The Question Everyone Asks
The most common question we hear while planning an event: How much food do I actually need? Order too little and you run out; order too much and you've paid for leftovers. Here's the simple math we use so your event lands right in the sweet spot.
The Baseline: Meat Per Person
As a general rule, plan for 1/2 to 3/4 pound of cooked meat per adult. Which end of that range depends on a few things:
- Length of the event — a long reception trends higher.
- Time of day — dinner crowds eat more than lunch crowds.
- Your sides — the more (and heartier) the sides, the less meat you need.
- Your guests — a tailgate of hungry fans eats differently than a corporate lunch.
A safe default for most catered dinners is 1/2 pound per person when you're serving two or more sides.
Don't Forget the Sides
For catered BBQ, plan for two to three sides, at about 4–5 oz per side, per person. Crowd-pleasers that travel and hold well: mac and cheese, coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread or rolls.
A Quick Example: 100 Guests
- 50 lbs of meat (1/2 lb × 100) — often split across brisket, pulled pork, and chicken
- Two to three sides, about 25–30 lbs each
- Rolls or cornbread for everyone, plus sauces
Serving 100+? A buffet with two lines keeps things moving. Prefer something more formal? Plated and family-style both work beautifully with BBQ.
Or Let Us Do the Math
Portion planning is exactly what a caterer is for. Tell us your headcount, event type, and timing, and we'll build a menu that feeds everyone well with no guesswork — setup and cleanup included.
Ready to Plan Your Event?
Contact Station House BBQ today for a free consultation and custom quote