Game Day: Building the Ultimate Tailgate Spread

Football is back, and that means our case is stacked with wings, dogs, and fresh-ground patties every Friday. If you are hosting a watch party or setting up in the parking lot before kickoff, here is how we plan a tailgate menu that feeds a crowd without anyone waiting around hungry.

How much to buy

• Wings: plan on 6–8 pieces per person if wings are the main event, less if they are one of several proteins.
• Hot dogs and burgers: one of each per person covers most crowds — always a few extra for the second helping.
• Buns: buy one more package than you think you need. Nothing kills the mood like running out of buns in the third quarter.

From the Case

Chicken Wings

We cut these fresh — ask for whole wings or split into flats and drumettes at no extra charge.

$1.99/lb$2.99Save 33%

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Stage the grill like a game plan

1. 1

   Pre-game — wings

   Wings take the longest and hold well wrapped in foil. Get them on the grill first, over indirect heat, tossing every 10 minutes until crispy.

2. 2

   Kickoff — hot dogs

   Dogs cook fast and keep the line moving early. Split them lengthwise for extra char if you have the time.

3. 3

   Halftime — burgers

   Fresh-ground patties over high heat right at halftime, when the crowd is hungriest and paying the least attention to the field.

4. 4

   Second half — snack table

   Set out jerky and breakfast sausage links for grazing through the rest of the game — no grill required.

“A good tailgate is just good timing with good meat. Get the timing right and the meat does the rest.”

— The Crystal Creek Counter

Stop by either shop this week and load up for Sunday. We will help you build the spread and portion everything so all you have to do is fire up the grill.