Start your own business by simply capitalizing on what you love to do. If you have cooking as your first love and possess skill in planning, then a catering service might make a good choice of business. A caterer must have the ability to deliver food to the location of an event. Events vary from weddings and birthday parties to conferences and receptions or other occasions. A lot of catering services offer lunch boxes, cakes and picnic fare. The demand for this kind of service remains really high, as does the income. This business can help you earn as much as $20,000 per year by just simply working at your very own kitchen or by renting a shipping container restaurant which is a more affordable option, while the initial capital stays much lower than that of a restaurant. These steps can help you start your own catering business.
- You will need to contact your local health department to learn about important regulations. In most cases they require permits, insurance and health inspection certificates. These essential documents set standards for any food related business.
- Determine what kind of catering service would you like best to offer. You might want to offer chef services (also known as in-home catering service), or you might prefer to have a larger business. In this case, you must consider renting an industrial kitchen. A larger catering business needs thorough preparation and detailed planning.
- When you begin a catering business, plan your menu carefully. Consider the type of food you want to offer and exclude those you shouldn’t offer. For instance, a complicated menu or collection of exotic foods might prove inappropriate and expensive when starting your business. After all, these foods will require you to stock ingredients in pantries and refrigerators. These refrigerators will have to be large, properly maintained, and you will need high-grade refrigerator parts like these Hussmann case parts for any necessary replacements. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t offer anything too complex, but careful consideration well in advance will be a must.
- You might want to take crash courses or attend some workshops to build your skill when it comes to learning what techniques and dishes are new and “in” in the catering world today. You can also learn a few new exotic dishes you might want to try to introduce to your clients. Take advanced classes in business management so you will have the knowledge to manage your own business. Taking all the necessary steps and preparation will prove vital in the success of your catering business. In addition to your love of cooking, but should also have the ability to run your business in this competitive world. Running a catering business proves very demanding work because of the incredibly high level of competition and its time-consuming nature.
- Coordinate with the National Association of Catering Executives to find out more about the business. Acquire support and unite with other professionals in the business. Learn about some of their struggles and success, trends and marketing strategies. This will help you prepare and improve on what you currently have.
