Getting started in roadside BBQ ?

[Appel]

I am thinking of starting a roadside BBQ in Pennsylvania.
I know there is going to be a lot of hoops to jump through.
I plan on doing this in a gas station parking lot, and hopeing there bathroom will cover that requirement. Looking for advice on getting the ball rolling, and things I will need to satisfy the HD. I plan on only serving ribs and pulled pork to start.

[RICK Allen]

First thing is to make sure the property is zoned right, as the bylaw cops can be brutal

[OL' Timer]

Here in TN you don't need a bathroom, for public or ones self. Handwash sink and triple sink with drainboards.

[twinsfan]

I was wondering about this too. Around here starting as a temporary establishment is much easier then permanent. Here as a temporary all you need is a hand wash sink.. permanent (like a shed) is more difficult and much more costy

[sdbbq1234]

Check your local health department. There are a few folks selling in gas stations and on the side of the road here in Northern VA area, and I do not believe they local HD folks (Loudoun County) have bathroom requirements. Since the set-up is under a certain space limits, all goods sold are considered "to-go".

Good topic as I am still trying to get all this info under my belt as well.

Me? Well, I am slow as the starting gate.................

wallace

[Puppyboy]

I had to get a US DOT # and ended up doing more paperwork for that than all my food stuff put together.

A DOT Trooper says lots of people are running illegally with out that number and they are starting to crack down.

[telecomic]

Hey Wallace, I work in Herndon, and, once I move up to Frederick, MD, will be commuting through Loudoun County. Any places you suggest I should check out in my drives?

- Ray

[Bearbonez]

HD requirements vary so much from state to state. Travis Co (Austin, TX) requires a restroom for employees no more than 150'. 3 bin sink with hot water and a separate hand washing sink is a must. Hand sink has to have a splash guard if adjacent to the 3 bin sink. While you are checking with gov agencies on requirements, don't forget to check with the fire marshal as well. There maybe and probably are certain requirements for the smoker, and propane use. Things like propane tank location, plumbing regs, ventilation requirements for equipment used, etc.

[chad]

Dotting the "I"'s and crossing the "T"'s is not easy. Catering is almost easier than "concession" sales...but as others said, it depends on your county and state. An example of different acceptance: Tampa welcomes food trucks and has official gatherings pretty often...St. Petersburg bans food trucks and so far has not had a ralley. Good luck.

[mmcooker]

In my county in Central Illinois, restrooms are required if you have seating and than you are considered a cafe.

[jeffry1970]

Pennsylvania is different county to county, i know here in Bucks county the health department is brutal!

[jacksedona]

mobile cooking in arizona requires a permit from hd,food handlers certificate from hd and they like a food manager certificate from hd. Lots of people sell burritos and tacos and barbicoa,tamales on stands without certificates. this happens at night when the temperature drops every mom and pop family group come out and sell their stuff which is better then alot of restaurants


http://thebarbecuemaster.net

[Papadingo]

I also am from Pennsylvania and is wondering what is needed for roadside BBQ,private catering, & charities.Any input will be appreciated.

[jacksedona]

first contact the dept of health to find out the permits and food handler certificates,

now i learned this yesterday call up the small business organization in your state to help you for setting up,i called the arizona restaurant association they told me some usefull info and told me to a;so call the small business association which i will be doing next

http://thebarbecuemaster.net

[sdbbq1234]

Originally Posted by telecomic

Hey Wallace, I work in Herndon, and, once I move up to Frederick, MD, will be commuting through Loudoun County. Any places you suggest I should check out in my drives?

- Ray

Ray, just saw this reply. Been off the forum for a few days.

There is a guy selling at the Shell gas station in Sterling on Route 7; Double D BBQ is his sign. If you are traveling on Route 7 going east, it is on the left right before Dransville Rd; at the corner of Lakeland Dr and Route 7. I know he is there Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Pretty good Q.

There is another guy on Route 15 going towards Maryland right before you cross the Potomac River. He is on the right. Ok, Q.

Heck, maybe we could hook up on the weekend.

Heck, I hope to be one of the persons selling here shortly.

Wallace