Why Smoke Shops Should Consider Hookah Catering

Why Smoke Shops Should Consider Hookah Catering

This blog post covers the basics of hookah catering and what you need to get started. Everything from shisha flavor selection to the type of hookahs we suggest you use, SBK has got your back!

Hookah Catering: What is it & Should My Smoke Shop Offer It?

 

Hookah catering is a relatively new, but simple idea. Instead of having brick and mortar hookah bars, why not have the hookah catered. From a business owner’s perspective, the idea of hookah catering just makes a lot of sense. You have far less clean up, hookah maintenance, etc. As well, this would be a great way to spice up business and add flavor to your pre-existing business components. 

 

As far as getting into the catering business, your revenue could increase drastically if properly marketed. Hookah catering is an up and coming market in the time of COVID, and with many hookah bars closed until further notice, a ripe market of hookah enthusiasts are missing their hobby or passion. In order to effectively cover this market, personal functions as well as business functions should be catered to as long as it lines up with your licensing, which I will delve into below. 

 

What is Hookah Catering?

 

Hookah Catering is a relatively simple concept: cater hookah and smoking experiences the same way that restaurants offer catering services. Maybe you’re thinking “ah the hookah bars will have that covered”, but will they really in time of COVID? We don’t think so and that’s why this is a great solution for smoke shops to use as an extension of their services and potentially utilize unused resources. This is a stellar idea for young adults and hookah fanatics alike, as this is an opportunity that can deliver to both personal parties and business functions. Imagine weddings, birthday parties, graduations, private clubs… The list goes on and on. 

When overhead is considered, smoke shop owners are already at an advantage, especially if you’re a wholesaler. Comprising a small team that loaded/unloaded, set up, and cleaned the hookahs wouldn’t be a difficult task, nor would the expense be excessive. Providing shisha, hookahs, and coals are also important considerations that we will get into later on in the article.  

 

Licensing: What You Need To Get Started Hookah Catering

  • Atlanta Business ID Registration
  • Cobb Country DBA Registration
  • Georgia Seller’s Permit
  • EIN
  • Georgia Tobacco Permit

GA Tobacco Permit (allow images)

Photo Credit: Google Images

Obviously this varies from state to state, as tobacco based laws are always changing around the country. Hookah catering itself is a relatively new business venture so in the state of Georgia there aren’t any special licensing that comes into play specifically for hookah catering. Regular business or S-Corp status and registration is required. In Atlanta, business owners are required by law to have a business tax registration or a business permit. As well, in Cobb County a DBA “Doing Business As Trade Firm Name Registration” is required, too. If you sell taxable products, like tobacco, you will need a seller’s permit. Finally, if you plan on utilizing employees or using them as an extension of your current business an EIN is required. 

 

 How Do I Approach This Market?

 

Ideas abound in regard to hookah catering and we’ve got a few ideas to pitch your way to help you get started! The two best starts that we suggest are either on-site hookah rentals or flat fee event catering .

 

First, we’ll take a look on-site hookah rentals. This is where you and your team would travel to a venue, event, or location and offer your services. The potential difficulties of this would revolve around how much the owner of the venue, event, location wants to charge you nightly or if they’re considering taking a percentage of your sales. This is similar to the concept of buying a $12 beer at a festival, which means you can charge a much higher rate than at your local hookah lounge. In this case, the market is provided for you. That’s why it would prove beneficial for a new owner of hookah catering to do his research and figure out which areas and which clubs may work the best to develop a brand and get your name out there. 

 

Pros

  • Able to charge higher prices
  • More freedom to experiment with and offer different shisha flavors
  • Some business locations cover your tobacco permit (but you should still get your own)
  • Up sells like hookah accessories (flavored tips, etc)
  • Reoccuring bookings

 

Cons

  • No guarantee of nightly income
  • Venues make charge large fees or take from sales percentage 
  • Questions regarding demand & necessary inventory 
  • Potential for lost or broken hookahs (booze + hookah= potential disaster)

 

 

Next, let’s spin the idea of flat fee hookah event catering. Simply put, this is the best way to insure your start up won’t go under. Why? Well, if events are preplanned then you have guaranteed income as well as many other advantages. This may be something to do in tandem with the “on-site rental” idea we previously mentioned. Let’s break this down into pros and cons. 

