With an influx of almost 50,000 workers related to the Eagle Ford Shale, South Texas catering is becoming big business. Delivering and serving food isn't quite as visible as a rig that breaks the horizon, but many would say it's just as important. Twelve hour shifts mean there isn't much time spent away from the job, so many companies are happy to cater meals as often as budgets allow.

This, not so visible, portion of the restaurant industry is often the cash cow that keeps the doors open.  I knew several restaurants when the Haynesville Shale was booming that broke even in the brick and mortar store and made all of their margin in the field catering events.

It's also the reason many specialty caterers are serving the area. They aren't what you'd expect either. Many run mobile kitchens just as nice or nicer than the typical restaurant and have certified chefs working the stove top. There's no microwave keeping the food warm. It's just plain good cooking.

If you're looking for a caterer in South Texas, you'll find just what you need in the Restaurants and Catering Category in the Eagle Ford Shale MarketPlace. Our preferred caterers include:

• TJ's Chuck Wagon (210.262.4200)
• Boathouse Bakery & Bistro (210.896.6506)
• Monster BBQ & Kitchen (210.392.4058)

Catering for big corporate clients is luring businesses from San Antonio. My SA published an article detailing developments of the General Store in Pearsall. I've included a few quotes and a link to the article below:

..the company currently has two contracts along Interstate 35 with two different oil companies. He expects to have as many as 12 contracts within a year, which would mean providing meals to thousands of workers.

Strange did not say how much the contracts were worth, only that it was “a lot of money.”

He said each catering contract will require six employees, who will be current staffers of Don Strange of Texas in San Antonio and will stay in the contracted area. Strange said the company will provide pull-behind trailers for those workers to live in while catering on the oil fields.

The demand for food in the Eagle Ford is benefiting other caterers in San Antonio, as well.

Read more at mysanantonio.com