breathe new life into their menus.”
Future opportunity
More than a third (36%) of pubs and bars sold hot dogs, according to the report. While the most popular age group of consumers buying hot dogs was the 35 to 44 bracket.
Though more than half (54%) of the 200 caterers asked said they serve hot dogs at their venues, 46% do not, which does create a huge opportunity to expand.
The report summarised the dining-out sector is predicted to grow during the next few years as more food innovation continues to offer consumers greater choice.
Sports Bar & Grill, which runs five venues at London train stations and was the winner of Best Concept at this year’s Publican Awards, are well known for their BeerDogs – hot dogs served with a range of toppings.