What is the best way to start a bbq business?

Question

I would like to start a bbq business. Should I start off with a mobile bbq business or should I start off with a small building? What are the start up cost?

Answer 1

Hello,

We started our San Diego-based BBQ company http://www.smokehousegrills.com about 2 years ago and have had tremendous success with an online-only model. We specialize in on-site cooking, but business volume has increased so much (especially during the summer months) that we now have a building that we work out of, even though a lot of our cooking is still done at the job site. We have owned store-front restaurants before (other businesses), but being strictly catering is much, much more profitable and fun.

For you I would recommend to start off with a mobile operation - you won't be able to do very large parties initially, but that will come in time. As for the startup costs, they were relatively low - we had 2 or 3 Traeger electric pellet smokers (http://www.traegergrills.com/) that ranged between $600 and $1200 each, a few pop-up tents around $100 each, 5 or 6 tables, chafing dishes, portable burners, and a large white trailer which I think was around $4000 (largest expense to date). We already had the pickup to tow the trailer. In total, I think we initially spent somewhere around $10,000.

Initially we would only book 1 job per day, as we did not have enough equipment to support any more, but less than 2 years later, we are averaging 6 or 7 jobs per Saturday with a high of 9 jobs last week - it was awesome!

Finally, I strongly recommend investigating Google's sponsored links system - we owe most of our referrals to it and while expensive, the results are undeniable. Good luck with whatever you do!

Answer 2

Hello,

have you ever thought to start your business on the web? It would be a ton cheaper than opening your own store!

For around three hundred dollars and some very hard work on your part, you'd be on your way to a BBQ Bliss!

I can provide you a great link about building your own site and affiliate marketing! interested.  Just let me know!

Good Luck !

I hope you find what you are looking for!

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