I have the pleasure of feeding a large crowd at least once a month when my husband’s lodge meets. I am usually cooking and feeding at least 15-25 people and the tough thing is that we are on a very tight budget so I have to be creative! A few months ago, I was able to feed 35 people a nice lasagne meal with all the fixings for about $100.00.
One of my big secrets is shopping at a restaurant supply that offers grocery items. We have one about 30 minutes from our home and while most people think that you have to be a member or show that you work for or own a restaurant, most of the time you do not. The one I use does not require any membership. Anyone can shop! I am not talking about a Sam’s or Costco, but a true restaurant supply.
While I do have to buy in bulk, the prices are amazing. I can buy USDA Choice Angus hamburger for $3.39 a pound (California prices), which is at least a dollar a pound cheaper than anywhere else. I also buy all of my meat for personal use here too, as well as other items like veggies, rice, cheese, and more.
A restaurant supply is a great place to find amazing deals that will allow you to feed a crowd for a small amount of cash outlay. This is perfect for those on a tight budget for their household too! While the meats there do have to be trimmed and cut at home, the savings makes it soooo worth a bit of work! Plus you can package the meats and other products for your own family size. I always break down my groceries into smaller portions for freezing.
So for more savings off of you grocery bill, look up some restaurant supplies in your area and see if anyone can shop there. What tips do you have for saving money on feeding large crowds?
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Great tip! I had never thought of a restaurant supply store. Looking into one now. My daughter often makes snacks or breakfast for her dad or I to take to work for everyone. We have learned to shop sales and stock up. When using a lot of sausage in a recipe, we buy half of the kind we really like and half just whatever is on sale. Simple substitutions can sometimes work really well.
I can’t even imagine cooking for this large a crowd, but what a savings you are getting. I would certainly consider this or recommend it to friends who find themselves cooking in bulk.
As much as I really enjoy living in a rural area, one of the drawbacks is the lack of shopping opportunities. There’s a restaurant supply store about 20 minutes from here (yay!) but they don’t sell food. There’s another one about an hour away, but I don’t think they sell food either. Might just have to stop by to check, though, the next time I’m in the big city (well, “big city” relative to where we live, anyway!). I love a good bargain. Thanks for the tip.
This is great information. I have never thought about this. Thanks!
I have to see if there is a restaurant supply store near me. Casseroles are lways a good way to feed a crowd. Buying items in bulk when they are on sale and freezing them is a way to save money.
Wish I could feed a large crowd! We live in an apartment, with very little room to spare. It seems to me, to be the height of luxury to have a yard where you can invite a crowd of friends/family over for a BBQ and just enjoy a nice spring or summer day. I always felt that was for rich people. (Maybe because I never lived in a house, just apartments?)
I’ll have to see if I can find one. This is a great resource to know about.
Wow that is great to know. I never thought to try to shop at a restaurant supply store I am going to check this out in our area thanks for the great tip.