Contests/Catering

Texman · Posted: Apr 17 2007 Post subject: Contests/Catering

We were curious as to how many caterers have participated in barbecue contests? We never have, nor do we plan to � just wandering.

G's BBQ · BBQ Super Pro Joined: 13 Sep 2006 Posts: 1641 Location: NV

I have done a couple of contests...and I might do a few more in the future, but after being in some, I have major questions on the judging aspect. These were mainly KCBS versions. Some of these contests have new judging classes held on the same weekend and they hold spots for the newbies, therefore I have seen high fluctuations in scoring. For example I got a perfect score for my chicken from one judge and a bad score from another (had to be a newbie). I used to think I needed some contest wins to validate my bbq, but all that matters to me now is the great response I get from my customers. I did very well in the 2 that I did, beating a lot of pros who do the circuit overall. I did have fun tho and did enjoy it (a lot of work)

marvsbbq · BBQ All Star Joined: 15 May 2005 Posts: 6186

I don't, simply because I feel I do not need the 'braggin' rights' that goes along with a win...I am a WINNER already. As Gordon said.... Our REPEAT customers tell us so!! After all they are the ones paing the bills and having us back for multiple events... Laughing

Besides, the contests are always during our 'busy' season where we would rathter MAKE $$$by catering rather than SPEND $$ by entering contests.. Wink

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BBQMAN · Posted: Apr 17 2007 Post subject:

I agree with both Marv and Gordon! Very Happy

However, contests are a lot of fun (and work) so we don't do many. They also coincide with our busy season.

We participated at the Big Pig Jig in Vienna Georgia in October of 2005. I feel it was of benefit to our business, was a great experience, and introduced us to some new techniques and some great people. We competed in all three pork categories, and it was a ton of work, not to mention expensive. We placed in the top third over all, not bad considering it was our first comp. and we had world class competition.

I look foward to our participation at MIM, primarily because it will be a lot more fun (for me) than the Pig Jig. We are competeing in seafood only, and will spend the rest of the time having fun! May is also the tail end of our busy season, so it will be a nice treat for us after busting our cans the last 8 month's. Very Happy

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Ranucci's Big Butt · Posted: Apr 17 2007 Post subject:

I do both. If I don't have a job and there is a contest around I am there. Fun to meet new folks, great to hand out flyers, write off as well, not to mention beating some southern boys in their own backyard!
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adolpho · Posted: Apr 17 2007 Post subject:

Doing contests when I can reminds me that cooking is a hobby I enjoy doing. Although it can get hectic around turn in, it's all fun up until then and afterwards.
Plus it gets my long gone competitive juices flowin' again.
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StarsandStripes · BBQ Fan Joined: 06 Mar 2007 Posts: 385

There is one in Canyon Lake on the 28th. Just a hop, skip, and a jump from you. 830-964-2224 for more info.

sseige · Posted: Apr 18 2007 Post subject:

It depends on what you classify as a contest. I would call them BBQ selling events with a contest stuck in somewhere for fun Cool

sometimes they have prize money along with a big thingie made out of wood and plastic Wink

most of the time you turn the prize right back around for next years entrance fee Crying or Very sad

I do some catering on the side and open my rig up for the spring at the farmers market and a drive through coffee shop before my season starts the end of may.
I will be doing one non selling contest this year for fun the L-P-QUE in Iowa for gassers.
As far as catering goes I would rather have a 3-5 day event to do that week and skip the catering all together I have much more fun and it pays much better Wink

I think you really have to love the sport of BBQ competition to go to comp after comp and pay to cook kinda like my beer league hockey team that I have to pay to play Crying or Very sad

lots of fun but man if I was good enough and young enough to get payed to play................
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tonyg · BBQ Pro Joined: 10 Feb 2006 Posts: 628

We're doing 3 contests this year...I enjoy them Very Happy

Tony

G's BBQ · BBQ Super Pro Joined: 13 Sep 2006 Posts: 1641 Location: NV

tonyg · BBQ Pro Joined: 10 Feb 2006 Posts: 628

Gordon,
R U that busy?? I'd love to trade you places if you are Exclamation

We have a pretty decent summer lined up, with a bunch on the horizon...We just enjoy the people and force ourselves to "make" time to do it Very Happy

Tony

G's BBQ · BBQ Super Pro Joined: 13 Sep 2006 Posts: 1641 Location: NV

tonyg · BBQ Pro Joined: 10 Feb 2006 Posts: 628

Thanks for your help