A Pioneer in Cart Catering
Authentic pushcart catering since 1983
The Gourmet Vendor, Inc., a pioneer in cart catering, brings the fun and flexibility of hot dog-style pushcarts to events of all sizes. We cater a wide variety of foods for every occasion—check out our full list of carts and menu options on our menu page.
The Gourmet Vendor, Inc., “Carts That Cater,” has built a reputation for delivering fun, high-quality catering for private parties, corporate events, grand openings, and charity functions. Since 1983, we’ve grown into Philadelphia’s largest cart catering company and one of the biggest in the United States, with appearances in TV commercials and events of all sizes.
Where It All Began
A simple idea that turned into a business.
The Gourmet Vendor, Inc. was founded in April 1983 by owner and operator Brad Orenstein. While a student at Drexel University, Brad began his journey in hot dog cart catering as a part-time business to earn extra income. Using his savings from his Bar Mitzvah, after-school jobs, and the support of his parents, he launched what he often calls his “World of Wienies.”
From the beginning, Brad’s philosophy has remained the same:
“We may do many parties and events, but for the client, this is their one special event. We must treat every job as if it were our own.”
Because of this commitment, Brad personally speaks with each client to ensure every event is handled with care, detail, and professionalism.
Brad graduated from Drexel University in 1986 with a dual degree in Accounting and Finance. He worked in the accounting field for several years before leaving to pursue The Gourmet Vendor, Inc. full-time. He later earned a master’s degree, continuing to build both his education and his business. When asked what he does for a living, Brad simply says, “I’m a hot dog vendor.” Even his children proudly say, “My dad is a hot dog vendor.”
Our First Event
A moment that shaped the company.
The Gourmet Vendor, Inc.’s first catering event took place on June 3, 1983—a 70th birthday celebration. The client’s family shared that every year they took their father to fine Philadelphia restaurants, but he would always say, “I would have been just as happy with a hot dog from a street cart.”
For his milestone birthday, they made that wish come true with an authentic pushcart serving hot dogs, pretzels, and classic street fare.
Growth & Experience
Expanding while staying true to our roots.
As the years passed, The Gourmet Vendor, Inc. continued to grow with an expanding base of satisfied customers. In 1997, the company acquired its competitor, Street Corner Cuisine, further strengthening its position as a leader in cart catering.
Today, The Gourmet Vendor, Inc. is recognized as a pioneer in mobile cart catering in the Philadelphia region and beyond. We regularly collaborate with top catering companies, event planners, and corporate coordinators, providing authentic Philly-style food carts to enhance their events.
If you’ve attended an event in the Philadelphia area featuring a food cart, there is a strong chance it was The Gourmet Vendor, Inc..
While we may cater many events each year, we understand that for our clients, it is their one special event. That is why we treat every job as if it were our own.
Our focus remains on providing excellent food, professional service, and well-maintained equipment to ensure every event runs smoothly from start to finish.
Experience First
Fresh, On-Site Cooking
Reliable Service
Fully Managed Catering
A Note From Brad
“To all my clients, I would like to say thank you, and I look forward to serving your catering needs again soon. To all potential clients, I hope I have the opportunity to show you what fun and ease we can bring to your next party or event.”
Our Mission Today
Our mission remains simple: to deliver exceptional food and reliable service at every event.
Brad Orenstein continues to lead with a hands-on approach, ensuring consistency, quality, and professionalism. As he often says, “We are a service company. Our clients choose us because we provide excellent, reliable service, and that will never change.”
With the support of his family and a dedicated team, Brad has grown The Gourmet Vendor, Inc. from a small idea into one of the region’s most recognized cart catering companies.
