All Pricing is based upon services being performed At or Near the gate of the truck & trailer (within approx 50'), on a Bright Cheery Sunny day!   Unusual Logistics and Rain Plans can significantly impact pricing.  

OVERVIEW:

Generally, anything significantly differing from the layout in the above image, or the following eight images will result in "Unusual Logistics" charges.    

Flat, level paved driveways/parking lots are our preference by far.    Stone or grass surfaces will work too.      Dirt surfaces will work if they have to, but there's a dust factor.    (Sandy and Muddy surfaces are the worst, and have extra charges associated with it).    Decks should also be avoided, as they may get stained and are very difficult to move equipment to.     Care is taken to orient the equipment to create a distinct and safe Food Service zone, which is off limits to guests and pets.   We'll even use "Yellow Caution Tape" to further mark that zone.    Once the cooking zone is separated from the truck/trailer, or the backline cooking zone is separate from the serving area, operations become much more difficult.    Usually more manpower is necessary for lifting/moving, and to maintain safety (so the roaster is never unattended).

We try to park in such a way that the truck/trailer isn't "parked in" by your guests, so we can depart with ease.    (No particular truck/trailer maneuvering or access issues, or inebriated car owners to find at job's end).     The setup is very close proximity (~100 feet) to a water hose connection and an electrical outlet.  (Electric required only if job starts, ends or serves in the dark.  Water is ABSOLUTELY REQUIRED at all jobs).    Electrical connections/Water connections oriented to reduce or eliminate tripping hazards.    We also try to set up so that the sink station is downhill from us.       We avoid setting up the roaster near Vinyl siding or it may actually melt!  

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", and likely Unusual Logistics charges assed to the final bill.

On occasion, we're asked to serve to indoor locations, but we strongly advise against 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 mashed onto the floor and sometimes a little grease drippage.  This is especially true for larger jobs.      On an indoor floor, it'll force a mopping job.   On a rug, it's a steamcleaning bill.   (EPPO will broom sweep only, but we're not responsible for mopping up, or any rug steamcleaning bills, per our policies).      The use of commercial kitchen apparatus can be a plus though, particularly for dishwashing.      Serving to a large open garage is an excellent Rain Plan though.  

Houses situated atop steep hills often represent a problem for us, and may force unusual logistics if we can't navigate up the hill.    Driveways that have a steep "apron" (where the driveway meets the street) can prohibit us from backing up your driveway.    All job sites must be accessible by a truck/trailer.

Typical Food Line Footprints: 

[The following images are the Food Line footprints for standard residential events to headcounts up to 150ppl.   For events to larger headcounts, the footprints would be much different.]

The left picture is the footprint you can expect for "The Typical Job" and "The Small Job".  Three 6 foot tables in the front.   One table parallel/behind where the pig gets served to.    The pig roaster.  A sink station. A king cooker.  4 garbage cans. The trailer & truck.   The width of the spread is about 10' (the size of the 10'x10' canopy), the Length of the line is about 20 feet.     The client should provide a 10'x20' Canopy, or a pair of 10'x10' EZ-UPs for this in the event of rain     (For Sunny days, the tentage helps protect the food).    The picture on the right includes the truck and smaller trailer (Pig B).

This is the footprint you can expect for the "The Big Pig Gig".   In this image, we had plenty of room to spread out..    Five 6 foot tables in the front.   One table parallel/behind where the pig gets served to.  The pig roaster.  A sink station. A king cooker. 4 garbage cans.   The width of the spread can be compressed down to about 10', to look more like the following image.  The Length of the line is about 30 feet.    The client should provide the equivalent of three 10'x10" EZ-UP Canopies in the event of rain.  This picture shows the Truck and the 14' Cargo Trailer (Pig A)..

This picture was taken while standing on the gate of my 16' trailer (BBQ).   This is the footprint you can expect for the "The Big Pig Gig with Grilled Foods".   Five 6 foot tables in the front.   One table parallel and behind where the pig gets served to.  The pig roaster.  The flat top grill.   A sink station. A king cooker. 4 garbage cans.   The width of the spread is about 10' (the size of the 10x10 canopy), the Length of the line is about 30 feet.    The client should provide the equivalent of three 10'x10" EZ-UP Canopies in the event of rain.    In this case, and EZ-Up was erected just for protection from the sun.    The "Classic Picnic, "Deluxe Picnic", and "Super Deluxe Picnics" would all have similar footprints, minus the Pig Roaster.   The Number of serving tables may be reduced if the headcount is lower.

