Enjoying the great outdoors is something that most people love to do, whether it is taking a stroll, partaking in more adventurous pursuits or simply catching up with friends. The outdoors provides the perfect backdrop to bolster spirits and create a carefree atmosphere. Parties, el fresco style, are always a big hit and can also be big earners. Barbecues and hog roasts offer an ideal way to cater for your guests in a location that is friendly, relaxed and is overall much more sociable. Whether catering offsite at a private function or opening up your own outside space at your business premises, BBQ’s can offer a simple, yet quirky alternative to the usual hum-drum of normal catering spreads.
Choosing the right BBQ, hog roast and outdoor grill equipment for your needs is essential. You need to take into account what form of fuel is best suited to your requirements, along with how much space you have to situate your units. Portability will also hugely sway which BBQ is perfect for you. Ideally, the best way to begin your search is to jot down your criteria; gas, electric, charcoal; folding or rigid; overall size etc. This is obviously personal to you and will be affected by your intended use. Planning to hire your services for offsite catering jobs? If so, portability is the key. Using the BBQ at your restaurant? If the answer is ‘yes’ then you can be much more flexible with your choices.
Once your equipment possibilities have been shortlisted, the final decision will be made easier by relating your intended menu offerings with your selected units. Of course, there are the usual items such as burgers, hot dogs etc., but how about offering fish, steaks and uniquely created kebabs. Side orders such as corn on the cob, jacket potatoes etc. are also an option. Get creative with sauces and garnishes to add a special something extra that will perfectly compliment your main items. By differentiating your BBQ range from the normal ‘run of the mill’ fare, you will be able to fall nicely into a ‘higher grade’ BBQ niche. A little creativity will prove that ‘BBQ’ doesn’t automatically mean fat, grease and stodge.
Obviously the preferable BBQ-ing weather involves sunshine and let’s face facts, this commodity is not always guaranteed. Don’t let this minor fact derail your plans. Providing coverage, such as gazebos and marquee’s can still offer an ‘outdoor’ atmosphere whilst also shielding guests from the elements. Due to the unpredictability of the climate, these measures may not always be sufficient in all cases, especially when faced with a torrential downpour or a gale force wind. Don’t despair! Your alternative catering ideas needn’t be pushed to one side. Consider a hog roast as an indoor catering option. Quick and easy to set up and still offering a twist to an otherwise normal function, hog roasts can be a profitable replacement for a planned outdoor BBQ. Spit roasting equipment allows you to prepare succulent meats with the added extra of being an eye-catching backdrop to the proceedings. A hog roast will always create a talking point and can be extremely festive when used throughout the winter season.
Taking alternative routes in regard to catering functions can easily set your business apart from the crowd and can build a service that offers something unique and creative. Choosing the right equipment combined with the creativity of your concept and dishes will attract the attention of potential customers and therefore your potential profits.