How to Start a Catering Business

Do I need a license to start a home catering business?

Yes! You need to start at your City Hall and get all the necessary information to start a catering business. Because your business involves food preparation, there can be many steps involved in starting and advertising your home business.

Do I need a catering contract?

It is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended that you have some sort of signed contract before beginning work. Take a look at this sample catering contract for an idea of how to build a contract of your own. It is a good idea to have a legal review of any contract before using it to protect yourself and your customers. Make sure you find a good sample catering contract that suits your specific catering abilities and plans.

Where do I begin planning a catered event?

Every home business needs a good catering party checklist to assure that nothing is forgotten. Use it to plan and guide your thoughts and also to reassure yourself that everything will go well during the event. Make sure you bring a list of important phone numbers, such as the room coordinator, customer and other emergency contacts.

How do I get experience before I start?

Your local large hotel chain very likely has job positions such as catering interns. Here are some hotels where you might search for catering positions:

Hilton Hotel Corporation

Marriott

Carlson Hotels

What can I do to separate myself from the rest?

Make up fabulous themes and center the event around the theme. For example, you could have a menu choice of "An Evening in Cancun" and wrap all the dishes around the theme. Look up specialty cuisine on the internet for Cancun and make your own recipes to serve.

Where can I find clientel?

Start with your friends and work from there. Go to wedding planning events and give out your business card. Go even further and rent a booth at the event with your best dish out for everyone to try a sample.