How To Handle "The Public"

[QansasjayhawQ]

I saw the query by Curt (cmcadams) regarding educating the public as to the protocol for BBQ sampling at competitions and I immediately thought 'That was exactly a question of mine' this past weekend. Because I didn't want to hijack that thread, I thought I should start a new one.

Because of the adverse weather this weekend in Osage City, KS I think we had exactly three members of the general public who stopped by to chat with Todd and myself . . . and none of them asked for a sample . . . but I thought maybe perhaps we should have offered a sample, but I didn't know if that was proper or not.

I personally am of the 'Feed the Hungry, Shelter the Homeless, Cloth the Naked' persuasion, but I didn't know what was proper at a competition.

What is the generally accepted method for dealing with the public regarding samples, etc. at a competition?

Thanks in advance for any guidance, thoughts, etc. on this.

/Brother Dave

[ole'e]

It kind of depends on the persons attitude. If they come up and just ask for a sample I say NO! If they come up and talk me up about the cooker where we are from etc. I will usually offer if I have something.

[QansasjayhawQ]

Originally Posted by ole'e

It kind of depends on the persons attitude. If they come up and just ask for a sample I say NO! If they come up and talk me up about the cooker where we are from etc. I will usually offer if I have something.

And that's the way all three were . . . just asking about methods, cookers, fuel, etc.

I would have been proud to fish out some of the delicious morsels that Todd was throwing away(!) and hand them out to folks . . .

[Bigdog]

Originally Posted by QansasjayhawQ

And that's the way all three were . . . just asking about methods, cookers, fuel, etc.

I would have been proud to fish out some of the delicious morsels that Todd was throwing away(!) and hand them out to folks . . .

Todd was throwing away good food? Bad boy!! Yes, I agree with ole'e. Another reason for handing out samples would be if you were trying to sell them a rub or sauce.

[QansasjayhawQ]

Originally Posted by Bigdog

Todd was throwing away good food? Bad boy!! Yes, I agree with ole'e. Another reason for handing out samples would be if you were trying to sell them a rub or sauce.

Thanks for that thought, Bigdog.

Yep - he sliced off the fat cap (at least that's what I think you call it - the top layer on an entire brisket) and pitched it into the trash can and I danged near dove in after it!

I'm the kinda guy who meticulously picks all the morsels of meat from out between all the fat. I KNOW there was lotsa good meat in there . . . it just would've taken a little effort to go diggin' for it.

But yeah - giving out samples trying to sell our rub or sauce - that's a reasonable reason. Thanks!

[ole'e]

Usually if we traveled along ways and do not want to deal with the left overs I will put the pan out. I also do not have a problem brining the food home and vacum packing it.

[HoDeDo]

I'll typically rope the public into anything I have going if they ask. And, I always have alot of food left after the contests. Sometimes I will freeze for leftovers, etc. And sometimes I will set it out to get it eaten up so I don't have to transport it. As long as they are not solely trolling for free food, I am usually happy to share whatever I have.

Another point ( which may not matter to some) - is you never know who you will be walking up to you. I spent about 30 min talking with a couple of guys about pros/cons of venues, what you tie contests too (festivals, etc). He also had alot of questions about the process. I figured if we were talking shop now about process, he'd better start with a Bloody mary.... At any rate, The gentleman he was with came back by my site to snag him and mentioned a new contest this year and asked if I was planning on attending. I mentioned I like to try to find local sponsors for some contests that are out of town - to help defray my costs. Turns out the original gentleman I was talking with owns a grocery store where this event is going to be, and said he would love to be my local sponsor!!

I'm lucky I guess, I have not had anyone open my cooker, or just grab food out of a tray ect. without first asking.

They only time I don't typically share anything - is if folks are vending. If there are teams vending, it really isn't fair to give away food and take thier bucks...

[River City Smokehouse]

I will give samples, but usually I like to visit with them for a bit first. I had a lady last year in St. Louis come up just after I finished slicing my brisket for turn-in andstart grabbing right off of my cutting boad. I had just put away the meat to hold it and sent the box with my runner so there wasn't anything on there but fat for the most part. She was pickin as fast as she could and when it was all gone she just stood there. I guess she was waiting for me to ask if she wanted anymore. I could only stare, I was a bit took by it.

Oh yeah, I won't give out samples unless you are a Mizzou or Cheifs fan! No samples for Cornhusker fans!

[beam boys bbq]

the health dept slaped my hand for giving out samples in st louis last year

so we stoped ( besides from team to team)

we vac pack and pre sale it before we leave now
the meat we bring back with us is sold or going to be sold soon or we freazer it

york

[QansasjayhawQ]

Originally Posted by HoDeDo

The only time I don't typically share anything - is if folks are vending. If there are teams vending, it really isn't fair to give away food and take thier bucks...

Wow! All excellent thoughts, HoDeDo - thank you!

But especially if it's a fund raiser (like there was in Osage City this past weekend) then, yeah - I definitely do NOT want to interfere with that!

Thanks for the thoughts!

[The_Kapn]

"Roger" to almost everything said so far.
If they are just "trolling", we ain't feeding.

Also, if there are BBQ vendors (especially other teams), we give out nothing for free.
Well, maybe a tiny (and I mean really teeny tiny) taste of pork bark or something like that. Nothing to satisfy a hunger! That is the purview of the vendors.

Also, we are not caterers with all the proper licensing and all of that. So, anything we give out has to have a "feel good" feeling attached or we just say "sorry--not licensed to serve the public"

Lots to think about on this subject.

TIM

[QansasjayhawQ]

Originally Posted by The_Kapn

"Roger" to almost everything said so far.
If they are just "trolling", we ain't feeding.

Also, if there are BBQ vendors (especially other teams), we give out nothing for free.
Well, maybe a tiny (and I mean really teeny tiny) taste of pork bark or something like that. Nothing to satisfy a hunger! That is the purview of the vendors.

Also, we are not caterers with all the proper licensing and all of that. So, anything we give out has to have a "feel good" feeling attached or we just say "sorry--not licensed to serve the public"

Lots to think about on this subject.

TIM

Yes, there is . . . and you bring up yet another good idea . . . not licensed to serve the public. That's another one of my questions. How do competition events get 'OK'd' to operate. I assume that there's an assumption that no food will get served to "The Public".

But what if you have some kinda 'guests'?

[The_Kapn]

Moderator's Note.
Small scrub done.
This is a good topic--let's keep it focused.

Thanks,

TIM

[Hawgsnheifers]

[quote=QansasjayhawQ;380377]Thanks for that thought, Bigdog.
Yep - he sliced off the fat cap (at least that's what I think you call it - the top layer on an entire brisket) and pitched it into the trash can and I danged near dove in after it!

Dave, the fat cap is just that. a big glob of fat and nothing else. May be a few strands of meat but nothing to pick through. I would be gald to save you the fat cap but I donlt thin you would find it very good to eat. It's just for pitchin....

[Plowboy]

I have nothing more to contribute to this fine topic other than a short story. Three years ago we were getting brisket ready for turn in at the MO state fair and this lady and her school aged kids come up and start eating brisket right off of our slicer while our back was turned. They totally thought this was okay.