Guillaume Bisso, CEO of BBQ Boat, discussed the company’s unique approach to water-based entertainment during a recent interview. Founded approximately ten years ago, BBQ Boat manufactures barbecue-equipped boats designed for commercial operators in the hospitality and outdoor recreation sectors.
“The idea didn’t come from me. It was a German who invented it, but he made it out of plastic,” Bisso explained in an interview with Modern Campground.
“I was an investor who bought these boats. I noticed there were quite a few things that didn’t work well. So, I redesigned the boat, improving it and making it out of fiberglass so that it would be a real boat, just like a traditional one, but with a different shape.”
Bisso emphasized that the redesign addressed operational challenges and enhanced durability, making the boats suitable for professional rental and hospitality settings.
Concept Versatility for Diverse Experiences
BBQ Boats are designed to provide more than just a boating experience. “The big advantage is that it’s a very unique boat. This allows people to offer clients special services like bachelorette parties, birthdays, or even just dances, nighttime cruises, or prestigious dinners,” Bisso said.
“You can also have aperitifs with the drink tray, for example. A plancha or even full-on pizza parties. So, the only limit is the operator’s imagination.”
The company provides a structured approach to setting up a BBQ Boat on their website. Steps include specifying project requirements, conducting a technical feasibility study of the site and water body, assisting with administrative procedures such as approvals and insurance, developing financial projections, and establishing a visual identity for the business.
“They allow people to offer services on the water. Mainly, these are boat rentals that don’t require a license. Dedicated to camping, hotels, restaurateurs, and other professionals or independents who want to make it a profitable business,” Bisso noted.
Global Reach and Market Potential
BBQ Boat products are sold internationally. “We sell all over the world. So today, we have them in Polynesia, Mexico, the Caribbean, [and] Europe. And indeed, we really sell everywhere,” Bisso said.
According to the company’s website, the boats are designed to adapt to a variety of environments, including lakes, rivers, beaches, marinas, and ponds. This flexibility allows operators to tailor their offerings according to the local setting and the type of experience they wish to create.
Bisso described the concept as both versatile and commercially promising. “It’s both a restaurant on the water, an event product, and also a full-fledged boat,” he said.
“It’s a really great concept that appeals to people and can truly make a difference, standing out from traditional rentals.”
Opportunities for Outdoor Hospitality Operators
For campsite and resort operators, BBQ Boats offer an innovative way to diversify revenue streams. By integrating a mobile dining or event experience, operators can attract new demographics, increase guest spending, and generate social media attention.
BBQ Boat emphasizes end-to-end support for operators. “We’ll study your project and come up with a solution that’s right for your environment. We’ll be with you every step of the way, from design to installation of your boats, ready for rental,” the company explained on its website.
This approach helps operators reduce the complexity of launching a new venture, including navigating local regulations, planning operations, and implementing marketing and branding strategies.
Featured image by Brian Searl/Modern Campground