How to Run a Cooking Class Business

Do you enjoy cooking and feel that you have what it takes to teach others? Here are a few suggestions on how to start and run a cooking class.

Things You'll Need

• Location to hold the cooking classes License from the board of health (depending on your state) Liability insurance Product for your students to use

Instructions

Deciding What You Want to Teach

1. Choose a type of cuisine you would like to cook and then determine if it has mass appeal. For example, perhaps the hot thing is Mexican cuisine. It is important to make sure that you decide who your target audience is. Do you wish to cater to housewives or couples who are looking to share the experience of cooking together? Be sure to choose a cooking class that you are knowledgeable and comfortable with. Remember that you are instructing others, and they need to be able to see and feel your sense of knowledge and ease with what you are teaching them.

2. Secure a location. You will probably want to consider your class size to be about 10-12 people. This makes it possible for you to provide personalized and one-on-one instruction as needed. The ideal situation would be an area that has an open kitchen with the ability for theater style seating. Many restaurants are closed on certain days of the week. You could try to rent the space for a few hours. You may also want to try local churches, town halls and community centers. It is possible that these places will let you use their food license as well.

3. Create a buzz. Let your friends know of your intentions. Decide what your advertising budget is going to be. It is relatively inexpensive to advertise with fliers. You can put fliers in coffee shops, grocery stores, churches, community centers. Local papers work well for about $40-$80 for a one-time ad. (Usually 3-4 lines.)

4. Once you decide what to teach at your cooking class, you will need to secure products. You will need to purchase enough for the entire class and then some. You will also need to have enough knives, pots, pans, food storage containers, spices and whatever else you deem necessary to successfully pull off the class.

5. Time and price: Most classes run for two to three weeks for approx 1.5 hours per session (this depends on the class being presented). When deciding what to charge, be sure to include your time and knowledge. The best way to price your class is to charge a flat fee and add on a supplies fee. Example; $40-50 for the class and then $60 for supplies. You may also break down the classes into sessions and level of difficulty.

Tips & Warnings

• Many people have turned cooking classes into an ongoing business. One idea could be to focus on a different cuisine or technique each month. You can build a business by offering one complimentary class at bridal parties, community centers or women's clubs, or organize your own complimentary cooking class. Another idea could be to offer to write a cooking column for local newspapers. A way to get ideas for your business is to put a suggestion box at your location for class ideas. Remember to be creative and display a sense of excitement about the services you have to offer.

• It would be in your best interest to check your local state for liability insurance and if indeed it is necessary. Liability insurance will protect you against any accidents such as food illness, allergic reactions or burns that are sustained as a result of class participation. Better to be safe than sorry.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish