Hey Moose. I would agree if you are already going to school then finish that and then consider your options. I just started my bbq joint this past summer and continue to hone my equipment menu and processes. Doesn't sound like the best business plan but I plan on building it like I cook low and slow. If I were to start again I would do things in this order.
Without question the single most important thing is doing a business plan. Things like Start up cost, Financing. target market. Marketing, competition, Operation costs, suppliers, are issues that should be looked at in a business plan. I did do a business plan but I must say that I have the luxury of building slow because I am just doing it part time and there is no real competition where I am as far as BBQ goes. The reason is that BBQ joints are not a popular thing here yet in my part of canada so the client base must be developed slowly.Alot of people didn't know what pulled pork was when I started.
Once you have done this or as you develop your biz plan you can
1. Get a relatively set menu.
2. Get the rig and equipment that is going to allow you to prepare your food as efficiently as possible. including reheating
3. Get your coolers and freezer situation figured out.
4. Find a good location
Good luck and I hope this helps you a bit,