FAQ
Q: How much is the Tamale Cart?
A: The current price of the tamale cart (propane or electric) is $8000 + tax
Q: How much is the Sidewalk Grill Cart?
A: The current price of the grill cart is $19,500 + tax
Q: How much is the Ice Cream Cart (Paleta Cart)?
A: The current price of the ice cream cart is $3,500 + tax
Q: How does payment work?
A: If we have carts in stock, you can pick up the cart once it's paid in full. If you are out of stock and you would like to pre-order a cart, we require a 50% deposit to reserve your cart. The final balance will be due before you pickup or accept delivery.
Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: We accept Credit Card, ACH (Bank Transfer), Zelle, Cashiers Checks or Cash.
Q: Do you offer financing for the carts?
A: Yes but currently we only offer financing in LA and Orange County. You can contact our partners at Accessity to discuss loan options directly with them. Click HERE to start a conversation.
Q: Do you have any grant programs available?
A: Currently we do not have any grants through Revolution Carts but from time to time we partner with local donors who will gift a cart to a vendor in need. Follow our instagram page for grant updates @revolution_carts
Q: Do you offer delivery or is pickup available?
A: We highly recommend picking up the tamale cart or ice cream cart with a truck or van large enough to fit, but shipping is currently available for the tamale cart anywhere in the US (excluding Hawaii & Alaska). A flat trailer is required for picking up the grill cart. Please contact us for trailer sizing. Local delivery is available within 50-100 miles of Los Angeles for both carts.
Q: What are the dimensions of the tamale cart and will it fit in my truck?
A: For loading purposes, the carts dimensions are 56" long (including the push bar) x 46" wide (from outside fender to fender) x 32" tall. We recommend a pickup truck or cargo van but we also know they fit in some minivans with the seats down. Specifically the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna.
Q: Can I come see the tamale cart in person before I decide to buy?
A: At this time we do not have a showroom and cannot let customers into our facility. But we do have a number of vendors that own the carts and are selling from them everyday in the greater LA area. We recommend you visit one of these locations to see the cart in use and speak to the experienced vendors. The most popular locations currently are at Home Depot stores in Lakewood & Downey. You can find the schedules of the vendors by clicking HERE
Q: Are your carts only permitted for use in Los Angeles?
A: No. The tamale carts have been approved by local health departments in Los Angeles, Long Beach, Orange County, San Bernardino, Riverside, Vernon, San Diego, Santa Clara, Ventura & Humboldt, as well as some counties in Colorado, Ohio and Georgia. Currently the sidewalk grill cart and ice cream carts are only permitted in Los Angeles and Long Beach, but we can help with approval in any county.
Q: Can the carts be permitted to use in my county?
A: Yes. Our team can submit plans for the cart to any regional health department in the country and will most likely get it approved. If you purchase 2 or more carts, we will cover the initial plan check fee in your county.
Q: Do the carts come with a health permit or do I need to get my own?
A: All vendors must acquire their own Health Permits and Business Licenses from their local City/County before selling from the carts.
Q: What can I sell from the tamale cart?
A: This is a hot holding cart for pre-packaged hot items only. Currently the carts can are approved to sell things like Tamales, Burritos, Steamed Hot Dogs, Elote, Tacos de Canasta, Hot Sandwiches and a few other hot items.
Q: Can you help me get all the required permits and paperwork to start selling?
A: Yes. After purchasing a cart we will help you with every step. If someone from our team is not available to help, we have local partners that specialize in helping vendors to obtain all of the necessary permits.
Q: Can I use these carts to sell on the sidewalk?
A: You can vend on most sidewalks (check your local laws for required sidewalk width to sell) as long as you obtain a Sidewalk permit. A sidewalk permit is separate from a health permit and is only required if you plan on selling from the sidewalk.
Q: How many tamales can fit in the cart?
A: The cart comes with 4 cylinder pots. Each pot is 13.5" deep and 11.5" wide (about 6 gallons each). Depending on the size of the tamal, the carts can hold anywhere from 250 - 325 tamales.
Q: How many traditional paleta style popsicles can fit in the ice cream cart?
A: The cart can hold roughly 250-350 ice cream bars with enough room left for dry ice or cold plates.
Q: Can you customize the cart to fit my selling needs?
A: At this time, the cart cannot be customized or modified to fit any other selling purposes. The cart was approved to be used as a pre-packaged hot holding cart only but we are working on other cart designs now that will allow cooking.
Q: Can I cook from the tamale cart?
A: No, there is no cooking or grilling allowed on this cart. All items must be pre-made in a permitted facility and then loaded into the pots. Our grill cart is available for sale and can be used for cooking.
Q: How does the tamale cart keep food warm?
A: The cart has a propane powered steam table underneath a stainless reservoir that holds a small amount of water (5 gallons). That water is kept warm which keeps the food items in the pots at the required temperature (140º). The cart holds a small 1 gallon propane tank (not included) along with an electric starter for easier igniting.
Q: Can I use the tamale cart indoors?
A: No. You cannot operate a propane powered cart indoors, but we now have a plug-in Electric version available for sale.
Q: Can I choose what color cart I want?
A: No, at this time we only offer our popular red with white trim for all carts. If you would like a custom paint color, production will usually take 30-60 days.
Q: Do you offer custom wrapping if I wanted to brand the tamale cart?
A: Yes, we offer custom wrapping as well as design assistance (for an extra fee). Wrapping the cart costs around $1200 - $1500 +/- and can take around 3-5 days to complete once the design is finalized. There may also be fees to transport the cart back and forth for installation. These fees do not include graphic design but that can be added for an extra fee.
Q: Do you have any other food, beverage or dessert cart designs for sale?
A: Yes, we're always working on new designs. Maybe a street dog cart? Follow our instagram page @revolution_carts for updates
Q: I want a custom cart. Can you make me one?
A: If you would like a custom designed cart for things other than pre-packaged hot items (Ice Cream, Coffee, Fruit etc) or grilling, we require a minimum order of 10 or more units.