Category / In Our Restaurants

7
Oct

Catering Master Class

CateringMasterClass_WelcomeOnCue

Our two-day Catering Master Class session takes place each November. This class is designed for people who have completed the Business of Barbecue class or who have restaurant or catering experience. Mike and I, along with our 17th Street crew, and special guest instructors, lead a variety of discussions and demos designed to elevate best practices and help your catering business soar.

CateringMasterClass_AndyHusbandsSpecial guest instructor Andy Husbands, co-author of Wicked Good Barbecue and chef/owner of Tremont 647, will give several demos and impart wisdom and lessons learned from his many years in the business. In addition to being an incredibly skilled chef, Andy is a barbecue and grilling expert as well. He’s part of the IQue Barbecue team, winners of the 2010 Jack Daniel’s World Invitational Barbecue Cooking Contest.

CateringMasterClass_BaconMasonYou will learn how to price and execute catering jobs for maximum profit and customer satisfaction, and gather dozens of ideas to strengthen your bottom line.

We delve deep into the world of catering. Topics include:

  • Creating Specialty Meats
  • Signature Sides & Desserts
  • Developing Delicious Menus Priced for PROFIT
  • Purchasing, Planning, Pricing & Logistics
  • Staffing
  • Equipment & Decor

CateringMasterClass_BaconMason2Here are a few photos from last year’s event. Our signature sundaes ~ collards, layered with creamy grits from Jimmy Hagood’s Food for the Southern Soul, and garnished with pig candy.

CateringMasterClass_CheeseSandsTomato basil soup shooters with grilled pimento cheese wedges.

CateringMasterClass_ElevatorCrewThe OnCue classes are excellent team building events. At last year’s class, we were especially delighted to have the opening team for Shakers’ Smokehouse in Oakville, Ontario, Canada join us.

CateringMasterClass_EveryoneThis group represents Alaska, Florida, Canada, Massachusetts, Missouri, Indiana, Montana, Virginia, and northern Illinois. There are multiple sets of business owners in this group, three of whom are repeat attendees who brought staff with them to soak up barbecue culture and knowledge.

CateringMasterClass_PreppingBelly

CateringMasterClass_PorkBellyPork belly two ways ~ glazed and pastrami-brined and smothered with sauerkraut.

CateringMasterClass_Table

CateringMasterClass_AppSkilletSoul rolls displayed in Lodge Cast Iron.

CateringMasterClass_Table2 CateringMasterClass_Tray

CateringMasterClass_DreamBigRemember, it only takes two or three new ideas or bits of information to add thousands of dollars to your bottom line. This is an educational investment that will reap huge dividends.

To register for the 2015 Catering Master Class, to be held November 16–17, 2015, please click here.

We’ll be having a Legendary Barbecue class the day prior to the Catering Master Class. About half the class will attend both. Please click here for information and to register.

Photos © Curt Trammel & Two Doves Photography

 Follow our adventures in real time on Instagram and Twitter.
See lots of entertaining and barbecue ideas on our Pinterest boards.
And we post fun things on Facebook, too! 

13
Feb

Rent The Warehouse at 17th Street

17ST_WeddingCateringAD-2January and February are busy months for booking The Warehouse for weddings, reunions, fundraisers, and all sorts of celebrations. This is also where we hold our OnCue Consulting seminars, and Ken Goodman beautifully captured some details from our recent Whole Hog Extravaganza.

Warehouse_05Exposed brick walls and duct work with touches of warm wood and lots of twinkling lights make the room feel festive and welcoming.

Warehouse_07Showstopper. The table is designed with red ticking and solid tablecloths layered over black with a built-up display of natural wood, vintage items, and fresh flowers and greenery. An antique ladder, draped with tea-stained bunting, antlers, and greenery finished off this stunning display.

Warehouse_14You can rent a huge variety of decorative items from our extensive prop room. Becky Streuter, our catering manager, has quite the eye for collecting unusual pieces that will elevate your event and make it extra special.

Warehouse_01
Fresh salads on display.

Warehouse_08Cheeseboard with specialty selections and fresh fruit.

Warehouse_09Serving trays made from slices of wood and whiskey barrel staves.

Warehouse_10Smoked turkey sliders beautifully displayed on a cutting board, elevated by slices of wood.

Warehouse_06The large-scale lighted signs are removed for events that might not have a barbecue theme.

Warehouse_11Bulleit bottles repurposed as vases and shot glasses displayed in an upended wooden crate.

Warehouse_13Libations station. The bar area is constructed of whiskey barrels topped with an old door.

Warehouse_11Layers add interest. Burlap, wood slices, and fresh flowers in mason jars make simple, attractive centerpieces.

Warehouse_04Beautiful breakfast display. Inventive use of heirlooms, antiques, and fresh flowers.

Warehouse_02Vintage details. Cut glass plates, jadeite cake stands, and layered vintage linens.

Warehouse_03Fresh flowers from Twig in the Murdale Shopping Center.

Call 618-684-8902 to schedule an appointment to see our event spaces and plan your party! We’ve gathered lots of ideas on our Pinterest page to help you plan a beautiful celebration.

Read more about The Warehouse, along with other Southern Illinois venues, in this informative post by the Makanda Inn.

Photos ©Ken Goodman.

Keep up with us!
Follow our adventures in real time on Instagram and Twitter.
See lots of entertaining and barbecue ideas on our Pinterest boards.
And we post fun things on Facebook, too!