Catering Business: How to Start, Operate & Be Successful With Your Very Own Catering Business

By Bowe Packer

"Looking To Start Your Own Catering Company?" "Ready to work for yourself in the catering industry?" "Ready to learn the ins-and-outs of the catering business?" This Practical Guide Is Designed For Those That Might Not Really Understand The Science Behind The Catering Business and How It Works and Are Looking To Gain A Complete Understanding Of Thi

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bowe Packer
• Release date: Apr 29, 2014
• ISBN: 9781632878236

Bowe Packer

Hello everyone! My name is Bowe Chaim Packer and I am a bit of a wacky, zany, fun loving guy who does his best to constantly where his heart out on his sleeve. I must say though, like many of you might already know, it often is challenging in this world that we live in. Throughout the years I have come to realize the only thing that I can truly be in control of is me. Or shall I say my actions and how I show up in the world. For me it is all about taking responsibility for how I act, how I treat myself and how I treat others. Wheewwwww, and I won't lie, sometimes it takes everything I have to make a decision to act appropriately. When I do, things always seem to turn out as they should. Funny how that works.!.! ;-) So, here I am publishing information to the world for consumption. I hope what ever words your read of mine and in what ever format you choose to read them in, that they make a difference in your life. No matter how small or large that difference maybe, it will tell me (in a cosmic kind of way) that I have done my job...... Be sure to always keep your heart open and listening with great intent, for then and only then, you will find what you are looking for in that moment.

Book preview

Catering Business

How to Start and Manage Your Very Own Catering Business

Bowe Packer

Table of Contents

Publishers Notes

Dedication

Getting Started

Whats the Charge?

Planning it Out

Chapter 1- Getting on the Right Track

How it All Begins

Being a Food Master

Make Sure You Understand the Business

Type of Catering Services

Institutional Catering

Where do you Fit

High and Low

Events to Cater

Keeping it Small

Not for the Faint at Heart

Can you Handle it?

Setting Out Alone

Working from Home

Answer the Questions

Buying it Out Right

Prove Yourself

Using an Agent

Getting a Piece of the Action

Chapter 2- You’re the Pro

A Love for Food

Back to School

After School

Preparation

Your Recipe Box

Studying Science

High Tech Techniques

Staying the Same

Know it All

Make a Sound Plan

Write it Down

Be an Artist

Keep it Short and Sweet

Finding New Tricks

A Night on the Town

Adding the Proper Layers

Chapter 3- Equipment for Any Size Business

New vs. Used

Restaurant Stores

Your Local Church

Commercial Kitchens

The Importance of Storage Space

Setting Up Your Business Office

Keeping it Cold

Handling Malfunctions

Picking a Stove

Working Without a Stove

Keeping Up the Hood

The Cold Kitchen

Check Out the Oven

What to Know About Convection Ovens

The Holding Oven

Washing Up

The Proper Transportation

Keeping it All Together

Chapter 4- Stocking Up

Check Out the Wholesale Market

Start Your Search

Prepping the Food

Keeping It All Down

Chapter 5- Hiring Some Staff

On Call

Hiring New Workers

Get Some Marketing Advice

Paying Commission

Choosing Employees

Physical Labor

Treating Your Staff

Setting the Rules

Setting the Pay

Your Staffing Requirements

What About the Bar?

Keeping Up Appearances

Chapter 6- Charging Fees

Your Costs

Checking Your Costs

The Major Stuff

The Hidden Costs

Self Service and Receptions

Keeping Things In Mind

Always Sign the Contract

Chapter 7- Plan and Re-Plan

Planning Ahead

Checking the Dates

Checking the Menu

Making A Side Trip

Getting to the Good Stuff

Prepping For Food Prep

Add In Presentation

Things To Remember

Transport

Buffet Setup

The Seated Affair

Room Arrangement

Chapter 8- Setting the Magic

The Reception

Before the Setup

The Pep Talk

Under Pressure

As Time Goes On

Cleaning Up

The Self Service Event

Full Service Meals

Onsite Cooking

Clearing the Table

Packing To Go

Finally Home

Chapter 9- Tracking Your Success

Setting Up the Office

Keeping Up the Books

Your Expenses

Paying the Bills

Keeping the Appropriate Records

Conclusion

About The Author

Publishers Notes

Disclaimer

This publication is intended to provide helpful and informative material. It is not intended to provide you with every aspect of the catering business. For you will encountering things that the author did not. That is the natural process of life.

The author and publisher specifically disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from the use or application of any contents of this book.

Any and all product names referenced within this book are the trademarks of their respective owners. None of these owners have sponsored, authorized, endorsed, or approved this book.

Always read all information provided by the manufacturers’ product labels before using their products. The author and publisher are not responsible for claims made by manufacturers.

Kindle Edition 2013

Manufactured in the United States of America

Dedication

I dedicate this book to all those people out there who remind us of the things we have forgotten about ourselves.

And this holds especially true of my beautiful and amazing wife, Alma. She is the one woman who has the most amazing talent to let me grow and love the things about myself that I have not fully accepted.

I cherish the love she has for me when I may not know how to love myself.

May we all have this kind of beautiful soul in our life.

Sent from LOVE,

Sunshine In My Soul

Getting Started

So you’re thinking about getting started in the catering business. Maybe you’ve never cooked for a large group before. Maybe you’ve cooked for large gatherings many times. The most common reader for this book is likely someone who has cooked for groups of 50 or more at least on occasion previously. You’re probably someone who attends banquets occasionally or frequently and always thinks about what you could (or would) do better if it were your event. Well if this sounds like you then you simply need a little direction and you need to know where to get off and running. Fortunately for you, this book is going to get you off and running in the right direction.

You’re looking to make a living doing something you enjoy doing and something you’re good at. It’s the dream that everyone has after all. So what do you need to know? You need to know that there are three different methods of getting a catering business. You also need to know about finances, organization and the catering ‘machine.’ All of these things are going to lead you down the path to success in your future career.

Of course you’re going to need to know (or learn) a bit about cooking, making your food look extra special and how to interact with others. You’ll also need to know about the type of equipment you’re going to have to have around and some of the rules and regulations for working in catering. But don’t worry about it. We’re going to cover all the basics so that you can really get started in the best possible way.

Whats the Charge?

If you’re just starting out as a caterer then you probably don’t know what you should be charging. There are all different types of caterers and those caterers charge all different fees. You want to make sure you’re not charging too much but you also want to make sure that you’re getting the money that you’re worth. There’s actually a chapter later in this book that will help you to figure out the right rate so you get the money you deserve. And better yet, your clients will be happy with your rates as well.

Planning it Out

You’re going to have some work into getting everything figured out with your planning. It’s going to take time and effort to really figure out what you need to do and get it all done. But if you’re willing to put in that effort then all you need to do is read through this book and you’ll find out where that effort really needs to go. So let’s get started getting you on the right track to