BBQ Catering Tips For Large Groups: Throw Your Best-Ever Outdoor Party

Summer is here! The sun is out, temperatures are rising, and it’s finally time to fire up the grill.

If you’re a corporate company, hotel, or restaurant gearing up to host a sizzling BBQ catering event, you’ve come to the right place. There’s no denying the universal appeal of a perfectly grilled feast, and when it comes to serving large groups, nailing the art of BBQ catering is essential to ensure a memorable and successful event.

From the tantalizing aroma of marinated meats wafting through the air to the lively conversations around the grill, a BBQ catering event has the power to bring people together. However, serving a substantial number of guests requires meticulous planning, preparation, and execution.

As a caterer, how do you pull it all off? Keep reading for our best BBQ catering tips to find out! 

Part 1: Groundwork Tips

Catering a BBQ event requires some serious planning. Here are some helpful catering tips to get the event off to a great start!

1. Plan Your Menu

Curating a menu can be stressful, especially when it involves taking into account a variety of dietary restrictions and allergies. Do your research and ensure there’s something for everyone when designing your BBQ catering menu. Here are some tips you might find helpful:

• Simplify your menu by categorizing the dishes you’re cooking into meat entrees, salads, sandwiches, sides, and desserts.
• Don’t forget to add vegetarian and/or vegan options to your menu to ensure nobody is stuck without food! 
• Include a list of allergens in your menu to inform guests about the dishes.

2. Quantity Estimation

When it comes to BBQ catering for large groups, accurate quantity estimation is the cornerstone of a successful event. Balancing the fine line between ensuring everyone gets their fill and minimizing food wastage requires thoughtful preparation. Here’s a closer look at the key aspects of quantity estimation:

• Guest count analysis: Have a clear understanding of the number of attendees.
• Varying appetites: It’s always better to slightly overestimate the quantities to ensure everyone leaves satisfied.
• Time of the event: A midday BBQ event may require larger portions than an evening gathering.
• Type of event: Is it a corporate luncheon, a celebratory dinner, or a team-building activity? The purpose of the event can influence how much people are likely to eat.

3. Catering Equipment and Inventory Check

 Arguably the most important catering tip is to get your logistics in check. 

An inventory check will help determine what you need to add, remove, or replace in your current stockpile. Avoid over-buying things you don’t need.

As far as equipment goes, selecting suitable grills and smokers that are designed for large-scale events is vital. From large gas or charcoal grills, offset smokers, or even industrial-sized rotisserie setups might be necessary.

Depending on your menu, you might require specialized equipment such as searing stations, flat-top griddles, or skewer setups. This also includes stocking up on cooking accessories like tongs, spatulas, basting brushes, and temperature probes. These tools ensure precise cooking and help maintain the integrity of the dishes.

Related article: Essential Catering Supplies Checklist

4. Staffing and Service

Catering a BBQ event is not a small job, so make sure you enlist some help.

Hiring and training a skilled team to manage cooking, serving, and guest interactions will provide a seamless experience for everyone involved. Prior to the event, make sure staff is well-versed in the menu and can answer guest questions and provide recommendations.

Maintaining a courteous and attentive service throughout the event is key! 

Part 2: Event Day Tips

These are our event day BBQ catering tips to ensure all goes smoothly. 

1. Arrive Early To Set Up

Start by setting up your full-sized chafers, this is where you’ll place your cooked BBQ dishes, such as roasted chicken, pork ribs, and foil-wrapped baby potatoes. These containers are extremely effective at keeping pre-prepared food warm in order to maintain freshness. 

Don’t forget to set up a beverage station or bar at the BBQ. Make sure you’re supplying a wide range of drinks, from water to wine, depending on if your event space has its liquor license.

2. Waste Disposal

Implement a waste disposal system that encourages responsible waste management. Clearly labelled recycling and compost bins can minimize the environmental impact of your event.

Part 3: Post-BBQ Event Tips

You did it!

The final step of the BBQ catering process is to pack up and clean. No list of catering tips would be complete without clean-up best practices:

• Put any leftover food in reusable containers to reduce food waste
• Clean your grills and chafers
• Spray and wipe all tables

By the end of everything, you’re probably going to be tired. That’s normal, but don’t forget the importance of leaving your venue the way you found it. Always take the time to clean up your mess. Catering tips for beginners come in all shapes and sizes, but this one is non-negotiable and should never be overlooked! 

Get What You Need At S.T.O.P. Restaurant Supply

Ultimately, a successful BBQ catering event for large groups hinges on the efficiency and functionality of your equipment and setup.

By paying attention to these details, you’ll not only ensure smooth operations but also create an environment where your culinary team can shine and your guests can relish every moment!

If after reading these catering tips you’re feeling as though you’re short a few (or several) supplies, then you’ve come to the right place: the s.t.o.p. Restaurant Supply catalogue has what you need. As far as catering tips go, shopping at S.T.O.P. might be the best one we can offer.

If you’d like to learn more about BBQ catering supplies for large events, send us a message! One of our representatives will be happy to set you up for success.