The catering industry has suffered many significant setbacks in the last three years, but despite this, there is always room for a well-run food catering service. Whether you are targeting businesses or private clients, there are some essential tips to help you build a successful business.
Conduct Market Research
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The very first thing you must do is carry out market research to verify whether there is a gap in the market in your area. If there are already catering businesses nearby, can you offer something different? For example, perhaps you can supply vegan food if nobody else offers a plant-based menu. Or maybe you can make your name for creating exceptional desserts.
This is a good time to consider whether you want to focus on a specific niche, such as weddings. While there will likely be competition, it doesn’t mean you can’t establish your foothold in the market.
Put Together a Business Plan
Whatever your business, putting together a business plan is essential. This is where you plan how you will finance the business, what your expenses and profit projections are, and all other relevant information such as marketing strategies and the services you intend to offer customers.
Lenders will want to see a business plan before they agree to lend you any money. Expect them to ask for details of your financial targets and cash flow projections, so they can assess whether the business is likely to be profitable, and if so, by how much.
Design a Functional Kitchen
You will need a functional kitchen from day one. If you plan to start small, it may be possible to start the business in a domestic kitchen, with a few tweaks such as adding additional equipment. However, once the business grows, you’ll likely need to move into a commercial kitchen setting, so you have room for catering fridges, ovens, and preparation surfaces.
Plan a kitchen that works for you. It needs to be easy to clean, have plenty of food storage areas, and meet all health and safety requirements. Consider leasing a commercial unit if you don’t want the expense of buying one.
Source Reliable Suppliers
Suppliers can make or break your catering business. If a supplier lets you down at the last minute, it could end up jeopardizing a job. Imagine how disastrous it would be if you were catering a wedding and the salmon you ordered for the main course failed to arrive.
Look for local suppliers that can offer competitive pricing but are also reliable. You will need to find companies that sell everything from food and drink to catering equipment and clothing. Shop for things like chefs’ coats online from stores like Tilit, so you save money while enjoying prompt service.
Create a Delicious Menu
The menu you devise is all important. Adjust for seasonal availability and be willing to work with clients to put together a bespoke menu of their dreams.
Finally, focus on the quality of your service, so you can build a client list that will eventually grow via word of mouth.
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