Calculating Pit Capacity for Your First Catering Bid

Some of our customers here at Lone Star Grillz come to us because they're ready to start cooking for a paying crowd.

It's a big step. In the backyard, if the brisket is 30 minutes late, you open another bag of chips.

In business, that delay costs reputation and revenue. So if you want to launch your own catering business, "Meat Math" is one of the strongest skills you can possibly develop.

How much meat do you actually need per person?

Plan 1 pound of raw, untrimmed meat per person. That will amount to ½ pound of cooked meat after trimming and smoking.

If you are serving multiple proteins (like brisket and pulled pork) you can usually split this since guests will take a little of everything.

If you're serving ribs, plan about 3 bone-in ribs per person.

How much meat will fit on your grill?

It depends on your LSG model. Our 24" x 48" offset smoker can handle up to 18 briskets.

Some of our customers want extra airflow and better heat distribution, so they underload the rig, choosing to stop at around 12 briskets instead. This will come down to your cooking style and personal preference.

How do you manage capacity for the "big three" services?

Party math changes depending on how you're serving.

• Buffet service? People eat more in a line, so add 10% to 20% more meat than you otherwise would.
  
• Plated catering? You control the portions, so you can stick to strict calculations that offer ½ per person.
  
• If you're doing pop out daily service you use your maximum pit capacity, because once the meat is gone, it is gone.

Why is the hold just as important as the cook?

In catering, you rarely serve the meat the second it comes off the pit. You need a strategy for holding meat at a food-safe temperature (above 140°F) for several hours.

A dedicated warming cabinet can be a lifesaver, but you can also put them in a cambro, in electric turkey roosters, or some other external holding solution.

Remember, catering is about predictability. You'll need an external holding solutions o you can finish your cook 4 hours before the event starts. This gives you time to clean the pit, pack the truck, and arrive at the gig without "meat stress."

Ready to grow your catering business?

Growing a catering business takes a lot of dedication and hard work. It also takes the right tools. Did you know you could get 18 months same as cash 0% financing with approved credit so that you can find the right grill or rig for your catering concern?

If you're ready to get started, head to our website and start shopping now! And remember, we're even happy to customize your grill with the name of your new business so you kick off your very first catering party just right.