Top 5 things to think when creating a Kosher BBQ competition.

Here are five key things to think about when planning your kosher BBQ event:

1. Format

A kosher BBQ event can take many forms.  The format will dictate your much time and money is needed to for a successful event.

Here are some example formats:

Basic organization picnic: 

This is your basic organizational event with hotdogs, hamburgers, and bouncy houses for the kids.

High-End BBQ Bash:

This is taking your basic organization picnic to next level. You will want to bring in a professional pit master to produce top notch smoked meats and party planner to take care of the finer details. This is can be dressed up to act as an elegant fund raiser.

Best Burger/Steak:

A basic competition and a terrific addition to encourage engagement for your basic organization picnic. Requires only basic equipment and willing backyard cooks.

1-Meat Smoke Off:

A more serious long format competition such as “Best Brisket” that requires more time and more significant equipment.

Full 4- Category Competition:

The ultimate format that takes place over a span of 16 hours and is often sanctioned by an external judging organization such as the Kansas City BBQ Society.

Prizes and Recognition

Regardless of your format make sure to recognize the people who help make your event a success. Cash prizes are always a nice way to attract teams to your competition. This is a great opportunity to try and work with a sponsor. If your sponsor is unwilling to provide a cash prize, see if they can provide a BBQ themed in kind donation such as a grill or smoker. If you can’t provide a cash prize or an item of significant value consider providing trophies. Trophies don’t need to be very large or elaborate, but try to avoid the small “participation” sized trophies.

Regardless of if your event has a competition component or not, do not forget to publicly thank your volunteers on the day of the event. If your organization has newsletter that goes out on a regular basis that is another great opportunity to let your volunteers know how much you appreciate all their hard work. Also, providing free event t-shirts to your competitors and your volunteers is great way to show your appreciation and create a team of walking billboards to promote your event.

2. Costs and Income

A kosher BBQ competition can be expensive to run but can make money if run properly. Some costs to keep in mind include:

While you can bring in some funds from team registration and spectator gate fees, sponsorships are a big help. For more information on sponsorships see our Sponsorships page. Also, consider additional attributes that can help bring in money such as an arts and craft fair, food vendors, and childrens’ activities. While selling tasting tickets is a way to bring in additional funds we don’t usually recommend it as it complicates things for the teams competing and often runs afoul of local health codes.

3. Location

Make sure your location is large enough to for the competitors, judges, and any other activities you plan to have. Paved surfaces are idea in case it rains as BBQ competitions are rain or shine events. If your location has running water and electricity for the team competing that is a huge plus. Many competitions take place over night. If that is your plan make sure your location can accommodate it. Also, check if your location requires private security. And don’t forget about bathrooms and parking.

4. Equipment

Kosher BBQ competitions often provide a full set of kosher cooking equipment to teams to ensure kashrut standards. Optionally you can provide other equipment like tents, tables, and chairs but that will significantly add to your cost, so we don’t recommend it. Some competitions also provide meat and other ingredients, although with proper controls your teams can bring their own supplies. Buying your own equipment can be expensive and storing it from year to year may require space you do not have. Ask us how we can help with that.

5. Staff

It takes a village to have a successful event. Volunteers are great, especially on the day of the event but having someone who is a paid employee from your organization who is available during business hours to coordinate things goes a long way. An existing employee such as an administrative assistant, office manager, director of development, or executive director is an ideal candidate for this responsibility.

How can we help:

  • Our team can provide guidance based on years of experience as both competitors and organizers to help you decide which format your event should follow and how to make it successful.
  • We can provide access to Kosher certified equipment to help get your competition off the ground.
  • We can provide technical support to help get your competition’s website and social media up and running.