Parking and Situating: 

Here's a Standard Driveway setup at the "perfect" large homes we love to work at..    The home had a nice sized, easily accessible double-width driveway and a large open garage.  "Plan A" (The Good weather plan) was to set up in the driveway, in close proximity to the truck/trailer.   But as the day progressed and radar showed we'd get some rain, we opted to enact "Plan B" (The rain plan).   We moved the entire serving line into the garage.    No Unusual Logistics charges or Rain Charges necessary.  Inclement weather is discussed in more detail below. (You'll see this picture again).    Although in this set of images, we were closer to the house (due to the rain), it would be common to orient the truck/trailer/Food line to the opposite side of the driveway, serving towards the house.   This would keep a better egress path for guests to the backyard.

Once again, an excellent setup for us.   This was down in the Tom's River area, at a Beach House.   We parked right on the street.   Everything was set up adjacent to the trailer in the front yard.   No extra manpower needed for this one.     At job's end, we drove away without the need for any special trailer maneuvering, nor were we parked in..     Note how the equipment has been arranged to discourage guests from entering the food service area.     Clients are asked to provide commercial quality tentage for the entire food line, as it protects the food from the harsh sun, or rain..

Just a different perspective of a fairly good configuration (The "Typical Job" or "Small Job" Menu).  Tough to see, but at the very lower left of this picture, you can just make out the poles from the Host Provided 20x30 party canopy.  That canopy was used to protect the food line, and also had sufficient room for tables/chairs for guests.    No extra charges necessary for this arrangement...all services we performed close to the truck/trailer (no extra manpower necessary), and customer provided commercial quality tentage for the food line.    A minor downside to this setup was that the only path to the backyard forced people to squeeze into the narrow lane near the truck/trailer. 

  Since many 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, and when ash is removed from the roaster, can drift...   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.   But there were no extra charges assessed to this customer.   I should mention that the client has to reserve the spaces for us so there's absolutely no question that we can park where we need to park, when we need to park...or your roast is delayed.  Your services will not be performed if the equipment is "dropped off" and the truck/trailer is parked 4 blocks away. 

Another very typical setup for small lots/short driveways.     This is "The Small Job" (65lb pig, default presentation, carving/saucing/serving/paper & plastic all included).    My smallest trailer:  "Pig B".    3 front tables, 2 support tables, a roaster, a king cooker, and an optional EZ-UP to protect us from the sun.     Benefits to this arrangement:    No unusual logistics charges necessary.    Our zone is defined and safe (note yellow caution tape).   Paths to back yard and garage are maintained.   Lots of room for us to work.  Lots of room to allow people to gather for the pig presentation.   We clean up quickly.  All ash, smoke, and noise from roaster cleanup has minimum impact on party.     At roast end, we clean up and drive off like it never happened (without tracking down guests to move cars).    If applicable, recommendation is to borrow faucet & electrical connection from neighbor, to reduce tripping hazards in prime guest egress paths.     I highly recommend this setup style.   Yeah yeah, I know, you want all of that stuff in the backyard where your guests are.  OK, ye$, I can ea$ily do thi$ too.

Just another perfectly fine setup for "The Big Pig Gig".    The truck/trailer fit into the driveway.    Since rain was a potential, the client had a 20x20 canopy waiting for us, but it had to be set up on the backyard side of the fence.     This was the main point of guest ingress/egress too, so we defined a lane with yellow tape.    The roaster and sink station on the trailer side of the fence, the food line and carving stations under the tent.    (Pics taken long before foodservice during down time, so pardon the unset tables).  No unusual logistics fees were necessary at all..      The only minor concern was getting parked in, but we were on top of it. 

UNUSUAL LOGISTICS

This setup is borderline "Unusual Logistics".    Once the cooking zone is separated from the truck/trailer, or the backline cooking zone is separate from the serving area, operations become much more difficult and "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, which prohibits a "direct roll" of equipment.    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.     Split operating zones can force an extra person just for safety reasons:   We won't allow a roaster to be unattended because somebody can get hurt. 

Here's a more difficult "Unusual Logistics" situation.    Due to the incline, we simply could not back the trailer up into the driveway without the hitch bottoming out and scraping/damaging 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 up the driveway, 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 barely see the white trailer in the upper right of the panorama shot, to give an idea of the proximity to the serving area.      This job would now force an extra person for lifting and moving purposes.       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 (we had only 2 people).      This situation "surprised" us, and is now the reason why images must be provided of all driveways and setup sites.    In "surprise" cases such as this, we'll not hesitate to pull in additional resources to support the job, and those costs would be added to the final bill.

Even Tougher Unusual Logistics!    The roast took place many years ago 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 job's 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.     Without question, if I was to do this one again, I'd have hired a third person.   The third person is now considered a safety requirement, so the roaster is never unattended..    (This was the job that "schooled" me.  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 $200-$300 for this job, just to pay for the third staffer and to tip the crew.    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've 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 (I now charge for site surveys, $25 minimum to cover gas and the extra time).     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.   

