Baltimore pit beef and grilled wings

[tmkshew]

Hey guys, I haven't posted in a long time. I've got a full-time job, go to classes full-time and bbq all weekend! I'm only 24.

Anyways,
I have a quick ? regarding pricing for a party.

I work for a custom home builder and as a welcome to the neighborhood type of gift-thing, I made pit beef and grilled wings. They loved it! They asked me a few weeks later if I would cater their son's birthday party. He's turning 4. There's going to be 55-60 people at this event. I should probably mention that this is a higher-end neighborhood. $1 million + range.
I, of course, accepted, but I have no idea what to charge them.

I know a lot of you have plenty of experience with this type of stuff, so I was hoping I could get some feedback or suggestions.

Thanks in advance, and I plan to post some pictures of how the event went.
This will be my first gig and I'm really looking forward to it.

[Smoked]

You could call local caterers and give them the specs and see if they can give you an estimate that way you have an idea.

Then again, you are cooking for your boss and their son's bday party.

But you also don't want to put yourself in a situation where other events come up for your boss and he wants you to cook for him.

If it were me, ask him to cover the expenses (meat/charcoal, etc.) and maybe give you a day or two off with pay to recuperate.

If he refers you to one of his friends, then start charging accordingly.

There's a lot that goes into it...are you doing apps? Just the main course? Deserts? Breads? Drinks, paper plates, utensils, etc.

Sometimes you have to "suck it up" in the beginning to reap the rewards later on.

[martyleach]

So, if you are catering the gig, I am assuming you are supplying all the food and drink as well as all the soft goods. How about beer, wine, sodas, etc.? You need to know that as that is key. You need to lock in a menu so your responsibilities are clear and defined.

If you've got kids there consider:

1. Smoked mac and cheese. Adults and kids love this and make this in advance and re-heats really well.

2. Hot dogs are a kid favorite. As kids get a little older they like wings (so do the parents)

Just make sure you get clear expectations with the boss before the event.

You should be charging at least $15 per head or so...... at least around here.

Good luck.

[tmkshew]

Thanks for the input guys. I must of worded it incorrectly. I won't be catering for my boss. I will be catering for one of the homeowners in the neighborhood who has lived in the community I work in for almost a year now. My boss won't even be in attendance.