Q: Dear Dr. BBQ,
Need your 911 on how to find the proper business start-up planning resources to open my own smoke house. I find loads of equipment but nobody who talks about the business end. Please guide me in the right direction.
–Tim
A: Hi Tim,Cooking BBQ is just like any other business, and all the same rules apply. Start with a solid business plan regarding all the business issues, and where the money will come from and go to. You”ll also need to really evaluate the potential clientele. Just because your food is good doesn”t mean that the customers will all come when and where you want them too. You”ll need to react to what they want. You”ll also need to have a realistic budget for advertising. The big commercial equipment manufacturers will all help you setup your business, if you buy from them, and so will the bank if you borrow from them. To many the BBQ business looks very glamorous. They think that all you do is cook this artisan food and the guests come and get it before 4:00 so you can be home for dinner. Unfortunately it rarely works like that. In my experience, the restaurant business requires that it”s in your blood. There will never be enough money to justify it if you don”t love it. Good luck to you.–Dr. BBQ