Starting our Catering/Vending Biz

getyourrubonbbq · 02-14-2010, 04:54 PM

Hey everybody,

A couple of opportunities have presented themselves and well, after a long period of thinking, wanting, dreaming, wishing I'm finally pulling the trigger and starting my own Catering business. I'll be building a trailer to basically handle my needs for strictly smoked meats. Nothing outrageous or to big, but big enough to anticipate growth. Going with an 8.5X20 with 6' porch that will house an FEC 300.

I'm excited, but yet nervous as well about the whole thing. I'll be able to set up on Saturdays at one location with a nice amount of pedestrian traffic flow. I was going to build a trailer later in the year for comps, but now I'll just build it for both. I'm sure I'll have questions for some of you catering pros out there and would like to thank everyone in advance for any advise you may have.

So here we go question #1, I was thinking about setting up a couple of EZ ups with 6' tables and chairs for folks to sit and eat after purchasing. Does anyone else do this.

James

FatBellyBBQ · 02-14-2010, 07:08 PM

I actually set up a 6' folding table under one half of our 10'x20' EZ-up tent with about 6 folding chairs at the Farmers markets. People seem to love it as they can sit and relax while eating and enjoy our bbq. I would say 80% or more sit down and eat at our table. I also always have extra camping chairs or folding chairs that people use when all the chairs are taken.

James good luck in you catering and vending biz, you will love it.

smokinit · 02-14-2010, 07:12 PM

Good luck bud it will get in your blood and you will love it.

HBMTN · 02-14-2010, 08:31 PM

Check with your HD, here in Virginia they won't let you put seats and tables out without having bathrooms. Not even a picnic table.

getyourrubonbbq · 02-14-2010, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HogBack Mtn Comp BBQ Team

Check with your HD, here in Virginia they won't let you put seats and tables out without having bathrooms. Not even a picnic table.

Thanks, I've still got to do some "fine tuning" with the local folks, but I'm not sure that will be an issue since the location I'm setting up in has public restrooms already.

Ford · 02-15-2010, 06:45 AM

Good idea James. The farmers market I did last year set table and chairs for us and people loved it. I plan to be able to have an eating eare under my larger umbrella depending on where I'm vending.

getyourrubonbbq · 03-07-2010, 01:54 PM

Change of plans, going with a SP SPK-500 for our smoker choice. Plans are in the final review stage and hope to have the trailer complete by the 2nd week of April. I'll post project status photos when possible.

Bbq Bubba · 03-07-2010, 05:39 PM

Great news James!

Can't wait to see the rig!

big brother smoke · 03-07-2010, 06:02 PM

Yea, you know I want to see the pics too and good luck, I am just seeing this thread!

getyourrubonbbq · 03-07-2010, 06:22 PM

Well it's going to be a combo between comp and vending. Normal setup for vending, but added a 11' powered awning for a little shade and considering exterior speakers for a little XM radio on board.

getyourrubonbbq · 03-10-2010, 09:07 AM

Sinks have been delivered and the SPK-500 is getting fresh paint. Going old school with this smoker, black exterior paint and diamond plate face with stainless doors.

Capn Kev · 03-10-2010, 09:49 AM

Sounds like you're making the same leap I am James! Congrats!

getyourrubonbbq · 03-10-2010, 02:30 PM

Yep Kev, my trailer should be finished up around the 2nd week of April. I can't wait!

02-14-2010, 07:08 PM	#2
FatBellyBBQ is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 01-02-09 Location: Georgetown, MA Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I actually set up a 6' folding table under one half of our 10'x20' EZ-up tent with about 6 folding chairs at the Farmers markets. People seem to love it as they can sit and relax while eating and enjoy our bbq. I would say 80% or more sit down and eat at our table. I also always have extra camping chairs or folding chairs that people use when all the chairs are taken. James good luck in you catering and vending biz, you will love it. __________________ Kevin:--Cookshack 150, 22.5 WSM, Mobile vending truck, Red Thermopen

02-14-2010, 07:12 PM	#3
smokinit is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 03-16-07 Location: Coxsackie NY/West Chester Pa Downloads: 3 Uploads: 0	Good luck bud it will get in your blood and you will love it. __________________ BWS Pro Comp Hog G2 Chubby the Little Big Cooker Battle Box on order Humphrey's Smokers and Accesories http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...d.php?t=154925 Authorized Backwoods Dealer http://www.purpleporkmasters.com http://www.facebook.com/SMOKENIT

