Q&A for How to Start a Catering Business

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What do I do if I already started the business, but am not getting any orders?

Community Answer

Try promoting your business using social media and by word-of-mouth through friends and family.

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Question

How do I start a catering business if I don't have any cooking experience?

Community Answer

You can hire one or more chefs to do the cooking for you while you arrange appointments, coordinate events, and make business contacts.

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Question

What types of catering equipment should I invest in?

Community Answer

It depends on your catering specialty. For example, it's important to know whether you're specializing in desserts or seafood since the necessary equipment would be wildly different! Do some research on your chosen specialty and see what equipment is recommended by other professionals.

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Question

How can I convince people to like my food?

Francis VanSuke

Community Answer

The only way is by cooking the best food and being your worst critic. Practice a lot and research many different ways to improve your cooking.

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Question

How do I produce my first catering order?

Community Answer

First, you have to find your first customer. (Most likely this will be a friend or family member who knows about your catering business.) Discuss what kind of food they'd like you to make, including appetizers and desserts. Then, you can begin shopping for and producing the order.

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Question

Is it possible to start a catering business in my own kitchen at my house?

Community Answer

Yes. Many people do this. Just be sure to cover all of your legal and licensing ventures.

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Question

How can I rent a vehicle to deliver?

Community Answer

Look in the phone book or online for vehicle rental services.

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Question

How do I decide prices in my catering business?

Community Answer

A rule of thumb is to estimate the food cost and multiply it by 5. One fifth for the food cost, another for wages, another for other expenses such as power, etc., one more for taxes and the last one as your profit.

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Question

How can I start a business if I don't have any capital?

Community Answer

Make a business plan and take it to potential investors, or apply for a loan at the bank.

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Question

Do I need the same things as an in-home personal chef?

Community Answer

It depends on many factors such as what type of food you make and how much you make in quantity.

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Question

How much does it cost to start up a catering business?

Community Answer

It can range from about $12,000 to $40,000 depending on how big you want to be. That will include license fees, equipment, kitchen rental, insurance, and a vehicle to transport food.

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Question

How much does it cost to start a catering business?

Community Answer

It depends on your business plan (how many potential customers will you serve within six months-average number) as well as market segmentation, price of needed equipment and materials in your area.

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Question

Where can I find a sample of a catering contract?

Community Answer

You could find local catering companies and ask to see samples of their contracts. You might also be able to find examples through an online search.

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Question

What licenses do I need if I want to charge to cook for dinner parties in client homes as a business?

Community Answer

It depends on where you live, but likely you will need a legal business license and insurance. To obtain a legal business license, you may have to pass fire and health inspections.

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Question

What type of licensing is needed to cook food onsite in front of people?

Community Answer

You would need a food handler's certification (Servsafe), issued by your local department of health.

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Question

How can I start a business where I will be renting off catering equipment?

Community Answer

Gather your equipment and put an ad in the newspaper or online.

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Question

Do I need to take any courses before I can start my own catering business?

Community Answer

I would recommend that you take a Food Handler's class, which is usually offered through the local health department. You may be required to become ServSafe certified as well. All other education is up to you, but the more knowledge you have going in, the better off you will be. You could even try working with another caterer for a year or so first to gain experience.

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Question

Where can I get this loan to start business?

Community Answer

You could go to a bank, or ask a family member or friend. You can also visit the website grants.gov and take a look around, and your state's website should have listings for grants and loans as well.

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Question

Are there classes I can take if I want to start a catering business?

Community Answer

Yes. Many culinary schools offer online classes if there isn't one in your area.

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Question

How do I get a license for a catering business?

Community Answer

Go to City Hall in your city and ask for the Business License Department for help.

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Question

Can a caterer also supply live entertainment?

Awesome Catering DFW

Community Answer

Yes, catering can work effectively if you supply live entertainment. Live entertainment can enhance the overall experience for guests at an event, making it more memorable and enjoyable. The catering and entertainment should be coordinated seamlessly to ensure that both aspects complement each other and contribute positively to the event's success.

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