MMMM.. BRISKET..
The BBQ BRETHREN FORUMS.  



Our Homepage Donation to Forum Overhead Welocme Merchandise Associations Purchase Subscription Amazon Affiliate
Go Back   The BBQ BRETHREN FORUMS. > Discussion Area > Q-talk

Notices

Q-talk *ON TOPIC ONLY* QUALITY ON TOPIC discussion of Backyard BBQ, grilling, equipment and outdoor cookin' . ** Other cooking techniques are welcomed for when your cookin' in the kitchen. Post your hints, tips, tricks & techniques, success, failures, but stay on topic and watch for that hijacking.


Reply
 
Thread Tools
Old 11-29-2006, 12:55 PM   #1
boberosabbq
Full Fledged Farker
 
boberosabbq's Avatar
 
Join Date: 09-27-06
Location: Albion, IN
Default Catering Business Questions

I would love to start up a catering business. Just don't have any ideas on how to start. As far a what is needed to start one up.

What kind of rig is best, how too keep food warm, how to price, you guys supply tables tents all the utensils.

Any and all help would be great.

As far as a rig goes would the Spicewine trailer be big enough to start out with. I have talked with Jay and I really want one of his rigs but will it work for catering. Or is it smarter to buy the smaller ones and trailer in and enclosed trailer and haul them that way with everyting you need in it.

Lots of questions plenty of time
__________________
[URL="http://www.boberosagundogs.com"][FONT=Arial][/FONT][/URL]
boberosabbq is offline   Reply With Quote




Old 11-29-2006, 01:58 PM   #2
Bossmanbbq
is One Chatty Farker
 
Bossmanbbq's Avatar
 
Join Date: 12-03-05
Location: Colorado
Default

Google the small business administration and then find the office in your area. There office is usually at a community college in the area.Thats how I started. They will help you with the business plan and get you started. This is all they do, helping people go into business for themselves and the best part this is a FREE service. They work on a Goverment Grant. This is the little unknown secret that alot of business owners dont know about, but wish they had. If it wasnt for these guys and the the help and advice fromt he Brothern here I would still be at square one.
__________________
Bossman
www.bossmanbbq.com
Peoria Custom Pit 24x72*Treager Texas Style Smoker *Whole Hog Country Smoker*

" You can put all of the sauce on it you want, but you still have to master the art of cooking barbecue"
- Mike Mills-
Bossmanbbq is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 11-29-2006, 05:57 PM   #3
big brother smoke
somebody shut me the fark up.
 
big brother smoke's Avatar
 
Join Date: 05-03-06
Location: Ventura, CA
Default

Having recently started a catering business, I think the following are important:

1. Assess the need and market
2. insurance
3. food handling class
4. Catering rig (Spice has several sizes and they will work)
5. Van/ Truck to haul
6. website
7. brochures/menus (professional looking)
8. contract
9. business license/health permit (if necessary)

Additionally, I suggest the following equipment.

chafing dishes, hot boxes, quality serving/slicing utensils, ez - up tents, linen, food station tables, temp probes, thermometers, etc.

This should get you going. PM me if you have questions.
__________________
Peace and Smoke,
BBS

Powered by the West Coast Offense: Big Poppa Smokers and Simply Marvelous BBQ - "Walk with Us"

My weapons: Humphrey's Smokers
big brother smoke is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 11-29-2006, 08:32 PM   #4
chad
somebody shut me the fark up.
 
chad's Avatar
 
Join Date: 08-13-03
Location: Clearwater, FL
Default

Check with your local or state health department and find out WHAT is REQUIRED in your area.

Build your rig to match the health department requirements.

Also, you will almost assuredly need a "commissary" - ie. a certifed kitchen as part of your health department application. You CANNOT cater out of your home IN MOST AREAS. Some are different and allow it, especially if you are cooking on-site. In most areas you can find a church, VFW, Legion Post, Moose/Elk/etc. lodge that has a certified kitchen and will rent you time or space...some restaurants or other catering companies do too.

Do the research FIRST!! It'll save you lots of headaches (though it will cause some during the time your learning what's needed). Ask licensed caterers what's up...ask most "caterers" and you'll find they are clueless and are working with their ASSets exposed.

Is it a hassle? You bet! But, it's just like starting up any other business. If you haven't worked food service in the past you are definately in for an education!!

Good luck!!

A good place for some additional infomation and discussion is the cookshack forum - down the list - I think it's call "Professional" -- many guys that are doing catering/vending/concessions and many that are starting hang out there. I know a few of them and they give good hints, tips, info, and encouragement.
__________________
Dave
Southern Brethren BBQ Competition Team

"It's all about getting paid!" - Myron Mixon
"I love being hated in my hometown!" - David Hair

KingFisher Gator Rotisserie cooker (RIP), WSM (RIP), Stainless 5 burner with IR gas grill (RIP), Turkey Fryer, Weber JD Commemorative grill (RIP), Masterbuilt 40" insulated ELECTRIC smoker (new heating element),
Pit Boss Tailgater pellet pooper.
chad is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 11-29-2006, 08:34 PM   #5
chad
somebody shut me the fark up.
 
chad's Avatar
 
Join Date: 08-13-03
Location: Clearwater, FL
Default

I forgot a couple of things:

hit the bookstore or library and read a couple of How to books on catering, starting a restaurant, starting a small business, etc.

You cannot, by any stretch of your imagination, over educate yourself. Also, learn to figure food costs, think about cash flow, etc.

Again, good luck!!
__________________
Dave
Southern Brethren BBQ Competition Team

"It's all about getting paid!" - Myron Mixon
"I love being hated in my hometown!" - David Hair

KingFisher Gator Rotisserie cooker (RIP), WSM (RIP), Stainless 5 burner with IR gas grill (RIP), Turkey Fryer, Weber JD Commemorative grill (RIP), Masterbuilt 40" insulated ELECTRIC smoker (new heating element),
Pit Boss Tailgater pellet pooper.
chad is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 11-30-2006, 07:25 AM   #6
boberosabbq
Full Fledged Farker
 
boberosabbq's Avatar
 
Join Date: 09-27-06
Location: Albion, IN
Default

Thanks for the help guys it gives me somewhere to start
__________________
[URL="http://www.boberosagundogs.com"][FONT=Arial][/FONT][/URL]
boberosabbq is offline   Reply With Quote


Reply

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Gettin out of the catering business... JD McGee Catering, Food Handling and Awareness 30 12-26-2011 08:01 PM
New Catering Business Question agold791 Catering, Vending and Cooking For The Masses. 22 01-14-2011 12:44 AM
Getting started in the catering business quiz big brother smoke Catering, Vending and Cooking For The Masses. 19 10-03-2009 10:02 PM
I'm Planning to Start a Catering Business. Wesman61 Catering, Vending and Cooking For The Masses. 24 07-26-2009 04:37 PM

Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


Forum Custom Search: Enter your Search text below. GOOGLE will search ONLY the BBQ Brethren Forum.
Custom search MAY not work(no display box) in some configurations of Internet Explorer. Please use compliant version of Firefox or Chrome.







All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:15 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
2003 -2012 © BBQ-Brethren Inc. All rights reserved. All Content and Flaming Pig Logo are registered and protected under U.S and International Copyright and Trademarks. Content Within this Website Is Property of BBQ Brethren Inc. Reproduction or alteration is strictly prohibited.
no new posts