
Before you jump into your new venture, start sketching your financial outlook and making some projections so you build a profitable business. There are two factors to a business’ profitability-income and expenses. Get creative! Start Looking at the Numbers You may have to rent a shared commercial kitchen, or you may be able to cut costs by operating out of a kitchen at a local church, restaurant, or community center. You may find that while you can operate the business side of your catering operation from home, you’ll still need a commercial kitchen rental where you can do the actual cooking for off-site catering. Rules vary from state to state and city to city, so make sure to get the specific details for your region! Know Home-Based Catering Lawsīefore you file any paperwork or spend a dollar to establish your business entity, you need to know what is possible (and legal) in your area.ĭoes your city/county/state even allow for catering out of your home? And if so, does your kitchen meet the health department guidelines? These rules may require extra ventilation, a three-compartment sink, and non-permeable surfaces, like stainless steel countertops. You can unsubscribe at any time or request removal of street address, phone number, email address via Escoffier website.

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The method you choose could be influenced by your city and state catering regulations, so make sure to do your research before determining your business model.Ĭlicking the "Get the Guide Now" button constitutes your express written consent to be contacted via phone, text, and/or emails by Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts at the number(s)/email you provided, regarding furthering your education. Or you could do all the cooking from your home kitchen, and deliver the completed dishes to the venue.

You could do the prep work at home, and bring everything to the event location for the final cooking and plating. This is often the case with catered business lunches and private parties.Īs a home-based caterer, you may have the option to work either of these methods into your business. With off-site catering, food is cooked somewhere else and then brought to the event location. With on-site catering, the food is cooked and completed at the event location, like a wedding venue or hotel.

