Entertaining the Idea of Catering

[bigjonbbq]

Thinking about starting a small catering business this summer. Does anyone have any tips or pointers? Also, how strict are health codes/inspections for small time caterers?

My Main question at this time (which is why I put this in the pork section) is: Approx. how many pulled pork sandwiches can you make per pound of cooked pork shoulder/boston butt?

Thanks,
JT

 

[sumosmoke]

From what I've read, you'll be serving 1/3 lb. of meat to each person. The amount per pound that you'll get off a roast is a bit skewed as it depends on if the roast is boneless or not.

 

[slick4591]

I don't think small or large has anything to do with it. Food safety comes first. I know plenty of inspectors that will take their time and help you and hopefully you will have one of those. In my state it's not possible to cater out of your home legally, so you may want to check your area to make sure before you make a large investment.

Third of a pound is a pretty good estimate when figuring quantities for sandwiches.

Hope things go well for you!

 

[eaglewing]

It was talked about in here before that about 8 - 8lb Butts, or 64lbs of Butt will server about 125 sandwiches. There is a thread in here somewhere with some mild calculations that include 'shrinkage' but the conclusion was 64 = 125.

There is also a EXCEL BBQ spread sheet on portions and it can be found in the CATERING forums:

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/for...ad.php?t=71020


ALSO, I just got off the phone today with our STL County Health Dept.
I have all my STATE and FED ID and licenses and the HEALTH DEPT. has only one requirement if I plan on catering BBQ to any 'public'. I have to take out a PERMIT 10 days in advance, the permit is good for 14 days...

I cannot PREPARE any meat ahead of time at my home, ALL MEAT PREP has to be done ON SITE.
Meat cannot be cooled with coolers or ice, refrigerators only!!
As soon as I find the dam application I will know more, but for STL County, since I don't own a restaurant, then this is what I have to do for each 'public serving event' I want to cater.