Lean Mode
Light appetite + shared-menu assumptions across all items.
$140 - $310
Backyard BBQ
Backyard BBQ for 35 Guests
Family cookout with mixed appetites, limited grill space, and a moderate budget.
By FeedMyGuests Editorial Team • Reviewed: February 19, 2026
Guest Count
35
Target Budget
$420
Baseline Status
Borderline against target budget
Real-World Constraint
Single grill with one cook and 90-minute serving window
Baseline Menu From Calculator Outputs
The first menu item is treated as the anchor dish. Supporting items are calculated with shared-menu assumptions.
| Menu Item | Quantity | Cost Range | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burger Anchor | 66 burgers | $198 - $396 | Calculator page |
| Hot Dog | 62 hot dogs | $62 - $155 | Calculator page |
| Coleslaw | 16 cups | $8 - $24 | Calculator page |
| Baked Beans | 16 cups | $8 - $24 | Calculator page |
| Chips | 62 oz | $16 - $31 | Calculator page |
Baseline total: $292 - $630
Budget Tradeoff Modes
Balanced Mode
Anchor item + supportive sides using baseline event appetite.
$292 - $630
Comfort Mode
Hungry-crowd assumptions with stronger buffer on the anchor item.
$292 - $630
Tradeoff Notes
- •Switching part of the beef volume to hot dogs lowers cost but reduces premium feel
- •Adding one more side lowers main-protein consumption but increases prep time
- •Pre-cooked patties improve speed but reduce texture quality
What Changes at +10 Guests
Scaling from 35 to 45 guests moves this baseline plan from $292 - $630 to $374 - $808. Budget impact: +$82 to +$178.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- •Running one giant burger batch instead of rotating smaller waves
- •Underbuying buns while overbuying proteins
- •Putting all sides out at once in direct sun
Decision Log
- •Use burgers as anchor item and scale all sides for shared-menu mode
- •Serve in two waves to avoid dry burgers
- •Hold one-third of sides in reserve and refresh midway
Execution Timeline
- 48 hours before Buy proteins and shelf-stable sides
- 24 hours before Prep side dishes and topping station
- 2 hours before Set up stations and preheat grill
- Service Run two protein waves and refresh sides
Planning Intent Cluster Links
Move between this scenario, calculators, and guides in two to three clicks.
Editorial Process and Sources
Last reviewed: February 19, 2026
Publisher: FeedMyGuests Editorial Team · Contact: contact@feedmyguests.com
This scenario is authored and reviewed by FeedMyGuests Editorial Team using calculator outputs for 35 guests, then adjusted with practical constraints, execution tradeoffs, and post-event risk checks.
Reference Sources
- USDA FoodData Central Retrieved: February 19, 2026
- FDA Safe Food Handling Retrieved: February 19, 2026
- USDA FSIS Safe Temperature Chart Retrieved: February 19, 2026
Editorial Change Log
Auto-generated from repository commits. Latest sync: 2026-02-19.
- 2026-02-19 • Improve trust signals, scenarios, and editorial content workflows (e90d416)
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