All our pricing is based upon services being performed at or near the gate of the truck & trailer, on a bright Cheery Sunny day!      Anything significantly differing from the layout in this image, or the following four images, will result in "Unusual Logistics" charges.     Depending on the host's preparedness, Rainy Events can add more work and costs (Discussed Below). 

Our preference for the work are is flat, level paved surfaces.    Stone or grass surfaces will work too, although Grass may get scorch marks from the hot grates of the roaster upon cleanup.      Dirt surfaces will work if they have to, but there's a dust factor.    (Sandy and Muddy surfaces are the worst, and will result in extra charges).     

 Note that the truck isn't "parked in" by your guests, so we can depart with ease.    (No particular truck/trailer maneuvering issues, or car owners to find at job's end).    The setup is very close proximity to a water hose connection and an electrical outlet.  (Electric required only if job starts or ends in the dark, Water is ABSOLUTELY REQUIRED at all jobs).  

We DO NOT unhitch the truck from the trailer because they are a "unit" that combines to support your job, accessed constantly.    If we're forced to do this, there will be an "unhitching charge". 

On occasion, we're asked to serve to indoor locations, but we don't advise it unless inclement weather forces it as a work-around.   Examples are a Church, a School, Firehouse, or a Clubhouse.    Pig Carving can be a messy operation, resulting in fallen bits of food, and grease spillage.    The use of commercial kitchen apparatus can be a plus though, particularly for dishwashing.  

Here's another Standard Driveway setup in the Princeton area.     This one worked out well, in that we had some rain that day.   We moved the entire serving line into the garage.  

Once again, an excellent setup for us.   This was down in the Toms River area, at a Beach House.   We parked right on the street.   Everything was set up adjacent to the trailer.    At job's end, we rolled right out.     Please note that we always try to arrange the equipment so that guests are not encouraged to come into the cooking zone. 

Just a different perspective of an optimum configuration.  Tough to see, but at the very left of this picture, you can just make out the poles from the 20x30 party canopy.  That canopy was used to protect the food line, and tables/chairs for guests.    Had it rained, I would've pulled out the EZ-UPs from the trailer to cover our carving table.

  Since may people don't have long, wide driveways, a very acceptable solution is to park in the truck/trailer in the street as shown here.   If we're allowed to set up in the front yard or driveway, then the logistics are very easy for us.   We love that we can just pull away at job's end, without chasing down guests to move their cars.      Advantage to this is that you maximize the use of your available space..which could be a factor for smaller yards or yards with pools.     Your backyard can be dedicated to guest seating, bars, and foods that you serve yourself.    Be advised, the roaster cleanup can be a little loud and smokey.   So the farther away from guests, the better.      The only thing I disliked about this particular setup is that guests had no choice but to walk between our setup and the trailer.   Not every situation is perfect. 

UNUSUAL LOGISTICS

When the serving area is "split" from the trailer/roaster, "Unusual Logistics" Charges apply.  The added task loading is dependant on the distance of separation, and the menu package selected.       In this scenario, the truck/trailer is in the driveway, but the serving line is up a flight of steps.  We didn't have to hire an additional person, but the task loading on the two staffers was greater than normal...which means they get more money for their efforts.   

Here's another "Unusual Logistics" situation.    Due to the incline, we simply could not back the trailer up into the driveway without the hitch bottoming out and either leaving deep scrapes, or actually destroying the driveway.   (Although I have some tricks, this situation does alter the plan from time to time!).    Our alternative arrangement was to park in the street..   The equipment had to roll thru a passageway to the backyard.     With our red cones, we reserved a load-out lane in the driveway to move the equipment (which the band, the DJ, and the keg movers appreciated).     You can just see the white trailer in the upper right of the panorama shot, to give an idea of the proximity to the serving area.    We still had only 2 people on this job, but they worked much harder than normal, so they should get a little more pay.  Note the lighting, as this was a late season job, with load-out in the dark.     This is an example of an Unusual Logistic situation that presented itself onsite.   In extreme cases, we may have to pull in additional resources to support the job, and those costs would be added to the final bill.