 

Pros

  • Secured money up front
  • You know how many of which inventory to bring
  • Flat fee regardless of servings provided
  • Usually produce higher profit margins
  • Potential for less equipment to be broken

 

Cons

  • Difficulties up-selling during these events because everything is prepaid
  • Harder to book reoccurring events
  • Getting those first few reservations may prove difficult
  • Tobacco permits required

 

Okay, So How Much Do I Charge?

 

First, consider…

  • How many hookahs are you renting
  • Equipment and shisha quality
  • Premium Heat Management Device
  • Average drink prices
  • What are you presenting in terms of image or lifestyle
  • Financial fees

 

 

After these factors have been considered, a concise picture of your financial figures will come into view. Location matters, too. Think, a hookah bar by the national park in Utah probably won’t do the same numbers as hookah catering a nightclub in Atlanta. So, as always, know your market. We’ve had reports of prices laying from $15-25 in normal bars and $25-45 in nightclubs. The environment will always effect what you can do with your business. If you’re more upscale and aiming at higher end consumers, the equipment must always reflect that, but that’s not always the case for dive bars and venues of that nature because better equipment will simply last longer and create a better impression for your customers. 

 

 

What Hookahs & Accessories Should I Use?

 

As I’ve previously mentioned, the hookahs that should be used for catering should be of a higher, more durable quality. If you’re charging nearly as much for a servings as you’re paying for the hookah then there’s a problem. Sure, the profit margins may be great, but the longevity of your hookah catering business will absolutely suffer. Providing solid quality hookahs will give your customers the true value of their dollar and help you to build a great reputation in your community, witch is a crucial factor in hookah catering. 

 

Vadra Topanga XL

Vadra Hookah Topanga XL

 

Features

  • Stainless steel housing & downstem
  • Double-helix design
  • Cubed Vase
  • LED light features
  • 26.6 inches (H) 8.5 inches (width) 

The Vadra Hookah Topanga XL. Yeah, we're talking about THE Topanga, the 90’s star. This is stylish enough to serve at many different events and venues, though this may restrict it in a few minimalistic arenas. The DNA strand-like design is sure to blast your hookah catering experience into the stratosphere. The HMD or heat management system here allows your guests to control the burn of their shisha and get the most out of every bowl. This extra feature will definitely please your higher brow customers that are familiar with hookahs already. As well, a stainless steel frame and stem feed into the downstem of this piece for extra security and durability. This hookah features bright LED lights which are sure to catch the eye of anyone in the room. This final feature would be a shoe-in at nightclubs and exotic or themed venues. 

 

Vadra Zoar

 Vadra Hookah Zoar

 

Features

  • Stainless steel Fram and downstem
  • Ceramic bowl
  • Thick, durable base
  • Glass diamond molasses catcher

 Diamonds are forever with the Vadra Hookah Zoar. This is another no nonsense hookah that would be a great minimalistic addition to what you provide for your guests. The downstem utilizes direct diffusing techniques to provide clean, filtered smoke every time you take a pull. Not only is this hookah functional, but it also provides an aesthetically pleasing diamond that helps to catch the molasses dripping from the bowl. There is also a heat management system present here, which is a fundamental hookah catering accessory. 

 

Vadra Neagh

 Vadra Hookah Neagh (allow images) 

Features

  •  Sleek, modernist design
  •  Easy set up and break down
  •  Heat management system 
  •  Electric blue paint 
  •  Stainless steel frame

The Vadra Hookah Neagh is the modern minimalist solution for your hookah catering events! This elegant piece of shisha pipe features a easily packed vase and a stainless steel balancing platform, plus a purge system. The Vadra Hookah Neagh is the perfect hookah for hookah catering for this reasonThis hookah is significant because it breaks down quicker and into smaller pieces than most other hookahs, which would make it an asset at any hookah catering event. Electric blue colors this dazzling piece of hookah machinery, which makes it a great minimalist hookah for a wedding, graduation, or club! Lastly, this hookah features a heat management system, ceramic base, and a stainless steel downstem to insure you provide your guests the cleanest and purest smoking experience possible. 

