PLANNING THE CATERING BUSINESS

The Market

Clients seek a professional caterer for any number of wedding-related events, such as bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions and farewell brunches.

To get attention:

Attract business through ads in your local Yellow Pages, in the society or wedding section of your local paper and in special bridal supplements. Maintain a wedding-related or food blog.

Establish a relationship with local wedding-oriented vendors--florists, bridal shops, photographers, videographers, hotels and country clubs, bakeries and cake decorators, jewelers and musicians.

Leave brochures with all contacts and ask for referrals.

Strive for a spot on the preferred vendor list at venues. Do this by being courteous, communicative, on time and respectful of the event property.

Learning from the Professional

According to the National Restaurant Association’s Industry Forecast, social caterers are one of the fastest-growing segments of the restaurant industry.

No doubt, catering offers high income potential. Catering can be a lucrative career, it is important to keep all aspects of the job in perspective. Catering is hard work, and often the easiest part of the job is cooking.

With catering, timing is everything. You need to be able to multi-task, organize your time with military precision, and be prepared for the unexpected.

Skills needed in the Catering Business:

If you are an excellent cook, competent in artistic food presentation, possess some basic business knowledge, and love working with people. There are many skills and competencies that make for successful caterers.

Cooking and Food Presentation

Catered events, unlike restaurant meals, are usually centered around a special event. The food has to be outstanding and so does the presentation. For some venues, you will be told that presentation is the most important factor, but always remember that no matter how artistically food is presented , if it doesn’t taste good, it doesn’t cut it. Make sure that you and your staff are experienced with both aspects of food preparation.

Menus

One of the things that makes catering different from the restaurant service is that the visual appearance of the meal must be created on the location. When you cater, you must assure your client that everything will not only be delicious but will also be presented in an organized and attractive way. The menu is the best way to show your clients you know what they like.

Children’s Birthday Party Menu

Afternoon Graduation Party Menu

Chinese-Style Buffet (for dinner)