2006-09-22 01:57:18 · 11 answers · asked by nancy1165 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
Here are some articles on starting a catering business
Starting a Successful Catering Business http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/homebus/354-305/354-305.html
A Profitable Feast
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/0,4621,229920,00.html
For detailed information, I suggest you check out the following books:
- How to Start a Home-Based Catering Business
- How to Run a Catering Business from Home
- The Complete Caterer: A Practical Guide to the Craft and Business of Catering
- How to Manage a Successful Catering Business
- Catering Management
- Successful Catering
- Start Your Own Catering Business
You can also learn a lot from the following associations of the catering industry:
National Association of Catering Executives http://www.nace.net/
National Restaurant Association http://www.restaurant.org
It is important to learn the permits and licenses required by your county/city regarding the operation of catering businesses, especially if you are planning to run this business from home. I suggest you check with your state -- though here's an example of what may be required
http://www.metrokc.gov/health/foodbiz/cater.htm
2006-09-22 03:12:05 · answer #1 · answered by imisidro 7 · 12⤊ 0⤋
as a business small business owner, I can tell you it's not all easy like people think!
to make it you must work hard and long hours being a small business owner it not all fun and games, with employees there is troubles! and Starting new is rough, you don't have a reputation to rely on. If you truly want to build a good business plan on not getting paid for about 3 years and putting ever thing back into your business if you make it past the first 3 years you will probably make it. Remember just because you open a business doesn't mean you will have business, I have owned my business just over 10 years and am just starting to be able to take it easy. but for the first 3 years I didn't get paid or get a day off and remember that a catering business is lots of weekend work! And word of mouth is the #1 advertising which starting out you wont have!
Good luck and God Bless
2006-09-22 09:32:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.
I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.
Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.
Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:
* How To Start A Wedding Planning Business by Cho Phillips, Sherrie Wilkolaski
* Start Your Own Wedding Consultant Business: Your Step-By-Step Guide to Success by Eileen Figure Sandlin
* FabJob Guide to Become a Wedding Planner by Catherine Goulet
* How to Start a Home-Based Event Planning Business by Jill Moran
* Start Your Own Event Planning Business: Your Step by Step Guide to Success by Krista Turner
I also posted links to some free articles in the source box.
Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
2006-09-22 09:48:39 · answer #3 · answered by TM Express™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make a Questionnaire of three types, and request the concerned to spare and fill the form.
1. Caterers.
2. Families, who recently availed the services of Caterers.
3. Students of Hotel Management Institute.
You may take help of Student of Hotel Management Institute, for making Questionnaire.
All businesses have its technicalities, and is demanding. So is the case, with Catering. Try and gain some experience, may be in other city (you may take this as training for your self) before you commence the conceived business.
Good Luck, God Bless you with lot of energy and neck of being perfect !!
2006-09-27 11:00:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Catering is word of mouth for the most part. You are only as good as your last job. My friend is a caterer and all she did was get business cards, and she contracted with a commercial kitchen in order to have commercial space. Of course you will need a business license. You can always rent a church kitchen to cook in when you need it. I hope this helps.
2006-09-28 13:58:21 · answer #5 · answered by Medical and Business Information 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will need bags of energy. Make sure you don't do the whole thing yourself. You will definitely need to employ staff to help you preparing and serving. I tried to do the whole thing myself and it was such hard work. I soon learnt that it was better to employ casual labour. Be careful about costings. Per venue or per head. If per head you can guarantee they will invite 20 more guests and you may run out of supplies.
Keep menus simple - do not overdue.
I did birthdays, weddings, office parties etc. Funerals were the best, actually!
2006-09-22 09:22:19 · answer #6 · answered by linda b 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
work temporarily with the best catering company in your area. This is a complicated and detail oriented business so you need to see how its done!
2006-09-22 08:59:55 · answer #7 · answered by dt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Staff is SO important, as well as suppliers, kitchen...it is all encompassing, health dept laws, trucks, you name it., advertising, great menu...who you want to cater to is one of the top things..they are all important...oh, your utensils, pots pans, everything....your mind goes crazy with all the details but it can be and is very exciting and interesting....food handling, staff, product, name as well....I could go on and on...just make sure you go on and on as well and it possibly will all come together
2006-09-30 07:39:08 · answer #8 · answered by basport_2000 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Search for what people are looking for about your interest. Convert that into a Web site -- the content attracts interested visitors, who in turn generate profits for your new business.
http://quicktour.sitesell.com/mla.html
2006-09-23 14:25:14 · answer #9 · answered by bearndrag 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could prepare an questionnaire and get the response from them.From the respondents u can get an conclusion.
2006-09-22 09:10:47 · answer #10 · answered by shri 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