I need help making my BBQ perfect for takeout and delivery orders. Any advice?

[doodlydoobarbecue]

I'm starting a backyard BBQ business that's exclusively takeout and delivery orders. I'm planning on selling meal combos for 2 or 4 people for maybe $59 and $109 respectively (haven't decided yet and depends on what I include in the order!). My potential customers are mostly in a very wealthy neighborhood and want a really presentable and well thought-out, delivered meal.

I'm new to the business and hoping to get some advice on best practices for the following--

1. How should I optimize my smoking methods to taste and look best for takeout/delivery? For example, I'm thinking I shouldn't even try for crispy skin on my chicken because it'll soften by the time the customer eats it, etc.

2. Any advice on premium takeout boxes, etc. to make the delivered meal hold well and look great. I'm willing to pay $$$$ in packaging for each order to make this happen.

There's very little BBQ culture here and I really want people to like experience how good it feels to have a full tray of meats and sides in front of them--but I know this is really tricky when delivering the food. Especially since I'll need to separate hot from cold and assuming I'll need to individually wrap each meat option in foil.

Thanks for any help on any of the above!

 

[TNJAKE]

First I would get familiar with the rules and legalities for serving food. Insurance in case you are sued etc

 

[JckDanls 07]

I agree with Jake ... You'll will need to be licensed and insured for a venture like that ...

 

[doodlydoobarbecue]

I agree with Jake ... You'll will need to be licensed and insured for a venture like that ...

Thanks guys, I fortunately have those parts covered already.

I'm in Los Angeles, which has started a new program that allows people to sell meals out of their home kitchen (and backyard). My application is in and I'm just waiting on my kitchen inspection. Insurance is picked out and I already have the LLC, seller's permit, etc.

 

[JckDanls 07]

Well good deal.. You got the hardest part covered already ...

 

[bbqbrett]

I'm starting a backyard BBQ business that's exclusively takeout and delivery orders. I'm planning on selling meal combos for 2 or 4 people for maybe $59 and $109 respectively (haven't decided yet and depends on what I include in the order!). My potential customers are mostly in a very wealthy neighborhood and want a really presentable and well thought-out, delivered meal.

I'm new to the business and hoping to get some advice on best practices for the following--

1. How should I optimize my smoking methods to taste and look best for takeout/delivery? For example, I'm thinking I shouldn't even try for crispy skin on my chicken because it'll soften by the time the customer eats it, etc.

2. Any advice on premium takeout boxes, etc. to make the delivered meal hold well and look great. I'm willing to pay $$$$ in packaging for each order to make this happen.

There's very little BBQ culture here and I really want people to like experience how good it feels to have a full tray of meats and sides in front of them--but I know this is really tricky when delivering the food. Especially since I'll need to separate hot from cold and assuming I'll need to individually wrap each meat option in foil.

Thanks for any help on any of the above!

I am not in the business but toyed with the idea a while back. I am sure there are people on here who could help you out much better but I will give you some thoughts in any case.

For #1 I would think more information is needed. Are you just doing the chicken you mentioned or if not how many different meats\main dishes are you planning for a menu?

For a combination of #1 and #2 I would suggest visiting a restaurant supply store and getting some sample containers, delivery bags etc. From there you can then do some practice containers to see how you can present them. You might even post some pics on here for people to give some feedback if you want. You might want to consider some insulated carry bags to help keep warm food separated and warm.

 

[doodlydoobarbecue]

I am not in the business but toyed with the idea a while back. I am sure there are people on here who could help you out much better but I will give you some thoughts in any case.

For #1 I would think more information is needed. Are you just doing the chicken you mentioned or if not how many different meats\main dishes are you planning for a menu?

For a combination of #1 and #2 I would suggest visiting a restaurant supply store and getting some sample containers, delivery bags etc. From there you can then do some practice containers to see how you can present them. You might even post some pics on here for people to give some feedback if you want. You might want to consider some insulated carry bags to help keep warm food separated and warm.

Thanks for the response. I'm planning on serving 3-4 meats along with 2-3 sides and a dessert.

I've looked around a restaurant supply store, which was cool but a bit intimidating. I didn't buy anything due to the quantities required but I know some spots offer samples, so I may just start ordering some samples and experiment around.

Adding pics on here sounds like a good idea if the community is open to it!

 

[JLinza]

The first thought that came to mind, would be don't change to much, I would think if people are craving BBQ, they are thinking good ole traditional BBQ. Even if it's in a wealthy neighborhood. I would think people still want authentic cuisine. Presentation is a big part for sure, but sometimes simple is best. Just a thought

 

[jcam222]

I am curious as to what your expertise level for smoking and overall cooking is? Are there specific items you consider your specialty?

 

[Chasdev]

My best advice is to invest in a "holding oven".
You can cook briskets at your leisure and keep them at safe to eat temp for days.
In fact the meat will get more tender the longer you "hold" it.
ALL the players have them and it's the one thing I really really wish I had.

 

[paulgeorge]

I'm starting a backyard BBQ business that's exclusively takeout and delivery orders. I'm planning on selling meal combos for 2 or 4 people for maybe $59 and $109 respectively (haven't decided yet and depends on what I include in the order!). My potential customers are mostly in a very wealthy neighborhood and want a really presentable and well thought-out, delivered meal.

I'm new to the business and hoping to get some advice on best practices for the following--

1. How should I optimize my smoking methods to taste and look best for takeout/delivery? For example, I'm thinking I shouldn't even try for crispy skin on my chicken because it'll soften by the time the customer eats it, etc.

2. Any advice on premium takeout boxes, etc., to make the delivered meal hold well and look great? If you need assistance with delivery services, you can also contact the UberEats phone number for support. I'm willing to pay $$$$ in packaging for each order to make this happen.

There's very little BBQ culture here and I really want people to like experience how good it feels to have a full tray of meats and sides in front of them--but I know this is really tricky when delivering the food. Especially since I'll need to separate hot from cold and assuming I'll need to individually wrap each meat option in foil.

Thanks for any help on any of the above!

I’m excited to learn how to BBQ but have never used one before. Can anyone recommend a good BBQ to start with? I’m looking for something simple, ideally with charcoal, to get that authentic BBQ flavor for burgers and chicken. If you have any specific BBQ recommendations, I’d appreciate the links! I’ve searched for beginner guides to BBQs in the UK, but didn’t find much. Any other tips would also be really helpful. Thanks!