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milt BBQ Super Pro

Joined: 09 Oct 2006 Posts: 1233 Location: June-OCT N.Y. Nov-May FL
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Posted: Dec 30 2008 Post subject: |
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BBQMAN wrote: | milt wrote: | I use an old camera tripod works well and holds up
on a windy day.
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Great idea, and it folds up nicely too!
I have a heavy duty one attached to my telescope (that rarely gets used).......................... |
Know what you mean, don't use mine much anymore now
that the neighbor closes her blinds.  _________________ Curt
www.kissmybuttsbbq.com |
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chef_hog BBQ Fan

Joined: 07 Sep 2006 Posts: 263 Location: Middletown, DE
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Posted: Dec 30 2008 Post subject: |
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Mike did you get my message about the Publisher files for the menu? This is what I did with my menu for the trailer. Had them done at Kinkos 11 x 17 and laminated then to hang them I use some velcro tap so they are easy on easy off cost was about $40 and they are very easy to read. |
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BBQMAN BBQ Super All Star

Joined: 13 Jun 2005 Posts: 15475 Location: Florida
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Posted: Dec 30 2008 Post subject: |
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chef_hog wrote: | Mike did you get my message about the Publisher files for the menu? This is what I did with my menu for the trailer. Had them done at Kinkos 11 x 17 and laminated then to hang them I use some velcro tap so they are easy on easy off cost was about $40 and they are very easy to read. |
Thanks Steve, I don't recall...............pretty good memory (like a steel trap), but rusty at times!
If you could send again please it would be much appreciated!
It's not often (but it does happen on occasion) that I have a total blank on ideas! _________________ BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005. |
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BBQMAN BBQ Super All Star

Joined: 13 Jun 2005 Posts: 15475 Location: Florida
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Posted: Jan 05 2009 Post subject: |
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We start back at this location tommorrow.
I plan on giving it another 4-6 weeks to shape up into something profitable.
I am currently looking at other locations.
The best thing about the current economic situation is that I'm mobile, and not tied down to a permanent location.
Being on wheels is a big plus................................ _________________ BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005. |
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BBQMAN BBQ Super All Star

Joined: 13 Jun 2005 Posts: 15475 Location: Florida
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Posted: Jan 09 2009 Post subject: |
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We had 28 patrons on Tuesday, and 23 today.
I'm officially done at this location, and will be actively looking for another next week. _________________ BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005. |
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Texman BBQ Pro
Joined: 19 Oct 2005 Posts: 831 Location: Del Rio, TX
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Posted: Jan 09 2009 Post subject: |
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BBQMAN wrote: | We had 28 patrons on Tuesday, and 23 today.
I'm officially done at this location, and will be actively looking for another next week. |
Well at least you have wheels.
I always wonder why one may not click especially with what you had to pull from. I have no doubt that you will not find a location that clicks!
Have you entertained having two seperate locations, for each day, rather than just depending on one? |
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BBQMAN BBQ Super All Star

Joined: 13 Jun 2005 Posts: 15475 Location: Florida
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Posted: Jan 09 2009 Post subject: |
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Actually yes I have Texman.
What I'm hoping for is a location that will provide both a lunch crowd and interest in take-out dinners for those whom are too busy to cook.
Most of my rib sales at the market down town are "to-go".
It's also difficult to find a location where the tenant is willing to let you set up in the first place, and that if they are amicable don't want an arm and/or leg for the privilege of being there......................... _________________ BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005. |
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Jerk Pit Master BBQ Super Pro

Joined: 09 Mar 2008 Posts: 1069 Location: Orlando, FL
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Posted: Jan 09 2009 Post subject: |
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Mike, sorry the location didn't work out. That's pretty amazing considering your location, support, rig and food.
You situation brings back bad memories of when I first got my trailer 3 years ago and did some parking lot vending. Can you believe with 35K cars passing per day, I had a $25 day once. Best day was probably $800, but half of that was a catering order. Worse yet, I was paying rent on the spot, which at some point I decided to forfeit as it wasn't worth my time.
The key I think is foot traffic or a really large office complex. What's your take? |
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Wkdforit BBQ Fan

Joined: 16 Apr 2007 Posts: 104 Location: North East, Mississippi
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BBQMAN BBQ Super All Star

Joined: 13 Jun 2005 Posts: 15475 Location: Florida
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Posted: Jan 09 2009 Post subject: |
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That is really a cool video, thanks Wkdforit!
Jerk Pit- I'm not really sure what makes something take off with our current economy.
I have thought about setting up down by the Gandy Causeway- the traffic volume is huge there.
There is a industrial area not far from where I am now that has a very large captive audience, but I'm not sure if there is a spot I can set-up.
Roadside is a very new adventure for me, so I'm still learning as I go! _________________ BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005. |
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Jerk Pit Master BBQ Super Pro