And a few other thoughts:

-Working on sand is a nightmare and will force more personnel.  Ever notice how hard it is to go for an extended walk on the beach?  Well, it's similarly difficult to work on sand.   In particular, hand trucks and dollies are useless on sand.   Also the sand gets into everything and forces an extended cleanup...and very often some damage to hinges/bearings.    Expect battle charges with sand. 

-Working on an area that turns into mud:   Expect battle charges.   Hosts are responsible for all towing charges to get us unstuck, if forced to work on a grassy/muddy/hilly area commonly found on farms or big properties.

-Dusty Areas are not very good for the food.   The traffic and wind gusts kick up a gigantic pig pen cloud of dust that finds it's way onto food and into everything else.  Bad news for the product and forces a big cleanup, to which there will be added costs.

-Hilly Driveway/Access:     We obviously need to get the truck/trailer to an appropriate setup area.     Low hanging branches, unusually steep driveways, non-level surfaces can all force problems and unusual logistics charges.  (if we can get the job done at all!).     Unusually steep Driveway aprons (where the driveway meets the street) are a frequent problem, as the truck's hitch can bottom out.    This is why we need digital images of your driveway/setup area in advance.  Your party's success can suffer greatly if these issues are "discovered" onsite.    If you think you'll save money by hiding these issues from me, think again.  I'll charges will likely be HIGHER, as last minute manpower needs force extra $$ is gas, and bribes. ...or we set up where we can, which may be a far cry from what you had in mind.

-We don't unhitch the truck from the trailer, and we don't just "drop off gear and come back for it later".    The unit combines to support your event and is frequently accessed.    Better we "pass" on these events. 
 

INCLEMENT WEATHER/ LOGISTICS

OVERVIEW

As mentioned above, pricing is based on the event being done within approximately 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 very seriously, and are well prepared with a "Rain Plan", usually involving professional canopy rentals.   The clients who DON'T do advanced planning, who DON'T 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(s) 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 coverage for the food serving line and carving table.    (The amount of tentage required is linked to the menu package you select, see "footprints" above.).       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/Commercial 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.    Rain Plans may force additional manpower due to the new "Unusual Logistics".      The additional manpower, if deemed necessary, will be billed to the host.     

[Your Drunken buddy with a milkcrate full of musty old tarps, some twine, and a box full of 50 million unmarked sections of light duty tubing from 3 mismatched $29 canopy sets IS NOT my idea of an adequate "Rain Plan".   And we won't be sucked into "helping" with these kinds of Three Stooges episodes, as it's usually a failure and usually takes our focus away from why you hired us.  And tell this idiot he's not allowed to stand on my tables either, as he tries to attach twine to roof shingles].

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

Keep in mind at all times, that Billing is 100%, even if weather precludes us from performing our services.   Please refer to the EPPO Policies.

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 "The Big Pig Gig", and had plenty of room to spare for the 70 guests that came.     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 massive 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 (distance to the truck/trailer was significantly greater than 50')..    But if we can back right up to the canopy, there would be no additional charges.     Please see footprint section above, for an idea of how much tentage to provide.   If you have an unusual arrangement, feel free to call to discuss.

  By default, we carry some 10x10 EZ-UP canopies aboard the trailers...(each trailer has a different number of EZ-UPs)..   One is committed to the trailer and roaster ops, to keep the roaster operating properly.   (This one's erected Free-of-charge).     The others can be comitted to the food line, and are set up at an additional charge to the host. .    For "Small" and "Typical Jobs", 2 should get us by, but for "The Big Pig Gig", it's pretty tight, and I might have to bring a 3rd or 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, and they will be broken down and packed up before they get damaged.   Billing is 100% even if weather precludes us from performing the services.

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. 

This pair of images was shown above.    This was "The Big Pig Gig".     Since rain was a potential, the client had a 20'x20' canopy waiting for us, but it had to be set up on the backyard side of the fence.    Although the rain didn't materialize, the tent saved the day anyway, because the temps were in the high 90's and sunny.     (sun wreaks havoc on the food and staff!).    If ordering a separate commercial canopy for our foodservice, the 20'x20' canopy gave us plenty of breathing room for this package and would be my recommendation.     (a 10'x20" tent would suffice for the "Typical Job" or "Small Job")

Here's a couple of the 10'x10' EZ-UPS deployed over the food line.  (An older picture, circa 2003).   These are good for sun protection and 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. 

I own this 20'x20'  Internal Frame Tent.  This is a 2 person, 45 minute job to erect and break down, 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.      

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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