How to Start a Successful Catering Business
Some catering businesses are successful because they provide a combination of exceptional products and services to their clients. Starting a catering company requires research, cooking skills and business savvy. If you don't want to compete with traditional caterers, consider offering a specialty service. Regardless of the catering avenue that you wish to pursue, the first step is to start your business on the right foot.
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Things You'll Need
- Business plan
- Insurance policy
- Licenses and permits
- Funding
- Recipe books
- Cooking equipment
- Serving equipment
- Transportation
- Marketing materials
- Website
Instructions
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Research the catering market in your area. Conduct extensive analysis of the competition. Consider a niche where there is a demand and you can offer a competitive service. Write a detailed business plan based on this research and analysis. Include a mission statement, description of your business, analysis of the market and competition, financial and legal documents and licenses or permits that you will need to establish your business.
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Request estimates from various commercial insurance companies to compare coverage and cost. You will need to pay premiums for liability, injury of employees and customers, medical, hospitalization and other areas specific to your needs.
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Complete and file the necessary documents such as licenses, permits, fictitious name and business and tax registration to establish your catering business. Consult a lawyer and accountant to address any specific concerns. Visit your local business association for guidance throughout the start-up process. A catering company may require special inspections to ensure that you are operating a safe and healthy business.
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Use your business plan and other documents to apply for a small business loan or other financing, if you do not have the funding to buy your equipment and start-up inventory.
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Acquire the necessary equipment to prepare and serve the food for your business. Commercial kitchen equipment may be necessary to prepare the food, depending on the scale of your business and local regulations. Purchase durable and attractive service equipment. Many catering functions are formal events and require a professional appearance.
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Purchase or lease a van to transport all of your equipment and food to catering sites. A reliable form of transportation will be critical to a successful catering business. You may have to modify your vehicle to accommodate your equipment or to keep food cold or hot.
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Take the necessary steps to continually sharpen your skills and learn new information about the industry. Enroll in advanced cooking classes. Read books and perfect the recipes that you will be serving. The quality of the food will be critical to word of mouth referrals.
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Design marketing materials. Create a brochure describing your catering services. A menu and price sheet should be included in your promotional materials. Design a form to leave at events to provide feedback on the service and quality of the food. Learn from the comments that you receive and make improvements as necessary.
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Design a website to act as a virtual brochure for your business. Integrate social networking links into the site. Include a blog and forum to encourage interaction.
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Tips & Warnings
Post blog updates regularly. Provide helpful information about planning events. Invite guest bloggers on topics that pertain to your niche.
Take all necessary precautions to provide safe food at your events.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit sushi image by Renato Francia from Fotolia.com