 

 

Standard Egyptian Hookah

 Traditional Egyptian Hookah 

Features

  • Elegant, handcrafted design
  • Reputation for long term functionality
  • Durability 
  • Low price point
  • Great back-up hookah

Egyptian hookahs are world renowned for their design. Each hookah, normally, is handcrafted so the customer will be provided with a totally unique experience with each hookah catering event. The Egyptian hookahs are also known for their superior function. Even though this hookah has been around for centuries, the design has rarely changed and the hookahs function nearly the exact same way. Finally, the biggest selling point for many hookah catering services starting out is the price of the Egyptian hookahs. They’re relatively low priced and highly functional hookah systems that work for long periods of time due to their above average durability. Not necessarily the hookah to steal the show, but never a bad idea to keep a few on hand to back up your frontline of hookahs. 

 

Vadra Caddo

Vadra Hookah Caddo (allow images)

Features

  •  Aesthetically pleasing, agreeable design
  •  Stainless steel diffuser
  •  Tempered glass vase
  •  Medium size perfect for tabletops 

The Vadra Hookah Caddo is the perfect hookah to serve at an event besides food and alcohol, as its simple but elegant design agrees with nearly every background. Here is the Vadra Caddo Hookah —a moderately priced hookah great for hookah catering events. This hookah is deemed as a hookah catering asset because of its simple functionality and tempered glass basin, which increases the overall durability of the hookah. A stainless steel stem is sleek and modern, while the diffused downstem huge smoke clouds full of taste and flavor. This piece also has a convenient purge valve so that you can get rid of the unwanted old smoke without interrupting your guests. The Vadra Caddo Hookah is made from stainless steel and a reinforced ashtray made from glass.

 

 

What Shisha Flavors Should I Offer?

 

When it comes to flavors, the list can become long and exhausting. That’s why SBK is here to offer a guiding voice. The classic flavors from Al Fakher, Sarbuzz, and Eternal Smoke are always great starting points, as you’ll be able to change your selection based on customer input after you’ve got a few events under your belt.

 

Al Fakher Shisha

Al Fakher Shisha (allow images)

Shisha Flavors 

  • Peach
  • Mint
  • Melon
  • Lemon Mint
  • Grapefruit Mint
  • Blueberry Mint
  • Watermelon Mint
  • Gum Mint
  • Grape Mint
  • Berry
  • Mango
  • Grapefruit
  • Grape
  • Strawberry

 

Al Fakher is a traditional molasses based shisha that features unique European infusions. Founded in the United Arab Emirates in 1999, these shisha makers have built a reputation for being some of the best shishas on the market. In terms of hookah catering Al Fakher is a must-have. 

 

 

Starbuzz Shisha

Starbuzz Shisha (allow images)

Shisha Flavors

  • Sex On The Beach
  • Blue Mist
  • Mighty Freeze
  • Lemon and Icy Mint
  • Citrus Mist
  • Citrus and Mint 

 

Starbuzz is one of the most recognizable shisha brands out there, so it’s always good to keep a few of their top flavors like Sex On The Beach, Blue Mist, and Mighty Freeze. Starbuzz’s niche strong suit is in the realm of unique flavor blends, while Al Fakher clearly leads the single flavor blend market. 

 

Eternal Smoke

 Eternal Smoke Shisha

Shisha Flavors

  •  Red Lips
  •  Watermelon Lit
  •  Houdini's Secret
  •  Milkin Cookies
  •  Aloha Nights
  •  Wild Coco
  •  Smoothie Sunshine
  •  Peach Lit
  •  Ultimate Berry
  •  Caribbean Nights
  •  Intense Pieces
  •  Midnight Passion
  •  Dolce Banana
  •  Blue Lit
  •  Lemon Lit 
  •  Lime Lit 

 

Eternal Smoke Shisha is a fan favorite and unique flavor blend essential to the hookah catering world. This brand of shisha offers 16 different flavors, and though your clientele may not have heard of Eternal Smoke just yet, they're sure to be coming back for more after their first bowl. This is definitely Starbuzz's biggest competitor in the sense of unique flavor blends and quality shisha production. 

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