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Dale,
We set up our trailer at a local farmers' market on Saturdays. We also get a lot of custom orders which we deliver to the customers homes or places of business. My husband and I would like to eventually own a small place that he and I could handle alone. We're staying on our present course of action until that can be reached.
How about you?
Peggy
Not sure which way I really want to go. Just really starting to get into the catering thing. I have done a few in the last 2 weeks for companies that I do work for, they asked if I would be willing to cater after talking about BBQ. It went real smooth, 1 was for 200 people and the other 2 was only around 80 people each. One was a set up and clean up, the other was a drop off. I'm leaning towards a trailer set up as of right now.

Dale
I have a BBQ trailer and gave up on the take-out restaurant (parking lot) business with the exception of Farmer's Markets. I found the hours long, sales unpredictable and profits questionable.

I now primarily focus on building my catering business with a combination of drop-off, set-up, on-site cooking and limited service catering. Most jobs are limited service buffet and run $1000 or more. While each job is profitable and personally rewarding, it takes a while to build up a steady stream of bookings.

The best part is, you get paid in advance, every outing is profitable, your cooking to order so your food is always great, there's no leftovers to pack up and reheat or dispose of, you get to interact more with your customers, you get a lot more compliments. Best of all, you can handle most drop-off and set-up jobs by your self no matter how large, so you don't have to pay independent contrators or hire employees.

Good luck Dale.
I have a mobile trailer, but don't set up on the side of the road.

We do events (rodeos, horse shows, car shows, etc.). We do some drop-offs; but mostly we are doing more and more catering.

I like catering the best....you know in advance exactly what you will sell, you get paid up-front, spend less time doing it, have a captive audience who typically really enjoys their meal......

That said, I too am working baby-steps toward our own small restaurant.
There are some old pictures on page 7 of Professionals under "2 Greyhounds....SMOKIN!!!! Pictures we hope." If I could ever figure out how to post others I would send you new ones. But I'm not good with that.
We have our graphics now. These pictures were when we first got the trailer.
Peggy
rootsman,
your post brings up just the things that we are now modifying. the honda eu3000is are getting wheel kits, we are looking at a winch to pull the gennies into the bed of the truck and a loading ramp. i am currently completing extension cords to run from the the gennies in the truck to the trailer hookup and want to thank kates husband peter for helping me long distance on the wiring. peg's down time showed us where we were weak and also made us realize that we need to get off the pot and get a small place within the next year.
all that said. the custom meat smoking carried us. profit was good and no downside.
jack

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