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When it comes to schmoozing, none come better than David and Christopher Gourdine. In fact, their catering company, based in Clearwater, Fla., is named Schmooze Inc.
The company was formed in 1995, and since then, the brothers schmooze have been providing food service to rock and roll stars and their entourage at various venues throughout the state of Florida. The company grossed $102,000 its first year, and expects to bump $700,000 in 1999.
The company, working out of two converted school buses, will cater approximately 150 shows during 1999, up from 132 in 1998. They stay in Florida and do most of the shows promoted by Fantasma and Cellar Door. Each of those prominent promoters is responsible for approximately $200,000 in billing for the fledgling caterers.
The average arena show brings in $3,000 to $4,000, the average performing arts/theater show grosses $1,500 to $2,500, and stadium shows top out at $15,000 to $20,000. During the typical arena show, the Gourdines will serve 50 for breakfast, 75 for lunch, and 100-plus for dinner. In most situations, they will also provide a dressing room dinner for the act and any special backstage hospitality requirements.
At the end of the night, they stock the tour buses with sodas and snacks and prepare to-go meals for the crew and staff for...