Planning An All You Can Eat Party Buffet: How Much Food From BBQ Restaurants Do You Need?

If you're planning a party, one of the most important things is the food. Great food and drinks can make a party and there's no faster way to kill an event than with boring, or worse, not enough food. To keep your guests from leaving and heading straight to the closest drive through, consider having one of your local BBQ restaurants cater an all you can eat buffet. Your guests will leave happy, full and wondering if they'll be lucky enough to be invited to your next party.

All You Can Eat BBQ Ribs

All you can eat BBQ ribs are a hit with almost everyone. BBQ ribs are marinated and smoked until they're tender and can be individually enhanced with special sauces so each guest can customize their meal. They're perfect for a buffet because they don't require any work once they're smoked. However, ask that the restaurant cut the slabs into easily managed portions for your guests.

Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is another popular catering menu item for a barbeque party. Pulled pork is made from a pork shoulder that is seasoned and smoked until the meat is falling apart tender. The meat is then "pulled" or shredded. If you're offering your guests all you can eat pulled pork, set out buns and a variety of sauces. Some people even like their pulled pork sandwiches "Memphis-style," which means they'll put coleslaw on top of the meat.

Chicken And Turkey

Not everyone eats pork, so it's a great idea to have other options such as smoked chicken and turkey from your local BBQ restaurants. You can choose to have the chicken pulled for sandwiches or on the bone.

If you're expecting a lot of children at your all you can eat buffet, ask your BBQ restaurants to make something that's especially kid-friendly such as chicken fingers or macaroni and cheese. Some children are more adventurous eaters and will try pulled pork or ribs, but some will refuse. If you're unsure, don't feel afraid to ask their parents. The parents will appreciate that you took the time to think about their children's meal.

Don't Forget The Sides And Dessert

Side dishes from local BBQ restaurants include barbeque beans, corn on the cob, freshly made coleslaw, homemade macaroni and cheese, potato salad, cinnamon spiced apples and more. Consider adding a tossed green salad or some vegetables to your all you can eat buffet for anyone looking for a lighter meal.

Popular desserts that mesh well with a barbeque meal include homemade fruit cobbler with ice cream, pies and cookies. Ask around to different BBQ restaurants to see what their dessert specialty is and you'll be sure to get a treat that compliments the meal.

When planning an all you can eat party, it's important to order enough food. If you're unsure about how much food you'll need, talk to the catering manager at your favorite restaurant. They'll be able to help you determine how much to order per person to help ensure a successful event.

Chris Harmen writes for Sonny's Bar-B-Q, a chain of BBQ restaurants that offer BBQ ribs, pulled pork and more. If you're considering planning an all you can eat buffet, Sonny's catering can help.