The market for global BBQ grills is expected to reach $4,416.9 million before the year 2025. It’s currently at US$ 3,464 million. The global love for that fine roast is increasing despite there being an increase in the number of people who prefer vegetarian diets.
BBQ business is a great idea for anyone who understands what the industry is all about. Many are used to those summertime cookouts that we all love. However, for you to run a successive and professional BBQ business, we give you a step-by-step pitmaster’s guide to starting a BBQ business.
1. Develop an Interest and Perfect Through Small Crowds
If you are convinced that you can offer BBQ services beyond a family and family setup, it is good to start a BBQ business. It’s a major step to take assuming you are used to serving a few dozens of people probably once in a month.
It’s advisable to develop that interest further and understand trends in the industry. Also, know the challenges that you are likely to face if you went full commercial.
Start small by experimenting with a few paying clients and seek their opinion. This can be in an open yard, or a little sporting event of about a hundred people. Besides, evaluate the experience you get and know if you are up to the challenge of serving huge crowds and giving it the utmost satisfaction.
2. Seek Licenses and Certification
Every state and local government has regulations for handling food and BBQ falls right into that. Before setting up your BBQ stand, seek approval from both state and city authorities, and understand what is within your limit.
It’s also important to get an insurance cover to shield you from damages that can result from fires or injuries. Once you are done with coming up with a BBQ restaurant name, register it with IRS for tax conformity.
3. Work on Your Initial Finances
The barbecue business ideas you have will determine the level of investments you put in. If you are only doing outside BBQ pit, you might not need a lot of money to start. However, if you need to start a new place with a new building, it will cost you a higher amount of cash.
Many people opt to lease an already existing BBQ pit which is perceived to costs less. Comparatively, however, the cost setting a new place up is cheaper in the long-run than leasing. If you plan to operate a mobile BBQ place, consider the costs of moving equipment as well as the issue of licenses for the movement of food.
4. Quality Service is Key in BBQ Business
BBQ business is quite sensitive as it involves human health. Ensure that the meat you are preparing is healthy and is prepared in the cleanest way possible.
Nobody wants to have a case of eating contaminated meat as this would completely ruin your business. The staff that you employ should pass a health test.
A BBQ pit might have all the certification and right ambiance, but if the cuts are not as clean, then it is not worth it. Also, ensure the meat is from a well-bred animal as you might not want to offer your customers a very hard cut.
5. Decide on Type of Grill Service to Offer
Pitmasters have little prowess on how to start a BBQ business, but rather on the fine grills they do. Nonetheless, be different and learn both sets of skills. You will be required to research and know which grill service is popular within your area as well as which serves you well within your budget.
If you decide you are going for a gas grill or electric grills, evaluate the pros and cons of that. A charcoal grill, pellet grill or portable grills are some of the grills you can choose. These different grills offer different value to your final product and only you can decide.
6. Learn Where to Get Supplies
As we mentioned above, BBQ meat is sensitive to handle as it involves public health. Be keen on where you purchase your supplies and know if they meet the required standards. A small issue emanating from your suppliers is extended to your BBQ pit.
The supplies don’t only mean the meat, but also the rubs, the sauces, the grills, and other accessories. Knowing whom to call when your supplies run out is important for a starter.
7. Offer Variety and Specials
Always ensure you have that special cut for your customers. Surprise your visitors with the pitmaster’s special by continuously experimenting on the product you want. Clients are always looking for a variety of products and don’t prefer one monotonous menu.
You can alternate days for a different roast. Try setting a day for prime Ribs, pork chops, sirloin tip and any specialty you might think appropriate. This gives your customers a variety to look forward to.
8. Get the Sauces, and Get Them Right
Customers have different likes when it comes to BBQ dressing. As a pitmaster, you are supposed to strike a balance and develop a sauce mix that will keep your customers asking for more. The trick is to have a variety of BBQ sauces with different flavors so that your clients can make a choice.
Depending on the area you are setting your business up, pick a client’s favorite style of sauce. Available types of BBQ sauces include tomato-based, mustard-based, mayonnaise-based, and vinegar-based BBQ sauces. Research on which is a preference of your customers.
Let Your BBQ Business Thrive
Turn your love for all things meat with the above guide on how to start a successful BBQ business. You need to start small, plan your finances, and know where to source your supplies. Above all, ensure what you offer is of high quality while at the same time conforming to statutory requirements.
The biggest lesson you need to learn as you start your BBQ pit is handling food products. This is a sensitive undertaking and how you handle your food will determine how your customers handle your business.
