Niche Business Description

Cooking is a popular business. Starting a niche business catering guarantee, you are part of the marketplace. Now there are more than 50,000 catering businesses in the U.S. alone. Carving a niche in this market can be beneficial as it will do to stand out from the competition. Starting a vegetarian catering business will be less profitable than most businesses catering only for one big reason to reduce costs, the cost of food.

A caterer purchases, prepares, delivers and serves food for special events. If you have cooking skills, some good business and communication skills, you can start a business of fun.

To Get Started With Your Business

The first thing you will need to do is check with your local state health department to find out what licenses, permits, or certifications you will need to operate your business. If you will be preparing the food, you will probably need to get your own kitchen inspected and certified or you will need a certified commercial kitchen to work from.

Access to a commercial kitchen can become expensive in overhead costs. You might get around this buy renting a certified kitchen for your events.

Business Supplies Needed

Startup costs could easily reach $5,000 to $20,000.00 depending on how well you budget. You will need a variety of supplies for your business including but not limited to:
pots and pans
cooking and serving utensils
delivery and service tools
source of food

Other Business Costs

Other costs could include insurance payments, legal fees, licensing fees, inspection fees, marketing materials, advertising costs, travel expenses, hired help, etc.

Marketing Your Business

Your clients will include individuals who like giving parties, companies or employees who need to feed cooperative  giving,  parties  and groups for meetings or seminars or conferences. You can even film crews when the market in your area. To be successful you have to devote much time to market your business  by meeting customers on the base too early. Try to stay away from the traditional menus and explore new foreign menus.

Do not forget that social catering involves weekend and evening work so be ready to give up the times needed. It is also a seasonal business and may require longer hours during the holidays.

Show Me the Money

Your potential earnings are unlimited. Traditionally a caterer can make anywhere from 40,000.00 to 100,000.00 per year depending on their clients. Average fees run from $750.00 to $15,000.00 per event depending on the number of people being served and how.

Catering Business SIC Code: 5812-12

Happy Catering!