The hospitality industry is a business in demand throughout the year. Whether it’s a birthday, marriage, or anniversary celebration, catering is always required and opted for, as most hosts like to specify a menu and make sure guests are served perfectly. The occasion can be casual or formal; catering is a must for all meetings. Therefore, when you are thinking about starting your own business, it is important to seriously consider catering business information.
Businesses that are always in demand will generate more money and a steady income. Catering is one of those businesses and before embarking on a new catering business it is important to consider a few tips and tricks to ensure that it is successful.
ARE YOU INTERESTED?
The catering business involves food, so it is essential that you have some prior knowledge of cooking or food preparation. You don’t have to be a good cook, although that could be a huge plus. If you are a good cook, you can do without hiring a professional cook or chef. However, this is not a big disappointment and you can easily hire one. It is always good to have a good idea about food preparation, as the business involves a lot of art as well as science.
LOGISTICS
The second most important aspect of starting a catering business is having a fair or good idea about catering supplies which may involve utensils and furniture. Some of the supplies could be linens, chairs, centerpieces, dinnerware (of various kinds), food warmers, fuels, and the list goes on. On top of all this, having your transport like a mini van could keep you in good stead, as the business involves the continuous movement of supplies from storage to catering sites (places where catering must take place).
EMPLOYEES
Hiring the right people can make or break your catering business. In this business, the workforce and their skills play an important role. In addition to preparing delicious dishes, pleasing the host and his guest is a great responsibility. To this end, you need to ensure that the bartenders, waiters, and waitresses you hire have a pleasant personality and provide professional service. Customer service is of the utmost importance here to make sure customers keep coming back to you.
FINANCE
Make sure you have the correct amount of capital to start with. This business is not very capital intensive, but keeping enough working capital to help you with the first few orders is realistic. As in any business, the catering business has its ups and downs as well and it is important to understand the importance of the financial implications. In addition, each catering contract requires a different capital outlay, and therefore the more working capital you have, the better and larger catering orders you can bid.
MARKETING
Marketing is very essential for any business and it is also essential for the catering business. Marketing your catering business to local clientele is very essential and if you have a new catering business, it is important to ensure that some traditional advertisements are inserted in local newspapers and social gatherings. The catering business works primarily by word of mouth and therefore advertising your business with an existing customer would work wonders.
The above are just a few tips, but the most important ones when you are considering starting a catering business. Keep them in mind and be sure to work on them to start and continue to run a successful catering business.
