Bbq custom cooking business

Does anyone have any advice for starting a Custom BBQ Catering business? I am in my early fifties and cannot find a decent job after being layed off in November 2007. My expertise and passon is cooking Texas Home Style BBQ. I've been in charge of large events at my church in the past, feeding as many as 300-400 people at a time.

My wife thinks I'm crazy but this is what charges my batteries.

I recently rented my RV for the weekend to someone that needed it for NASCAR weekend. While out at the track (which holds 100,00) I realized that many people might enjoy having BBQ specially catered.

Any ideas or suggestions out there?

I dont have any advise but it made my mouth water lol. Good luck. I would just do a little research on your area of business and see how much competition you have. Check out all of the insurance things you may need and advertise. It costs money but if you dont put it out there the people wont come.

bigmuma thanks for the advice. I need all I can get. I don't have a lot of money so I may have ot start semi-small until I can get some money made. I know that once I have a few events or parties behind me that referrals will naturally happen.

Food in general and BBQ specifically is what I know how to make that tastes good. I just have a knack for seasonings. I watched my mom cook everyday and I guess that is where I caught on.

I've always had a difficult time marketing things, so that is my biggest hurdle.

Thanks again for the advice.

Well I would maybe start out at some fairs or something like that just giving some samples of your cooking and give out flyers at the same time. Family occasions are a great way to get things going. If there is a party in the family offer to cook for free but they can pay for the meat. Seasoning are a good idea you could go into marketing those later on also. Your own brand. When people like a flavour and cant be bothered making there own they will buy trust me. Getting the flavour out there is your top priority and if your meats are as good as you say the business will pour in. If you want help to make up a flyer I can offer some ideas?