Why Should You Start A Catering Business

Do you love cooking? And, become overjoyed with compliments for your culinary skills. If the aroma of spices and garnishes make the kitchen your favourite place; think about turning your passion into a profession with a catering business.

Thanks to the wedding and event industry, caterers have always been in demand. There are ample opportunities in this industry to cook and make huge profits.

But, the catering business is full of challenges. After all, it’s about food and guests’ expectations.

I have learned from entrepreneurs and restaurateurs Carlo Parentela and Sebastien Centner that great hospitality experiences don’t just happen; you have to keep exceeding your guests’ expectations.

So why is the catering business your ‘cup of tea’?

• You love to experiment. Every day is spicy and crunchy for you.
• You may not even taste a bite of what you cook, but you want people to hog on your servings.
• You like to organize and present your dishes creatively.
• You like social gatherings and events.
• You love to travel to new places.

You may think why not set up a restaurant then?

Watching people waiting to get empty tables in your over the packed restaurant is another level of satisfaction and joy. Many people who love cooking want to become a top restaurateur someday. But, opening a restaurant is more challenging.

• It requires significant investments, whereas, with a catering business, you can start small.
• Restaurants need a fixed location; catering businesses allow you to move to places with your equipment and staff.
• The best part of a catering business is that you can keep your food inventory in control and minimize wastage and costs because most of the time you know how many people you need to cater to

I have come across Carlo Prentela’s Chateau Le Jardin Conference & Event Venue that provides excellent catering services with an expert culinary team.

Here are 5 steps to set up your catering business.

Research the market

Understand how other caterers are operating in your locality. What kind of cuisine and services are in demand. Check what your competitors are serving, what is their menu and tariff. Identify the gaps and try to fill that.

Identify your niche

A catering business isn’t only about serving good food; presentation, organization, creativity and consistency play significant roles in the success. Understand your strengths and weaknesses and opportunities available in the market. Determine your niche, whether you want to cater to all or a specific event. Design your USP.

Identify your customers

Once you have decided what and how to do, identify who to cater to. Find your potential customers and design your advertisements and communication targeting them.

Do the basics of business.

Register your business, acquire relevant licenses. Set up a website, email address and contact details to reach out to customers. Hire staffs, Purchase or rent equipment, plan your expenses and record inventory. However small you start, you must confirm all the legal requirements of a business before starting selling.

Communicate

Once you have set up the business, start communicating with your potential customers through different avenues. Reach out to your friends and families. Visit offices and companies nearby, and share with them your business card and services menu. Update your website and other business details.