Joined: 09 Mar 2008 Posts: 1069 Location: Orlando, FL
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Posted: Jan 09 2009 Post subject: |
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Great video.
That was exactly my plan with the trailer, but finding locations for a large trailer, especially in the high foot traffic downton areas is virtually impossible, or at least that is what I thought. This guy obviously overcame that obstacle and his trailer is huge. |
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marvsbbq BBQ All Star

Joined: 15 May 2005 Posts: 6186
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Posted: Jan 09 2009 Post subject: |
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Jerk Pit Master wrote: | Great video.
That was exactly my plan with the trailer, but finding locations for a large trailer, especially in the high foot traffic downton areas is virtually impossible, or at least that is what I thought. This guy obviously overcame that obstacle and his trailer is huge. |
Here is Red's menu with pricing, locations on any given day and a phone number...Maybe you could call them and see how THEY do it???
http://www.redsbarbeque.com/daily.htm |
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BBQMAN BBQ Super All Star

Joined: 13 Jun 2005 Posts: 15475 Location: Florida
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Posted: Jan 09 2009 Post subject: |
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I can't see that working out in either downtown St. Petersburg or Tampa for any number of reasons.
The downtown St. Petersburg Wednesday Market was a bomb due to location and unwilling patrons.
There is also a hotdog vendor on just about every corner!
I'm still hoping for a profitable semi-permanent location.
Like our Saturday Morning gig, I have found that continuity helps sell- if people know you will be there they will come.
Reds evidently does very well with his method though..................... _________________ BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005. |
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marvsbbq BBQ All Star

Joined: 15 May 2005 Posts: 6186
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Posted: Jan 09 2009 Post subject: |
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I think the reason Red's concept works is because people know they will only be in that spot ONCE a week so they better darn well get there or...eat at the corner hotdog stand....again  |
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Oregon smoker BBQ All Star
Joined: 07 Nov 2006 Posts: 6246 Location: Portland, OR
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Posted: Jan 10 2009 Post subject: |
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Quote: | Reds evidently does very well with his method though..................... |
i think he does very well, pretty obvious to me. it seems to be that you dont want to be all that mobile even though you have a set up that is built to be mobile. i understand moving from spot to spot every day makes for more work but you have to chase the money and if your not willing to do that then dont complain. |
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BBQMAN BBQ Super All Star

Joined: 13 Jun 2005 Posts: 15475 Location: Florida
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Posted: Jan 10 2009 Post subject: |
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Oregon smoker wrote: | Quote: | Reds evidently does very well with his method though..................... |
i think he does very well, pretty obvious to me. it seems to be that you don't want to be all that mobile even though you have a set up that is built to be mobile. i understand moving from spot to spot every day makes for more work but you have to chase the money and if your not willing to do that then don't complain. |
I'm not complaining, just sharing the experience (my own) with you all.
As stated previously, there really are not many options to do that where I'm at (back to the sticky on "where you live, and how it affects your business").
This spot was not intended to be my final "home", but if it had become profitable I would have stayed on for that one day, and perhaps tried another location (like I'm going to do now anyway) to do something similar.
Continuity is also an issue, and having people rely on you every day (or every other day) for their lunch is a good thing to develop.
We have a few others here that do roadside, but none that do it (currently) like Red.
And, as mentioned, that is a great idea.......................................
But, once again, my goal is not to do this as a full time part of my business. Just as filler for off days and so that my right hand man can make a steady buck.
My intentions were not from the beginning (and still are not) to become the king of roadside Q in my area!  _________________ BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005. |
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Brian Briggs BBQ Pro

Joined: 25 Dec 2008 Posts: 556 Location: Port St Lucie, Fl.
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Posted: Jan 10 2009 Post subject: |
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Looks like I may become a sales rep for a company soon and St Pete is in my area. Guess I will have to hunt ya down one day and try some Q. |
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BBQMAN BBQ Super All Star

Joined: 13 Jun 2005 Posts: 15475 Location: Florida
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Posted: Jan 10 2009 Post subject: |
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Brian Briggs wrote: | Looks like I may become a sales rep for a company soon and St Pete is in my area. Guess I will have to hunt ya down one day and try some Q. |
If you are going to be in the area, please let me know beforehand and I'll let you know where to find us.
As always, ringers eat on the house!  _________________ BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005. |
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