Broker Open House--Need Advice Please!

[Chefstover2]

Here's the background: One of my long-time customers is a realtor and is holding her first broker open house on the 15th. She said that the agents come when there's food and she thought combining the open house with some way for me to promote my business and provide the food...she said to expect 20-25 people over the course of 1-1/2 hours.

So my dilemma is what can I prepare ahead of time that will feed that number of people so that I don't have to cook on-site (I stressed I'm not a caterer). My goal once I'm there is to promote PC as realtor thank-you gifts, etc. and make my face known among the real estate community.

I'm thinking Greek Cheese Torta and maybe double it in the Classic Batter Bowl...that wouldn't be too expensive would it? Anyone else have any suggestions?

Being the cheapskate that I am, I'm not willing to spend huge amounts of time or money on this.

TIA for all your suggestions.

 

[pampered Ruth]

How about an apple cake ( cheap) and / or a microwave cake in our fluted pan. Also, one of the pizza's on the bar pan, cut the pieces small, they don't need a meal.

 

[vwpamperedchef]

You could do the greek cheese torta in the prep bowls and put them in various locations.

I would suggest brownie truffle cups....

Perhaps One pot pasta (cookware) and have it on the stove it will go a long way!

Good luck!

 

[Chefstover2]

I've never done the brownie truffle cups...are they easy?

I thought about the One Pot Pasta...didn't think about the microwave cake, but that could be good too!

 

[pamperedlinda]

I hope she doesn't expect you to furnish ALL the food....Be sure that she understands that you are not a caterer. I'd pick an appetizer or a dessert if I were you. Be sure to promote PC products as a great Realtor Gift. Maybe put together some sets or themes. Realtors usually spend $50-$100 as a client gift depending on the cost of the house. Promote Gift Certificates too.

 

[gingertannery]

My daughter had an open house at her new Edward Jones office. I cut up a watermelon decoratively (basket) and added several kinds of fruit to the mix. It was a hit, looked great and we had some left over.. Her whole spread was nice but $$$$ so make sure she is nor depending on you for it all or even most of it. Unless you are willing and she pays for the ingredients. Great exposure.

 

[Chefstover2]

I was very clear that I'm not to be billed as caterer (but she wanted to mention Pampered Chef food in the flier, so any suggestions on wording so they don't think I'm for hire as a caterer would also be appreciated). However, I am to provide an appetizer-type dish, the homeowner is providing the drinks.

This is why I have this dilemma...I don't want people to go hungry (I used to work in the catering department of a large hotel so it's in my blood to make sure there's enough). That's why I'm looking for inexpensive appetizer-type thing that will feed an army.

 

[babywings76]

How about regular brownie bites in the mini muffin pan, and mini quiches from the mini muffin pan? The recipes are in the files for the MMP, just full of great appetizer and bite sized dessert recipes just perfect for this type of thing. Could you do a drink in the trifle bowl? Do you have the 3 tiered stand? I like the idea of using the prep bowls for mini torta's or whatever they're called, have them on different plates/platters with various crackers.

 

[mscharf]

clubhouse chicken squares. I am not ahuge fan, but it seems that EVERYONE else in the world is. and they are served cold, so you don't have to worry about keeping them warm.

 

[DebbieJ]

I was just going to say Clubhouse Chicken Squares as well. They are very inexpensive and don't have to stay cold or warm.

 

[Kitchen Diva]

Kristen, I used to work in a BUSY Real Estate office- and not to make Realtors look a little selfish but they do expect food. Most of them plan their lunches around the opens, and just go from house to house until they are full. That may not even be the case with group of Realtors that you will be feeding, however where I'm from, it's the norm.

I would go with something savory, vs sweet/a dessert. I'm not sure if you are good with the rings or wreaths, but a chicken club ring, or taco ring- any of the rings that we have recipes for would work- also the fruit idea is good, too.

I just wanted to give you a head's up to how for some realtors it's more about the food than the open house. I am in no way trying to offend any Realtors that may be on this site. My Aunt and Uncle are Realtors, and two of my best friends are Realtors, and they'd all tell you that I've pretty much nailed how most Realtors view those Broker Opens.

I hope it's not the case for you, and I know you are not a caterer, but I'd go along with something more like a light lunch menu then a dessert menu. I hope that helps, and I hope I didn't upset anyone- not my intentions at all.

Best of luck, and I just know you'll get TONS of new business!

 

[pamperedlinda]

.......they do expect food. ......

Several years ago when we had our old house up for sale, our agent used our house for her open house event. She had a TON of food! And, she used a caterer. It was a full-blown meal with 2 desserts. There was some left-over and she left it for us - we ate on that for days! I remember her having Fried Chicken, and other meat (can't remember it) green beans, squash casserole, macaroni & cheese, potato salad, rolls, banana pudding, apple pie. I think she had @ 100 agents and mortgage reps through our house in @ 2 hours - it was packed! I commented to her that she put on a really good spread and her answer back was - Real Estate agents expect to be fed at these events.

I think it's a good way for you to get your name out, just be very clear on what your friend expects from you and what you are willing to provide.

 

[DebbieJ]

Just a thought....what does the homeowner think of this? If I was trying to sell my house, I would want the focus on my HOUSE, not on another business. I'm not saying that's what you are doing, but I would question if this is a way to sell a house. Do the other agents coming know you are there to sell to them?

 

[Chefstover2]

I believe the homeowner is OK with it. And I'm not actually there to "sell" to the agents, per se, but I am there to get my name in front of them and pass out my business cards/realtor gift ideas. My hope is that when they think of PC, they think of me. :chef:

What do y'all think of the Microwave White Chicken Chili?...that goes a long way, too, doesn't it? And perhaps tortilla chips. I think that wouldn't break the bank.