24 years old and starting a BBQ Dream of my own

RiskTakingPigsmoker · Joined: 29 May 2008 Posts: 8

Thanks for all the advice guys!!

ok heres my first issue:

my hood is 9ft by 58 inches. I am having a hard time finding the right smoker that will produce alot of BBQ and also fit under my hood. DHEC says i need 6 inches of front clearance so i have roughly 50 inches to work with. does anyone out there have a smoker/know of a type that that can fit under my hood and put out quality BBQ?

Thanks Guys!

Phillip

Poppa's PTL Club · Posted: May 31 2008 Post subject:

The best advice is right there; check out your competition and don't be afraid to steal their best ideas. Watch what sells well there and see what's selling and offer that.

As a long time BBQ consumer, I can tell you what generally works the best in my observations (what the most successful places seem to do):

Keep the meat selection simple (you can really suffer if you spread your menu too thin)

Put as much thought into the sides as you do the meat

Whether you think it or not, the public puts as much weight on the sauce as the meat; make sure you offer both a sweeter and a more vinegary sauce to cover your bases

Good luck!
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mattycamp · Posted: Jun 01 2008 Post subject:

BBQMAN · Posted: Jun 01 2008 Post subject:

I took a good look at your video (nice job!)

Looks like a high traffic area, and a nice location.

It did look small for indoor BBQ though, and was one of the reasons I suggested getting with your HD about what would fly there.

Is an outdoor BBQ "shed " and option for you?

There is a BBQ raunt here that is a converted Taco Bell location. No way no how was a smoker going to fit into that building. So they built an approved shed for their SP, and went to work.
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BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005.

RiskTakingPigsmoker · Joined: 29 May 2008 Posts: 8

yeah the outside smoker is going to be difficult. i am just at a stand still trying to figure this thing out!! i cant find the right smoker and i am running out of time! i have gone over and over with my hood and i am afraid of making the wrong choice. being that i am a new BBQ place i have no idea of what kind of quanity i will produce. anyway i hope and pray the i can figure this thing out!

Thanks!
Phillip

BBQMAN · Posted: Jun 07 2008 Post subject:

So you leased the building at the start of this thread and jumped right in.

Now we have issues with getting a smoker added to the site.

Where are you now with this project?

Have you contacted the HD to see what will/will not fly at this location?

From your video, I just don't see a commercial smoker fitting in there, but I may well be missing something?

From the sounds of it, an additional outdoor "cookshack" is in order?

I would imagine that if they (HD) approve that as an option, you will need to get the landlord to agree to the "improvements" and then get a plan and permits for the build from your town and/or county.

Actual material expenses should not be too bad, but you will want power and electric run to the shack. Know any contractors that owe you a favor?

Best of L.U.C.K to you, and please keep us posted on your progress!
_________________
BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005.

Bryce Crane · Posted: Jun 15 2008 Post subject:

Have you looked at the Southern Pride Smoke Chef? They are not wide smokers at all and can fit (i believe) about 15 butt or so at once. Set it and forget gas assist smoker...has a wood box for smoke. Call Southern Pride and tell them your dimensions like you've told us.

J.R's are great smokers.
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Herman · Posted: Jun 16 2008 Post subject:

Phillip
I have used a Southern Pride electric smoke chef (sc200) for 4 years with out any problems with the cooker-but I saw your price quote above and I need to tell you that the dealer in NC quoted me $5500 on a new unit about 3 months ago-I ended up adding a smoking tex 1500 cxld for about $2800 to go with my sp.- both units will give u great smoked bbq The size of the units would work under your hood

Herman

RiskTakingPigsmoker · Joined: 29 May 2008 Posts: 8

well i have decided to go with a cookshack 300 series. i hope that it will get me where i need to be! does anyone have any feedback on these units? thanks again!!