[KarenH]

As EricH mentioned, our church youth group has had a huge pancake breakfast for years (100's of people, 1000's of $$, and a rented portable kitchen downstairs). Based on their success, I have some suggestions:

Originally Posted by blakcheez

what else are you going to have there to eat? milk, coffee, juice (apple/orange), muffins, eggs, bacon, sausage, cereal, Yeah, just about all of those.

Since this is your first time, keep it simple! Focus on the pancakes--maybe a couple variations in flavor (add chopped banana) and toppings (2 kinds of syrup, whipped cream). Starch: pancakes, so you don't need muffins, cereal & milk. Protein: sausage, maybe bacon (but sausage is cheaper). Eggs are expensive, messy, and increase the risk of food poisoning if not handled properly. Fruit: in addition to OJ, if it's not too expensive (i.e., if it's donated), you could use large cans of pie filling for alternate toppings. Or just have fresh fruit available.

If you have just plain pancakes, butter, syrup, and sausage, I don't think people will complain. If you make it fancy, you should price your tickets higher.

a microwave? coffee machine(s)? cups, plates, napkins, forks, spoons, knives. Definetely need hotplates. Uh-huh. Especially the hotplates.

Unless your facility has very good electricity, beware of hotplates! Aside from blowing a circuit or two, the cords can pose a tripping hazard, especially if your servers are standing behind the table. For masses of pancakes and sausage, professional-style steam trays with Sterno cans underneath are better, especially if you can borrow them. You'll need extra trays for trading with the kitchen. Save the electricity for the coffee pots.

how big is your town? My mom knows my friends' moms. They went to the same highschool, grew up on the same street, and knows all the politics/administrators. You can't do something that the rest of the town won't know about. Exact size, I don't know.

Your city web site puts the population under 15,000 in the year 2000. But your town culture is more important than its size.

how many people are too many people? I'm thinking more than fifty, but it depends on venue, funds, and time.

How can there be too many people for a fundraiser? On a Saturday, you should be able to send someone on an emergency supply run if needed. (Confession: sometimes team 330 has to do this for our spaghetti dinners.)

If you presell tickets at one price, then charge $1 more for people who buy at the door, you might have a better idea how many are coming. Plus, it can be a selling point so people will donate, even if they don't come.
You could have separate pricing for adults and for kids under 12; that way, more families will want to come. Make clear whether it's all-you-can-eat, or per plate. (I think most people prefer the former.)

Make sure the food you serve is good, and the presentations/ raffle/ entertainment are fun. Then your guests will want to come back next year.