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See our Updated Page on How To Start A Catering Business
How To Start A Catering Business
You Don't Have to Be a Trained Chef to know how To Start a Catering Business - Just Follow These Tips for Food Catering Success
The food catering industry is one of the most successful industries in America. Food is an everyday staple and with today's busy lifestyles, the demand for food catering for get-together's, parties and events is constantly increasing.
It is for this reason that people are starting food catering businesses everywhere in America.
Food catering is not just for highly-renowned chefs and CIA graduates. Anyone with a genuine love for food and possess high organization skills can try his/her hand at opening a food catering business.
Food Catering What You Need to Get Started
First:
Research about the food catering industry. Consult the internet, your family, friends, other caterers, magazines, etc. If you have money to spend, a short culinary or vocational course can help. This will help you realize that cooking for a family of 12 is VERY different from professional cooking and catering.
Second:
Have a budget and stick to it. As with any business, a start up budget is a must. Don't be discouraged if you think that your budget is on the lower end because a lot of successful and highly profitable businesses actually start out small. Opt instead to offer meals and food catering services to a group of small people and functions and go from there.
Third:
Create a business plan. Things to include in the plan are target market (catering to weddings is very different to delivering sandwiches daily to a corporate client);
sample food menus;
food menu prices;
food catering service inclusions (delivery, set-up at event, clean-up after event, etc.);
source of business funding; and lastly, an exit strategy should things fail to kick off.
Fourth:
Acquire the necessary permits and licenses. As with any business, a good business is a legal one. Check with your local health department and city hall for the paperwork you need to get done before you start your food catering business. The paperwork will ensure your potential clients that you are the real deal and that yours is a certified food catering business.
Fifth:
Market your food catering business well! Use flyers, magazine ads, newspaper ads, the Yellow Pages, the internet, and of course, the most inexpensive and trusted, word-of-mouth advertising. How do you jumpstart word-of-mouth advertising? Offer a discounted to your first clients or host an event for free in exchange for the exposure.
Resources:
International Hotel And Restaurant Association
National Association Of Catering Executives
Society For Food Service Management
How To Start A Food Business
How To Start A Restaurant
Important Point To Keep In Mind
See Our Free Small Business Guides To Help Build and Run Your Business:
 Street Smart Guide To Small Business Marketing - A free simple and effective small business marketing guide. Simple proven strategies without a lot of marketing theory, designed for business small business owners.
 Business Insurance Simplified - If you're running a business, you need to have business insurance. Running a business without the proper coverage and you are running a risky venture. Get the coverage you need.
 Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Starting a Business But Were Afraid To Ask - Simple, No Nonsense Steps For Getting Your Small Business Off The Ground!
 How To Write A Business Plan In A few Hours - There are many benefits to having a business plan. You'll find a lot of tips and resources to help you a good plan for your business. This guide is simple and will give you a quick start to completing your business plan.
 How To Finance Your New Small or Home Business - There are many options to fund your small or home based business. This online guide will help better understand your options as well as what you need to get the financing you need.
 Acey Gaspard's, Guide To Starting A Small Business - Start Your Business Right The First Time
Information and tips and resources to help you start a successful business from the very start.
 Eliminate Chaos In Your Business -
Simple & easy things you can do to strengthen your business, while making it easy to run!
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