Posted by Donna on September 19, 1998 at 07:44:38 :
In Reply to: banquet facility posted by pam on September 18, 1998 at 20:51:06 :
: I have been operating an off premise catering business for 10 years and am proud to say it is doing well. I would love to take that next step and open my own banquet facility and would love to talk to caterers in different areas of the US who have successfully made this transition. I have done some research but would love some hints on site location start up cost and etc
: Please e-mail me if you have any ideas or suggestions
:
: Thanx!!
: pam
: purple penguin catering
I have just opened my new catering and banquet facility after 2 years of searching for the right site and 7 months of renovations
My definition of the right site may be different from yours. I wanted a good parking area, proper washrooms, bar area, kitchen area, cloak room, storage rooms, dining area with space to install dance floor and also a reception area and it was long, hard looking in three different cities until I fell in love with this place.
I looked into building, leasing, renting, renovating a century old home, anything that would work, I considered.
My location is on the main street and a service club met there for years, but, it had been empty for more than five years and I replaced EVERYTHING in the hall.
I wanted a comfortable setting for my clients so I went to auctions, bought trees, plants, origional art work, statues.
Every bride to be who has walked through the doors, booked the hall. One bride to be didn't even want to look at the menu package and signed the contract and gave the required $500.00 deposit. (I did insist she see the menu!)
If you have been catering for 10 years, trust your instincts. It will take some time to get everything in order, but, go for it.
What is the worst that can happen? If you are prepared to face that question, you are ready for the next step.
If you want more information, contact me.
I have probably spent far too much money on the facility, but it is beautiful.
I am now giving free hall rental (for a limited time) I am doing fund raisers to make an awareness of the location.
I am doing everything from luncheons for 20 to weddings for 187.
I still cater off premises, whatever they want.
Not one time during the start up period did I feel I was doing the wrong thing. I also had support of family, which was important to me as I am away from home long, hard hours.
Best of luck
Donna
La Renaissance Catering