Getting Started in the World of Catering

It can be intimidating to start your own catering business, especially if being your own boss and having employees is something that is completely foreign to you. Of course, having your own business in catering means more than just making a few meals and serving them up. Like any other business, there are many details that need to be thought of and taken care of. But don’t fret – many culinary artists have been turning their culinary dreams into reality by starting up their very own catering business!

Tips on Starting Your Own Catering Business

When you’ve put a lot of thought into starting up your own business, and have decided that it’s time to take the plunge, here are some important tips for you to follow as you embark on your career as an independent caterer:

Get Licensed

We’re assuming that you’ve already been trained in a school-setting to become a chef or other specialized cook. Once you’ve obtained the necessary training, you need to get licensed in order to operate your business efficiently and legally. States have licensing requirements for catering businesses which tend to vary, so it’s important that you check out what is required in your particular state. Food service permits may also be required for you and your employees, so be sure to get all this legal information sorted before opening your doors for business.

Make Sure You Have the Funds to Get Started

It’s important to be able to have a full understanding of roughly how much capital you’ll have to invest in your catering business. You don’t want to start pouring money into your business, and then half-way through, you realize that financially it is way over your head. Having a clear idea of the funds required is crucial. You can get ideas of how much start-up costs are, such as through detailed sites like www.MushroomCatering.com.au, for example, those who have embarked in their own culinary business have needed anywhere between $10,000 to $50,000 as a start-up cost, depending the extent of their business.

Market Your Business!

You cannot simply just know how to cook, open up a business, and expect people to just show up at your door. You need to know how to market your business and develop a clientele to a point where most of your business is from referral and word of mouth. Attend shows like bridal shows, baby shows, or even local trade markets where you can set up a kiosk. Leave flyers and business cards at floral shops and wedding jewellers where many patrons will be looking for a caterer for their event. Start a blog and slowly develop a following. There are virtually endless ways to market your business!

Get All Areas Covered Before You Start

If your dream is to own your own catering business, then the best time to start is now. As long as you have done your homework, and are competent and believe in your abilities, there should be no stopping you! Go for it!
Linda Stromack is a business development advisor helping budinesses like www.MushroomCatering.com.au all over the world! Her top tips are: know exactly where you want to be in 2 years, manage your online rep on sites like Local Q&A, Yelp, Google Places – if you don’t your comeptitors will!