OK, so what do I do now?

[Woodman]

Well, I've got my pit on order.Got myself pretty well outfitted to cook for about 250 folks. Got my costs established. Now I have several other questions:

1) How do I set this up business wise. Do I do a "Sole Proprietership' or "S-Corp" to avoid liability.

2) What type of insurance do I need and how much is it likely to cost (besides insuring the pit for theft or damage.)

3) Do I have to be a licensed caterer to get insurance?

4) How dificult is it to get a catering permit when cooking everything on site?

5) Anybody written a good book on it?

Thanks in advance for your help! I'd really like to be as legit as possible! :wink: Woodman

[snook]

Wood, If I were to start somewhere, I would go talk to someone in the health dept. Around here, they do all the inspections on food service. Might or might not be set up that way up there. Good luck. Have you sold your pit yet?

[bigwheel]

Well hope it dont apply to you of course but if you was in my neck of the woods number four would have to be answered as might near imposssible. All the big boy legal caterers cook it indoors in their fully equipped commercial commisary and bring it with em. Only exception I know being a temporary permit to cook and vend onsite near major holidays. That is why most of the caterers do not bother with getting legal.

bigwheel



Well, I've got my pit on order.Got myself pretty well outfitted to cook for about 250 folks. Got my costs established. Now I have several other questions:

1) How do I set this up business wise. Do I do a "Sole Proprietership' or "S-Corp" to avoid liability.

2) What type of insurance do I need and how much is it likely to cost (besides insuring the pit for theft or damage.)

3) Do I have to be a licensed caterer to get insurance?

4) How dificult is it to get a catering permit when cooking everything on site?

5) Anybody written a good book on it?

Thanks in advance for your help! I'd really like to be as legit as possible! :wink: Woodman

[Woodman]

Snook, haven't sold her yet, but haven't really marketed her either! Thanks, Woody

[Ed Embry]

I'm not a caterer, but I am in business for myself. Get thee to a CPA! Mine advised me to set up as a single person LLC. Good luck to you.

[Mac]

Woodcaterer,

As far as I am aware there are no perfect business set up solutions (Corporated, Incorporated, etc) that can eliminate ALL liability exposure. In most cases if the plaintiff can prove negligence they can collect. Insurance protection should be linked to the amount of Risk you are likely to expose yourself too. I would think that the worst case scenario would be someone who eats your cooking gets violently sick and/or dies provided the sickness/death can be linked to your cooking. Another thought is if a propane tank somehow explodes and hurts/kills someone. Workmans Compensation and general pit insurance may be other topics for you to consider. I would also suggest that you get a copy of the State/County/City laws and regulations that regulate what you want to do and use them as a guide for what you need to cover.

Lastly, spend some time with a good, experienced attorney who can give you the advice on what you need to know and the options that are available to you.

Just my 2-cents. :D :D

[Dirty Ron]

WM - we'll talk this weekend

[Anonymous]

Woodcaterer,

As far as I am aware there are no perfect business set up solutions (Corporated, Incorporated, etc) that can eliminate ALL liability exposure. In most cases if the defendant can prove negligence they can collect. Insurance protection should be linked to the amount of Risk you are likely to expose yourself too. I would think that the worst case scenario would be someone who eats your cooking gets violently sick and/or dies provided the sickness/death can be linked to your cooking. Another thought is if a propane tank somehow explodes and hurts/kills someone. Worker Compensation and general pit insurance may be other topics for you to consider. I would also suggest that you get a copy of the State/County/City laws and regulations that regulate what you want to do and use them as a guide for what you need to cover.

Lastly, spend some time with a good, experienced attorney who can give you the advice on what you need to know and the options that are available to you.

Just my 2-cents. :D :D

Mac,
I'd have you in my corner anytime. Kinda sad that you ain't closer so we could get into something like this together.

[Greathounder]

WM, sounds like you're getting real good advice. All I can add is:
1 Be brave
2 Believe in yourself
3 When you have a bad day, remember tomarrow is a fresh new day
Good Luck

[Woodman]

I'm just glad I have the knowlege that as long as I serve great BBQ made with Texasbbqrub, and Texas Pepper Jelly; I cannot help but make millions of dollars and be happy for the rest of my days on earth......and probably hereafter. Woody :lol:

[redneck cooker]

I think you need to Punt!!! It 4th and 10 :!: :shock: :shock: :wink: Cancel the new pit keep cooking on what you have so we can get some rest.....My Q brutha/sister :?: :!:

[Woodman]

Oh yeah? :roll: