How to Become a Caterer or Personal Chef
Personal chef or catering businesses can be good choices for a new business. Unlike many other start-ups like restaurants or retail stores, the initial investment in becoming a personal chef of caterer can be less expensive since many personal chefs or caterers can start right out of their homes. Cooking is a skill that is in high demand, especially catering for special events, so it can be a great way to make extra income for any family or to start a new small business without high start-up expenses.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Write out a business plan. The plan should determine whether the business is a catering business or a personal chef operation. Though personal chefs often work alone, a catering business will need employees, so make sure the plan includes the number of needed employees and what will be expected of the employees. Both business plans should include an estimated start-up cost, an estimated budget and an estimate of when profits will be made.
-
2
Obtain any necessary money needed for start up. Personal chefs will often have very few start up costs, which doesn't require loans or grants, but catering businesses might need to take out a business loan from a local bank or obtain a new business grant, depending on what is available at the time of start up. Catering businesses will often need a loan since there are limited grants and there is no guarantee of obtaining a grant. Lenders will need a credit check, a list of assets, a business plan, past taxes and identification. Depending on the lender, other information might be necessary, so check with the lender to determine if other documents are required.
-
-
3
Determine the location of the business. Personal chefs will typically work in the client's home, often making meals for a week or so and freezing the meals so that the client is able to warm them throughout the week. Catering businesses will require a location where clients can come to discuss needs and hire the caterers. Most catering businesses will be outside the home and will require a kitchen, cooking equipment, ingredients and other essentials for the business.
-
4
Fill out the appropriate small business tax forms and get the appropriate licensing for the state. Every state has different requirements, but all will require filling out tax forms for starting a small business. Most states will have information about food business requirements through the state Department of Agriculture and FDA requirements should always be fulfilled.
-
5
Assess skills and determine which types of food to cater or cook. Ideally, the type of food should be something that the individual is very good at cooking, such as Italian or French foods. For those without many cooking skills to start, investing in culinary art schools can be a good first step, though a degree in culinary arts is not always required for catering or being a personal chef.
-
6
Develop marketing skills. A personal chef or a caterer needs to market the foods they cook by setting up websites, advertising in newspapers and making contacts with event planners, such as wedding planners. Marketing is especially important for caterers because they need clients who are looking for bulk items for parties or events.
-
1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit mortero image by ANTONIO ALCOBENDAS from Fotolia.com
