I think I would like to begin by noting that having to spend $75 or its equivalent on LEGO's shop@home website in order to get this set is really not the same as asking if this set is worth $75, because it clearly isn't. This set is FREE. And free LEGO is always amazing.

All the same, there are a few comparisons that can be made with other sets. Among other promotional polybags, the Hot Dog Stand is certainly dynamite - I might be completely wrong here, but I don't think I can even name one that comes with two Minifigs. The set itself is a pretty substantial build, and the inclusion of a rare teal bicycle only sweetens the deal.

The Minifigs fall squarely into "good but not great" territory. Neither of them is particularly outstanding, but they're sure to find a ready home in one's ever-growing city, so they certainly won't go to waste. I guess the head on the hot dog seller might be new? I don't really recall seeing that goofy little goatee being sported anywhere else.

If one had to make a comparison at all with a retail set, I would have to go with BBQ Stand (8398), which I am shocked to discover is four frickin' years old already at the time of this review. I have both sets, and even though BBQ Stand is a substantially smaller build than this one, I have to say that there's something about it that leads me to think that it's actually superior to Hot Dog Stand, if only slightly. I suppose that Hot Dog Stand is really about as simple as builds come, which is not necessarily a bad thing since it accomplishes what it sets out to do, but perhaps it could have been even better with just a bit more oomph, no? Regardless, it's nice to have more food services for the city, and I'm going to say over and over again that I really want LEGO to come out with a food truck or something. I'd be all over that.

I was able to snag this guy from my purchase of Tower of Orthanc (10237), which is a good excuse as any to blow $75 or more on LEGO. I think I'd be remiss if I told anyone to spend a bunch of money just to get this polybag, but, if you already had it in mind to get a bunch of sets for the summer (or winter, for our poor forgotten Australian/South African/etc friends), this freebie is nice icing on the cake.

A good set, but is it worth spending $75 dollars for?

Box/Instructions

The packaging is a simple polybag with a single sheet of instructions. Nothing to fancy. The packaging also indicates this is a Creator set.

Parts

Two hot dog pieces are the highlight of this set, while the minifigure elements are a nice addition. The light blue bike is a delightful addition to my Lego city.

Minifigures

The two figures are similar to the other city figures out right now, and both look excellent. The man's work uniform is a delight, and he also has a double sided head with a scared expression. I wonder what he needs that for...

The build

The build is simple, yet it is fun seeing how simple pieces are used to add some basic play features.

The completed model

The cart looks wonderful sitting on a street corner with my Modular Buildings. My only complaint is the handle bars are to high for the minifigure to properly grab onto them.

Summary

This is a great set, but is it worth buying $75 dollars of other Lego sets just to get this one? No. Unlike other freebie sets such as Hoth Han Solo or the Minifigure Hulk, there is nothing about this set which will make it a desired collectors item. But that is also part of the charm of this set, it is simple Lego at its finest. If you are planning on buying a lot of Lego sets soon, I would consider buying them now to get this cute set with them. It makes a great addition to any Lego city, and while it might lack the widespread appeal of a limited edition minifigure, it offers more to the display table than a 3 piece standalone figure ever has.