How to Launch a Home-Based Catering Business

Do you like cooking and preparing food for groups? If yes, catering might be the business for you. A catering company can start home-based and grow into a sizable business over time. Successful caterers generally book several events per month and must plan menus, develop recipes, create promotional events and design programs for clients.

Instructions

1. Set up your home office. Equip the space with a desk, filing cabinet, phone, fax machine computer and printer. Install separate business phone and fax lines or purchase a business cellphone. You should also update your vehicle for your business by cleaning it thoroughly and purchasing hot and cold food storage containers. Consider purchasing a catering van as your business grows.

2. Adhere to government regulations that apply to catering in your state. Contact your local government to make sure your home-based business has the necessary licenses and permits. Contact your local or state taxation office to apply for a seller's permit and resale number if required.

3. Set up your catering kitchen. Some jurisdictions allow you to operate a small catering business using your home kitchen facilities provided that food served to the public is stored separately. Other jurisdictions require you to have separate kitchen facilities, even when located on the same premises as your home. Contact the public health department to find out precise regulations for your area and to arrange a kitchen inspection. You must pass the health department inspection to operate your catering company legally.

4. Lease or share a commercial kitchen to prepare food for events. Alternatively, if your jurisdiction does not allow you to use your home kitchen for your catering business, you can seek temporary kitchen space to prepare for events as needed. Contact nonprofit organizations in your area such as churches and schools negotiate a quid pro quo relationship. In such cases, you would offer to teach classes or cater events at no charge in exchange for using the organization's kitchen facilities. You can also browse Culinary Incubator's online directory of shared catering kitchen facilities.

5. Purchase cooking supplies and equipment. Such utensils and equipment could include, but are not limited to, stock pots, saute, roasting and hotel pans, mixing bowls and chafing dishes. You can seek such equipment new or used online or at local thrift stores.

6. Identify food vendors. Small business caterers generally shop for food at supermarkets and retail warehouses. As your business grows, you can open a business account with a broadliner, a wholesaler that sells food to food service businesses only.

7. Market your catering business. Create a website featuring your catering menu and prices. Join your area chamber of commerce to introduce your company to the local business community. Contact everyone in your sphere of influence including friends, family, co-workers, teachers and your doctor to make them aware of your company. Offer to cater community events such as school board meetings for a reduced rate or free. You can also lease a farmer's market table and sell items such as sauces or baked goods to introduce community members to your business.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep overhead low by using a fax service. Services are often found at office supply stores.

• Only buy equipment and supplies that you absolutely need.

References

• "Guide to Starting and Running a Catering Business"; Joyce Weinberg; 2007
• On Cooking; Sarah Labensky; 2010
• Culinary Incubator: About Us