Tougher Unusual Logistics!    The roast took place at a majestic old lake home which had a scenic, sloping multi-tiered backyard, with a gorgeous view of the lake.  It was the perfect setting for the party and pig presentation.    However, due to the logistics of the yard, the roaster and backline support had to stay up in the driveway near the trailer.      The layout forced us to hand-carry a ton of gear thru a gate, down a narrow path, down a few levels of patios/steps to the backyard....and back out again at jobs end.     Of course, it rained a little, which forced a set of EZ-UP canopies too.     Myself and my assistant had our butts kicked on this job.      If I was to do this one again, I'd have hired a third person, and passed that cost to the client.   This also improves safety, as a staffer can stay with the roaster so kids or guests can't get hurt.     (This was actually the nightmare job that spawned the whole "Unusual Logistics" charges arrangement, and made me realize that I need to take logistics far more seriously than I did up to that point!!).    You can now see why I reserve the right to charge "Unusual Logistics" fees.   I'd easily tack on another $250 for this job, just to pay for the extra person.      A similar job in the Lake Mohawk area had the truck/trailer/roaster in the street at the top of the hill, and the serving area down by the lake. This was a very steep hill.   It took two extra staffers to move everything back and forth, and we were all sore for a week.

   Here's an example of one of the "worst" unusual logistics situations we ever had to deal with (so far)!!!     This was a wedding in a Condo farm in Secaucus.  Due to (aggravating) Condo Association rules, the roaster/truck/trailer had to park in a back lot (Image on the left).   And the Serving line was done at the Condo Clubhouse (Image on the right).    These pictures don't really give you a great appreciation for the distance between the two zones, but it was roughly the distance of 2 tennis courts.    Several flights of steps precluded a "direct roll" of handtrucks and dollies.   This forced an additional pair of crew members AND one of my "higher end" crew chiefs to be in charge of the other zone, for food safety reasons.    The job proceeded well, thanks in part to a magnificent day.   Had it rained, it would've been an even bigger nightmare.   The client had to bear the excessive Unusual Logistics charges, which can enter the $500 range very easily.     When this type of job presents itself, I'll usually ask you to send digital pics.   If I still don't get the idea, then I might do a site survey.    A "plus" was the use of the Condo Clubhouse Kitchenette to wash dishes and heat up the baked beans.    Generally, if it can be done, we'll figure out how to do it.   Might have to throw money at it, but we can get it done!  

I've yet to do a job where the serving line and roaster zone are separated by a "driving distance".  That would easily force "shuttle" vehicles, higher end crew chiefs,  and lots of extra manpower.   I'd still do it, but you can save a lot of money by hosting your event in a more supportive place.   

INCLEMENT WEATHER/ LOGISTICS

OVERVIEW

As mentioned above, pricing is based on the event being done within 50' of the truck/trailer, on a bright sunny day.    When Inclement weather hits, the client's advanced planning plays an extremely large role in the success of the event.    Some clients take rain seriously, and are well prepared with professional canopy rentals.   The clients who DON'T do advanced planning, or arrange for canopy rentals, essentially thrust much more work on us.      (That "work" is:   Tent Handling (setup, breakdown, carrying, and canopy top drying back at home).   Additional task loading onsite, requiring more Manpower.   Additional Vehicle to haul the rain equipment.).      In the past, we absorbed these costs.   Not anymore. 

We ask that the host assume all responsibility to provide rain cover for the food serving line and carving table.       If this is a once-in-a-lifetime event, take the possibility of rain completely seriously!    Have a Rain plan.   Go the Extra mile. 

Professional Rental Canopies work best.    Large Open Garages, Workshops, Out-Buildings, Gymnasiums, Fire House bays, All Purpose Rooms, Pavilions, etc, all can be made to work.      See images below for better guidance and discussion.    Such "Plan B's" may force additional manpower due to the new "Unusual Logistics".      The additional manpower, if deemed necessary, will be billed to the host.   

EPPO provides, at no charge, one 10x10 EZ-UP canopy dedicated to the roaster operations.      We can also provide rain protection for the food serving line, but that will be done so at an additional cost to the host.   The Pricing Pages touches on what those costs may be.

