Franzl's Franks: a LGBTQ Friendly Food Cart

My name is Patrick and I’m starting a business to promote both cultural exchange and support my local LGBTQ+ community.

About the business:

Franzl’s Franks is a food cart, with plans to expand in the future, that specializes in Austrian street food. While out in West Hollywood, LA’s gay neighborhood, I’ve noticed that there is a lack of quality late night food options. My research also uncovered that most businesses there are straight-owned, and don’t give back to the LGBTQ+ community that supports them. In that vein, a portion of the profits goes to local LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. Franzl’s Franks ethos is about being out, proud, and unashamed to be who you are. It is about serving delicious food, serving the community, and serving confidence. This is why our mission statement is “To serve sausages that serve, honey!”

Franzl’s Franks introduces the Käsekrainer to LA’s streets, an Austrian cheese-filled sausage stuffed inside a toasted baguette. This sizable sausage, filled with emmentaler (Swiss) cheese and stuffed inside a toasted baguette, explodes with flavor with each bite. The sausage is sourced locally and the recipe was developed in coordination with a local Austrian and James Beard Award winning chef. The käsekrainer’s convenient one-handed eating style eliminates the need for silverware or plates, minimizing waste and making it easily portable. Franzl’s Frank is perfect for a substantial meal or a drunken late night snack.

Donations:

Franzl’s Franks believes in making a positive impact within our Los Angeles gay community. It is my pledge to donate a percentage of the profits to LGBTQ+ organizations. As our business grows, so will our contribution, reflecting our dedication to fostering diversity and inclusivity.

Franzl’s Franks and the Edward F. Limato foundation were founded on the principles of inclusivity and social responsibility. Both are committed to supporting charitable causes, particularly those that benefit the LGBTQ+ community. The foundation has generously offered a matching donation partnership. This partnership not only enhances our ability to support these causes but also underscores the collective commitment of our organizations to making a difference within our community.

Franzl’s Franks has the potential to grow into much more than a single food cart. My plan is to embed myself in the LGBTQ+ community. My commitment includes, but is not limited to:

- Commissioning LGBTQ+ artists to design variations of my logo for sale as merchandise, a portion of the proceeds going to charity

-Promoting local LGBTQ+ DJ’s to create playlists and tracks of gay anthems, combined with traditional Austrian folk music, to play at my cart

-Hire at risk LGBTQ+ youth to staff the various carts and trucks, helping them to get on their feet.

-Cater at fundraisers for the community at cost pricing

Donation Ask:

I am seeking $30,000 to launch Franzl’s Franks. This investment will be allocated towards essential equipment including:

-Food cart (some can cost upwards of $20,000!)

-Power generator

-European style bun warmer

-Licensing fees for both the state and the county totaling over $1000

-LLC and other business fees

-Website design & hosting

-Initial food product expenses

-Commissary fees

-Monthly insurance

With this financial support, I will be fully equipped to establish my business and begin to attract both frequent clientele and help those in need.

I am passionate about this project and I know that with your support I can provide exceptional service to both my customers and my community. I wholeheartedly thank you for your support.