There are many types of food catering businesses
Catering may be the ideal venture for entrepreneurs that enjoy cooking and entertaining, but who don't want to open a restaurant or cafe. This type of business can be successful no matter if you live in a small town or large metropolitan area. Running a catering company can be profitable and rewarding, but there is also a great deal of planning needed before you can open for business.
Instructions
1. Pick a type of catering business to start. For example, a vegan or vegetarian catering service, soul food catering business, a business specializing in local or organic ingredients or a dessert-only catering company.
2. Determine where you will do the food preparation for your catering business. The health regulations of your area will affect this choice. Some counties allow catered food to be prepared in a home kitchen that has been certified for commercial use, while others restrict the preparation of catered food to the event facility, client's home or a commercial kitchen outside of the home.
3. Develop a menu of signature and traditional recipes for your catering business---this will distinguish you from your competition. For example, if you start a soul food catering business, instead of traditional sweet potato pie, you can serve sweet potato cheesecake or ice cream.
4. Obtain liability insurance if required by your state. Even if you are not required to carry insurance it is a good idea to have it as it will protect your business and personal assets in the event a client has an adverse reaction to the food you serve.
5. Get any food and business permits that are required by your city, state or county---find out what you need by calling your local health department or department of professional regulation. This may include the following: food enterprise permit, tax identification number, employer identification number (EIN), food manager certification, food handler permits, assumed name certificate (DBA).
6. Purchase wholesale catering supplies such as mixing bowls, commercial bread warmers, chaffing dishes and serving ware from a company such as InstaWares.
7. Lease or buy a vehicle to carry your catering equipment, supplies and food to and from events. Call your local department of transportation to see whether you will need a commercial driver license to use the van for catering.
8. Market your food catering business by placing ads in print and online catering directories such as Local Catering, joining a network such as the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) or the International Caterers Association (ICA), buying ads in local or niche wedding and event planning magazines or websites and sending coupons and fliers to complementary businesses such as florist shops and event facilities.
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