“EPPO rain coverage flat fee” can be offered  at the time of contracting.    If it rains, we'll set up our canopies to properly support your event, and will not bill you for any additional charges or manpower, even if it exceeds the costs normally charged.      This package is only offered during the contracting phase, and NOT offered at the last minute.    At the last minute, the billing will be at the full rates!

We operate Rain or Shine.     Detailed policies are in place for host cancellations and postponements as a result of inclement weather.    Also, when the rain comes, "Decor" is the first thing to go.   I know you may have had your heart set on some particular setup, and believe me, I'll *try* to make you happy.    But there comes a point where we need to salvage the event.   And that may force "The Eddie Way".   Just suck it up and work with me.   We'll get thru it.
 

RAINY LOGISTICS

EDDIE'S RECOMMENDATION:    (If you don't have access to alternate permanent structures), Professional Party Canopy rentals are the way to go!     This particular client did not cheap out.    They contacted a rental center and had a 40' x 40' party canopy erected for the event, along with tables and chairs.   The canopy was large enough to handle the entire food line for my biggest package, "The Big Pig Gig", and had plenty of room to spare for the guests.     A rough estimate for my largest needs:  12' x 40' (of the 40' x 40' canopy).     It rained all day, but the job went super-smooth due to the client's canopy rental.   Note that the canopy is Staked and is Safe for the wind gusts that commonly precede the storm front.   Also note the general footprint we occupy.     Sometimes, the placement of the tent (usually in the backyard) *may* force the need for additional manpower, because it's become an "Unusual Logistics" situation.    But if we can back right up to the canopy, there would be no additional charges.     Some smaller Roast packages may not require as much tent space.   Call to discuss.

  By default, I carry three 10x10 EZ-UP canopies aboard my 14' Pig Roast Trailer (Pig A).   One is committed to the trailer and roaster ops, to keep the roaster operating properly.   (This one's erected Free-of-charge).     The other two are for the food line, and are set up at an additional charge to the host. .    For "Small" and "Typical Jobs", it'll get us by, but for "The Big Pig Gig", it's pretty tight, and I might have to bring a 4th.       I'll be honest in that my EZ-UPs are borderline adequate.  They're good for light rains, but are definitely not safe in high winds and heavy rains.. 

Due to the size limitations of the 6'x'10' trailer, My Secondary "B" Pig Roast unit only carries 2 EZ-UPs...one for the roaster, and one for the line.      If rain is expected, and it's left up to EPPO to provide tentage, we'll probably bring more EZ-UPS, which may force more manpower/trips and associated charges.      The client might need to step up to the plate too, with whatever rain cover they can provide (or borrow).  

The image on the left was shown above, but the image on the right shows inside the garage.   We originally set up outside, but when the rain came, we shifted the serving line into the garage.   This is a perfect example of a host being well prepared for the rain, with a wide open garage.    The roast went off nicely!   Decor suffered a little bit, but functionally-wise, it worked well.         No need to add additional charges in this situation. 

Here's a couple of the 10'x10' EZ-UPS deployed over the food line.  (An older picture, circa 2003).   These are good for a light rain, but are not good for severe weather or heavy winds.     I'd charge the client for the deployment of EZ-UPs now.   See "Inclement Weather Related Charges" section at the lower portion of the Pricing Pages. 

My BBQ trailer has a 20'x20' Frame Tent aboard it.  This is a ton of work to deploy, but it's the best I've got for the worst that mother nature has to offer.    See "Inclement Weather Related Charges" section of the Pricing Pages for what the client will be charged for this option.       This Canopy is used for the "Big Pig Gig Augmented by Grilled Foods" jobs.

An old shot, circa 2003, but it has two of my trailers in play, my 20x20 canopy, 2 EZ-UPs...and the green tent was host-provided for guests seating.   This was for an all-day event in support of bands/crew for a music festival.  250 meals went out. 

Please Call (973) 627-2722 to Discuss Your Event.  Usually 6pm-10pm, Weeknights.  Please leave a Message otherwise.   Also be sure to mention the potential date(s), estimated headcount, location, and the nature of the event.     Thanks!

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