Starting up a BBQ catering business can be rewarding for anyone who loves cooking, loves people, and loves serving food. From classic Corso BBQ to culinary regional specialities, the sky is the limit. With the right market, climate, and customers, your BBQ can be a highly successful catering service.
Exploring Different BBQ Options
The first thing you need to do is decide which type of BBQ you want to do. Because I was starting an authentic Italian BBQ catering business, my choice was clear: When you start a BBQ catering business, as the name suggests, food is cooked over an open fire or charcoal. Traditional Italian Corso BBQ means rich and succulent meat with a hint of smoked flavour cooked slowly over open flames, enhanced with subtle herbs and spices.
Other popular BBQ styles include American (smoked ribs, brisket, and pulled pork), Korean (people cook meats on the table), or Brazilian Churrasco (various cuts of meat served with Brazilian spices). Offering various food options can build a bigger customer base and separate you from competitors.
Adapting to Weather Conditions
One factor that is worth considering when making this kind of business decision is the weather. In Australia, for example, Barbecues can be held throughout the whole year. It is a very popular tradition in this country.
Therefore, the Australian people like this kind of catering due to its climate. People there are very keen to consume grilled products even in hot weather. Thus, your Barbecue catering service can be operational all year round in the warm climates.
This can work in the UK and other colder climates (all you need is some decent weather-proofing kit like heaters and marquees), giving the outdoor element a whole catering season in winter – or at least some of it.
Identifying Your Target Market
Knowing exactly who your BBQ catering business is trying to reach is vital to its success. There are a lot of potential markets but each one has different needs and different opportunities.
Some pubs and clubs also look for catering work to supplement their business, especially for special events and weekends. Another good market for a type of BBQ catering business would be at festivals and fairs. People attending these types of events are usually looking to try different foods. You can also take a BBQ to concerts and outdoor events as a way to make some additional money for hungry listeners of music.
Businesses seeking to celebrate events or participate in team-building can be a beneficial market. Many corporate clients are looking for new ways to make a catering event memorable, with some favouring fun, hands-on and exciting meal options. BBQ catering can provide a fun and memorable experience, creating an environment that encourages socialising and fun.
Savoring the Journey
With good planning, a passion for cooking, and an understanding of your local market, a BBQ catering business can be made to work — not to mention all the fun and oven-free cooking you’ll have along the way.
There will be plenty of time to develop a flourishing BBQ catering venture while delighting customers with a whole universe of smoky flavours and fond memories. Ride the adventure and enjoy the rewards of others sharing your gift of BBQ.
