I am thinking of opening a small catering (dinner parties and in home demos) business. I am going brick and mortar with a small storefront of carry out trays, pick up, and boxed lunches as well as baskets. I worked in small independently owned startup restaurants in college, one very successfull, one a terrible failure. I have good cullinary skills, great people skills, learning marketing and more business side of things. I have a degree in History, I'm 26. I really want it, but know that 95% of caterers fail within five years. Any pros or cons to what I have described? Any suggestions?

By Chefmanny (Chefmanny) on Friday, January 09, 2004 - 08:56 am: Edit

Look at the competition around you. Many super markets have taken away the carry out tray business away from small operators in addition to boxed or take out lunches.
The basket business can be very limited also to holidays and special occasions!
You are in the best position to asses the area you are in and the viability of the project
Good luck
Manny