Marketing a small Barbecue Business

I got this e-mail this morning which motivated me to write a response that may help others.

Hi Tom, I know you from facebook, and wanted to email you. I own and operate a small bbq catering company called Tiny's Bar-b-que and we are located in central, PA. (near penn state U.) We are fully licensed with the state and insured as a mobile food service, We operate out of a fixed up salvation army canteen truck along with two mobile smokers. I always seem to struggle marketing our business, We don't have much of a budget for advertising. We relay mostly on word of mouth, which has been working, but would like to get our name out there more. I have no other prior business experience, and the catering extends from my passion for bbq and competition bbq. I think we could greatly benefit from your knowledge and information you have to offer. We also have our own bbq sauce we get bottled and sell when we are vending, I just really need help on marketing. How to go about approaching companies about doing company parties, picking a location to setup roadside, getting our sauce into small stores, etc. Greatly appreciate any info you could share, Your book sounds very interesting. and I enjoy reading your post on facebook. If there is a way that you could help me with some info, let me know and I'd greatly appreciate it, Take care and have a great thanksgving holiday.

My response.........

Thanks for asking me about Marketing. In your e-mail you gave me a lot of questions I can start writing about on my blog which is a good thing.

So far you have the hardest part worked out--You are legal with the food police. Congratulations! That is something I have not accomplished.

I assume your food is competition quality. If so there is another major accomplishment for you. It's really a trick to have good food all day when sales are slow.

On the marketing side I will give you two ideas today and promise more to come as time permits.

Visit your local Harley Davidson dealership and talk with their marketing director. Offer to put your BBQ truck at the dealership every Saturday and other days when they have events. Most HD dealerships have events to give their customers someplace to go (a ride reason). Ask to attend their HOG meetings (I think you can even if you do not ride). HOG = Harley Owners Group. Ever dealership has a active HOG chapter. After a while these people will accept you. Then you can go on rides with them and be their personal meal provider. Many opportunities will open up for you when you connect yourself with motorcycle groups.

Find a local farmers market you can set up for a reasonable price. Be prepared to sell lots of food to go in bulk. Example a pound container of pull pork bbq for $7. You will also sell food consumed there too. Add a good hot dog to your menu if you do not have one. When I was going to the Farmers Market I was selling $200 to $250 an hour. The market was small and only lasted three hours on Wednesday and Saturday. After you go several times you will develop regular customers who will buy the same amounts each week. You will also get catering opportunities you never expected.

I found both places will also give you very important eye to eye contact with your customers. You will come to understand fast if you are producing the right food. Same people buying same thing over and over = success!

My facebook page (search ncbigtom if we are not now friends) has lots of pictures taken at both places to give you more ideas. I approve all friend requests and will follow every person that follows me on Twitter at Grillzillabrand.

Let me know if I have helped you grow your business. Remember, millions are counting on you to be successful so you can pay more taxes!