02-15-2010, 06:45 AM	#6
Ford is Blowin Smoke! Join Date: 04-14-07 Location: Lakeland Florida Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Good idea James. The farmers market I did last year set table and chairs for us and people loved it. I plan to be able to have an eating eare under my larger umbrella depending on where I'm vending. __________________ Ford Owner/Head Cook/Chief Bottle Washer for Great Lakes BBQ & Feed Competition BBQ Team FBA Member, KCBS Member & KCBS Certified BBQ Judge Spicewine medium, weber kettle, gas grill

03-07-2010, 01:54 PM	#7
getyourrubonbbq Take a breath! Join Date: 11-02-08 Location: Cordova, TN Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Change of plans, going with a SP SPK-500 for our smoker choice. Plans are in the final review stage and hope to have the trailer complete by the 2nd week of April. I'll post project status photos when possible. __________________ James Stephens Extreme BBQ Trailers Cordova, TN. www.extremebbqtrailers.com

03-07-2010, 05:39 PM	#8
Bbq Bubba somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 05-03-07 Location: New Baltimore, Mi. Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Great news James! Can't wait to see the rig! __________________ Pitmaster @ Lockharts BBQ Beer Snob I cook the best brisket north of Dallas. Get over it. Northern midwest director for OBR www.operationbbqrelief.com

02-14-2010, 04:54 PM	#1
getyourrubonbbq Take a breath! Join Date: 11-02-08 Location: Cordova, TN Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Starting our Catering/Vending Biz Hey everybody, A couple of opportunities have presented themselves and well, after a long period of thinking, wanting, dreaming, wishing I'm finally pulling the trigger and starting my own Catering business. I'll be building a trailer to basically handle my needs for strictly smoked meats. Nothing outrageous or to big, but big enough to anticipate growth. Going with an 8.5X20 with 6' porch that will house an FEC 300. I'm excited, but yet nervous as well about the whole thing. I'll be able to set up on Saturdays at one location with a nice amount of pedestrian traffic flow. I was going to build a trailer later in the year for comps, but now I'll just build it for both. I'm sure I'll have questions for some of you catering pros out there and would like to thank everyone in advance for any advise you may have. So here we go question #1, I was thinking about setting up a couple of EZ ups with 6' tables and chairs for folks to sit and eat after purchasing. Does anyone else do this. James __________________ James Stephens Extreme BBQ Trailers Cordova, TN. www.extremebbqtrailers.com

02-14-2010, 08:31 PM	#4
HBMTN is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 10-16-08 Location: Fairfield, Virginia Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Check with your HD, here in Virginia they won't let you put seats and tables out without having bathrooms. Not even a picnic table.

03-07-2010, 06:02 PM	#9
big brother smoke somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 05-03-06 Location: Ventura, CA Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Yea, you know I want to see the pics too and good luck, I am just seeing this thread! __________________ Peace and Smoke, BBS https://www.bigpoppasmokers.com/stor...nufacturer=314 My Weapons: Custom rig - Kandi, UDS; Bubba Keg; 22.5 WSM x 2; 18.5 WSM; BWS extended party; BWS Gator and an Onyx Oven; 29' ft Coachmen Leprechaun (Lola); Avatar by Grillman. Dan Chambers get well soon, so we can tell you to "Shut up Chambers"

03-07-2010, 06:22 PM	#10
getyourrubonbbq Take a breath! Join Date: 11-02-08 Location: Cordova, TN Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Well it's going to be a combo between comp and vending. Normal setup for vending, but added a 11' powered awning for a little shade and considering exterior speakers for a little XM radio on board. __________________ James Stephens Extreme BBQ Trailers Cordova, TN. www.extremebbqtrailers.com

03-10-2010, 09:07 AM	#11
getyourrubonbbq Take a breath! Join Date: 11-02-08 Location: Cordova, TN Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Sinks have been delivered and the SPK-500 is getting fresh paint. Going old school with this smoker, black exterior paint and diamond plate face with stainless doors. __________________ James Stephens Extreme BBQ Trailers Cordova, TN. www.extremebbqtrailers.com

03-10-2010, 09:49 AM	#12
Capn Kev is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 12-08-09 Location: Littleton, CO Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Sounds like you're making the same leap I am James! Congrats! __________________ Kevin Feit Swinestone Cowboys BBQ Team FEC-100, Traeger Texas 075, WSM 22.5", UDS, KCBS CBJ #54829

03-10-2010, 02:30 PM	#13
getyourrubonbbq Take a breath! Join Date: 11-02-08 Location: Cordova, TN Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Yep Kev, my trailer should be finished up around the 2nd week of April. I can't wait! __________________ James Stephens Extreme BBQ Trailers Cordova, TN. www.extremebbqtrailers.com

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