I want to know what is necessary for getting into the catering business. What licenses, registrations, training, etc. is required. I am a chef's apprentice at this time. I am looking into starting a catering business with my associates. I will be based out of the Kansas City Metro area on the Kansas side.

By Cheftim (Cheftim) on Thursday, June 28, 2001 - 12:12 am: Edit

Damien,
Let me suggest you take a look and read all the post from the old Cateres Forum
here is the link

http://www.webfoodpros.com/wwwboard/catering/index.html

it take awhile to load, but there is some meaty information there, you could pay big bucks for the education you'll get here.

By Catergreat (Catergreat) on Thursday, June 28, 2001 - 02:38 pm: Edit

Congratulations Damien. Welcome to the world of professional catering! It is tough, but you probably know that...

It takes about 5 years to establish a stand alone catering business.. (it took me a little longer) Reason being is when you open a restaurant, you have swarms of ppl from day one trying you out... however in the catering business, you have to build a clientel and reputation... that takes time and a lot of money...

Plan on existing off of sub minimum wages for a few years and at times, no income, just loss....

Go to the local health department for regulations pertaining to your state and municipality.

Any idiot can get into this business, there is no training required to get a permit... but idiots don't last in the business world very long which makes the catering business the highest failure rate small business in the country...95% will fail in the first five years... with most lasting less than one year....

I would suggest working for a great caterer for 5+ years and pay your dues to the industry... I have said countless times, whenever you don't have to ask "how do I start a catering business" anymore then you are about ready...

Best of Luck and Blessings to you..

Carl

By jojopraise on Monday, September 10, 2001 - 01:38 pm: Edit

I am interested in starting a catering buisness i ma a graduate from college in food service and buisness management what is the backing i need to start my catering buisness.How do i get it off the ground.do i line up meues first and then the food cost refresh my memory.jojo catering buisness.what permits do i need? if any.I would cater weddings,birthdays and regular christmas parties.

By catergreat on Monday, September 10, 2001 - 02:10 pm: Edit

did you not just read the last post??? If you just graduated, congrats, but you simply are not ready to go into business for yourself...

Do you line up menus first and then the food cost? WHat are you talking about?? You need to know how to write a complete sentence. First before what?? No, you need a business plan. You need money, lots of it to support you while you are building your business.. Expect to lose money for 3 years...

What is the backing your need? What is backing? Are you speaking of money? Read the last paragraph. Don't expect anyone to back an inexperienced caterer....

My advice to you is save your savings and go get a job.... Whenever you KNOW how to start a catering business without asking these basic elementary questions on the internet, you will be ready...

By Chefmanny (Chefmanny) on Monday, September 10, 2001 - 03:16 pm: Edit

You really graduated?...was it an e-mail college?
If you need memory refreshers already, don't waste your time!