[big brother smoke]

Originally Posted by txschutte

Watch who your local restaraunts are ordering from. Usually you get good deals on case items. I go through Sysco and another supplier. You get wholesale pricing with your insurance and tax ID, Put the salesmen to work, and make them be competitive.

Pork was trial and error, knowing which pork to get from which supplier. Yours will vary, too. My suppliers both know that I am a Hormel pork user, and break their backs to get me pretty good deals.

Beef was different. Many times I will change brands, but stick with select briskets throughout. You will be amazed at price differences between brands (IBP, Tyson, Swift, etc.)

Chicken for me comes in cases of 50lbs. I have pretty much gone with one supplier for my chicken, as the other can't get the brand that I finally decided I liked.

Call suppliers, see what they need, and then let the bid wars begin.

Good stuff, Shane!