If you’ve always dreamt of opening your spot, you might be interested in learning how to start a BBQ catering business. Does this sound interesting? If it does, you’ll find this article an interesting read.
Several benefits accrue to entrepreneurs willing to invest the time and resources in actualizing their objectives.
Here, we’ve included information on the many potentials accruable and, most importantly, the processes involved in starting or launching your restaurant operations. Let’s proceed with the discussion.
Make Money from BBQ Catering: Is The Business Right For Me?
The food service industry is quite broad, with lots of niches to choose from.
One of the first questions you must ask yourself is whether you’re well suited for starting or franchising a BBQ catering business.
Here, things like financial acumen, leadership abilities, customer service skills, a strong work ethic, passion for food & BBQ, adaptability, and a love for what you do.
So, do you have what it takes? If you possess these qualities, your chances for success are significantly amplified. That said, understanding the procedures for setting up a shop is paramount.
With this said, let’s proceed to other equally important aspects of our discussion.
Starting a BBQ Catering Business
Having decided to launch your own BBQ catering business, there are preliminary preparations to make to succeed.
These include researching the opportunity, creating or drafting a plan of action (your business plan), and meeting all permit and license requirements that differ by location.
Having a marketing plan for your business is also paramount.
It would be best if you also planned for future setbacks, as every business will encounter one challenge or the other along the way. Does your business BBQ business need staffing?
You may have to hire employees to assist with everyday operations. Also, make adequate preparations for insurance while exploring the option of joining a trade association.
i. Research the Business
Starting a BBQ catering operation is a serious business requiring correct information. Having access to the right information is only possible through research.
So, what exactly should you focus on when researching BBQ catering operations? The business has essential aspects, like your competition and target market.
You’ll need to explore areas like pricing, menu development, market analysis, financial projections, marketing, and promotions during your research.
If this sounds like a lot of work, you can hire the pros to get the job done. These include marketing consultancies, marketing research firms, or passing the responsibility to an in-house market research team.
ii. Drafting a Plan of Action
Every thriving business you see was made possible by a sound plan that was carefully implemented. A BBQ catering business is no different. A carefully written business plan needs to be in place.
The plan is the blueprint for success and must be religiously followed or implemented. Sometimes, adjustments are made along the way to cater to certain realities.
Your BBQ catering business plan must have essential components such as the executive summary and company description.
Other vital sections include the products & services, market analysis, strategy & implementation, organization & management team, and the financial plan & projection.
Expand on each of these sections to make your plan comprehensive and implementable.
iii. Obtain Relevant Licenses & Permits
Before starting a BBQ catering business, it’s important to note that specific licenses and permits are required. Now, the type you need will be determined by your location.
In other words, licenses & permits vary by location. While that is true, there are general types that are likely to apply to your area.
These include food service permits, sales tax permits, seller’s permits, fire & safety permits, and liquor licenses (if you’ll sell alcohol). You may need more permits for your operations, including health inspection, music & entertainment license, etc.
To know exactly what type(s) of permits are applicable, contact the local government offices nearest you.
Local chambers of commerce, industry associations, and the Small Business Association (SBA) are great places to find information on the types of permits required for a BBQ catering business.
iv. Marketing Plan
To have a successful operation, your BBQ catering business will need a marketing plan. This sets out tactics and marketing strategies aimed at attaining business goals.
You don’t need all the knowledge on writing a marketing plan; you can hire the pros to create one. However, you can research creating one to get things done yourself.
Hiring professionals for your marketing plan include business strategists, consultants, and freelance marketing professionals. You can also hire an in-house marketing team that creates ongoing marketing campaigns.
v. Plan for Future Setbacks
You cannot rule out setbacks when running a successful BBQ catering business, as these usually arise at different times or stages.
How well you manage such setbacks determines how successful the business becomes. Setbacks may range from equipment failure, inclement weather, pricing & cost pressures, stiff competition, economic factors, etc.
vi. Hire Employees
How do you want your BBQ catering business to run? Will you be the sole employee temporarily, or do you need more hands immediately?
This is a vital question you need to provide answers to before proceeding. If you’ve decided to hire employees, go for candidates with relevant experience and clearly define the job roles or responsibilities.
It’s not enough for candidates to present their credentials during the application. You are responsible for screening each candidate to ensure they have what it takes to fill the role or position.
vii. Obtain Insurance
To start your BBQ catering business, you must obtain all necessary insurance. There are different types you’ll need to get.
These range from property insurance, food liability insurance, worker’s compensation insurance, liquor liability insurance, commercial vehicle insurance, professional liability insurance, etc.
There are several reasons why getting insurance is necessary for your restaurant business. These include risk mitigation, protection of business assets, and also for purposes of credibility and professionalism.
Insurance also helps protect your reputation.
viii. Joining a Trade Association will Help
As a BBQ catering business owner, joining a trade association offers you a lot of privileges ranging from networking, insurance discounts, and access to industry resources.
Examples of these trade associations you can explore or join include the National Barbeque and Grilling Association (NBBQA) and the National Restaurant Association, etc.
Now you know where to start when establishing a BBQ catering business. By following the guide provided, you should be able to surmount any challenges that arise along the way.