Wholesale BBQ

[BigQ]

Hopefully this isn't a stupid question and won't get ripped to shreds, but I don't know the answer...and that's why I'm asking

I know of one convenience store in my area that smokes their own bbq for sale out of their deli/hot foods counter. Most others do not offer bbq, I'm guessing due to time/equipment/resource issues. Do any of you sell to convenience stores (or even restaurants I guess) wholesale for them to resell to the public?

The immediate concern that comes to mind is the safe handling of the bbq. How could the c-store handle the meat to ensure the safety of the meat? What are other issues or concerns?

Thanks in advance,
BigQ

[Harry Nutczak]

To do something like that, you would need some major league permiting, and probably even and "EST. number, (the little number in a circle you see on packaged food products at the store) and daily inspections for a state meat processing plant inspector.

The health department and possibly the department of agriculture would need to be involved in licensing and daily inspections.
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[BigQ]

Harry,

Thanks for the quick reply.

I don't guess it would matter if the meat was delivered right off the smoker....well above 140 degrees?

Thanks again,
BigQ

[SoEzzy]

Other than the ability to sell a large amount to a single customer, who then has difficulties predicting sales and so making it viable, if you have large grocers in your area and you are licensed by the HD for road side vending, perhaps you could approach the store about setting up in their parking lot, on Fridays / the weekend?

That way you are your own boss, you cook as much or as little as you want, and when it's sold you go home.
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[BigQ]

SoEzzy,

That would definitely be an option...

What I was thinking with my question was how appealing fresh smoked Q would be to convenience stores to sell along side their burritos, corn dogs and chicken on a stick! If I went into a store and had my choice of the four, I'd take the Q everytime.

I was just thinking of this as a possible revenue stream in addition to any vending or catering.

BigQ

[SoEzzy]

I'd also take the Q every now and then too!

But the trouble really builds with the HD & Dept Ag having to be involved when you make a third party the middle man of any food transaction.

It helps keep the attorneys off your back and protect the customer, but my understanding is that the initial supplier foots the bill for the on site inspector every day you do business and cook / prepare food.

In my book that's another wage added to the cost side and instead of being a revenue stream, it's a revenue drain!

If I'm wrong, I hope someone will tell us that the cost is born by someone else?
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Here's a change Robert.

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[Texman]

Big O you have broad based marketing thinking when you said “C-Stores” with emphasis on the “s” – i.e. multiple stores, rather than a single location. Your thought path is economics of scale and a good one.

Health issues vary from Local, State and Feds. It might be wise on your part to talk to your local Health Dept. to get some thoughts and direction from them.

We are more familiar with the Feds in one section of our business, lots of requirements but well worth the oversight and regulations.

[BigQ]

Texman,

You are right that I was thinking in terms of multiple stores. While I might want to begin with a "test" store...the ultimate goal would be to sell to many stores.

BigQ

[daddywoofdawg]

I belive the dept of AG handles cooked meats.You might want to call or email them your questions and how and what you would need to do.
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[BigQ]

Thanks for the input guys. I've already talked to the HD about a couple of other things, but I forgot to run this scenario by them. I give them a call back and get some guidance from them.

Thanks again!
BigQ

[SmokinOkie]

[Pit Boss]

[quote="SmokinOkie"]

[Tantor]

There's a Q joint in Paducah, Ky that has expanded their empire to includ product for c-stores and groceries. I don't know how the cook and package at the cooker. They do wholesale 1# packages of PP and BBQ Baloney. I've eaten the product at some mom and pop c-stores and, while it's not fresh-off-the-cooker Q, it ain't bad. It's all vacuum packed and ready to go.