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How To Write a Catering Business Plan w/ Templates (PDF, Word Doc)

Whether you’re starting a catering business full-time or planning to operate out of your house initially , writing a business plan is essential to getting clear on the type of catering business you want to open. After all there’s some pretty important stuff covered inside of what can seem like a stuffy document.

For the purposes of starting a catering company, think about the business plan as the one place you put your operation details. Things like the cooking equipment you need to purchase and the total cost, tentative catering menu, food costs, and who your target customer is. These are all super important details you need to understand before opening! This document provides a place for you to organize everything.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to draft your plan and start on that first catering gig you’ve been planning to open. We also provide templates you can use in PDF and Word Doc you can download and edit. Let’s get started.

  • Executive summary
  • Mission statement
  • Company concept
  • Market analysis
  • Management structure
  • Product line and services
  • Sales and marketing
  • Financial projections
  • Operational plan 
  • Download templates

Page Contents

Executive Summary

Introduction, company description, mission statement, company concept, market analysis, target market, industry analysis, competitive analysis, management structure, product line and services, sales and marketing, financial plan, funding request, financial forecast, operational plan, download templates.

how to write business plan for catering

Catering spread for a Mexican food concept.

Start your business plan with an executive summary. This is a way to introduce your catering business so whoever is reading your business plan will know what to expect. This will include a brief introduction of your catering business, a description of your company, the services your catering business will be providing, and the customer focus.

A quick introduction helps the reader get a bird’s eye view of your catering business. Here you’ll be talking about what to expect and what you can offer as part of your catering service.

This section isn’t considered lengthy. This usually has two to three sentences. What you need to focus on when writing this down is by the end of it, your reader will more or less understand what your catering business is all about.

Here’s an example introduction you can use as a guide:

The Big Spoon is a small catering business headed by Lydia Smith. She specializes in Italian cuisine but can cater to American, Mexican, and Asian dishes as well. The Big Spoon can accommodate an intimate dinner for 2 up to a large party of 50 accompanied with table settings and chafing dishes to complete that delicious home-cooked meal experience.

Just by the introduction, the reader will know how big your catering business is, what cuisine they can expect to order, and how many people the business can cater for. It also gives them an introductory glance about your catering style wherein you already provide more than just food but also a table setting so they don’t have to look for a supplier for this separately.

Keep your introduction informative but also short enough. You will be able to add in more to the details later on.

how to write business plan for catering

Some food trailers make more than 50% of their annual revenue from catering gigs.

A little background on your catering business is needed in the company description part of the business plan. Here, you can describe the meaning behind the name for your catering business, who the owners are, and what their roles are going to be. Who will be in charge of cooking? Who will be in charge of accounts and marketing?

This may just be brief but this is a way for you to introduce what’s going to happen behind the scenes of your catering business.

how to write business plan for catering

Catering works great for food trucks and restaurants.

Although your catering business may sound self-explanatory, it would still be of great help to you if you mentioned the services you’ll be offering.

For example, The Big Spoon already mentioned in their introduction that they’ll be catering food and offering table settings. They could also add that they will be offering an ice cream station and even a cocktail bar.

You will describe more of this in detail later on but you can summarize it and mention it here already.

Customer Focus

For a catering business to flourish, you must know your target market early on. And though a thorough explanation of that can be found in the Market Analysis section, you can briefly state them in this portion as well.

Also, remember that your customer focus would also have to coincide with your skills. You can’t be targeting customers who are vegans if your culinary skills and knowledge do not include cooking vegan food. This is why it’s important to write this early on so you can narrow down the customers you are planning to cater to.

Dinner table with a spread of different foods such as grilled steak, potatoes, salad and bread sitting on a brown table.

What’s your mission statement?

Businesses with clear goals stated from the start lead to a successful operation. Why? Because every decision you make revolves around these goals which will lead you closer to success.

Here’s a sample mission statement to picture it out clearly:

The Big Spoon aims to cater delicious home-cooked meals to its customers. Every dish that is served will contain natural and fresh ingredients. We see to it that the service we provide is top-notch so that our customers will feel as if they are being served in a fine restaurant in the comforts of their own home or wherever they choose to have us cater them.

By writing this down in your business plan, you and your staff will have to stand by the standards you’ve set for yourselves. For instance, as stated in The Big Spoon’s mission statement, no fast food will be served and no artificial ingredients will be used so you and your staff will always remember this by heart.

By following this and revolving your decisions around your mission statement, you will be able to keep such standards which will lead to pleased and returning customers.

Woman tying an apron in a bow behind her back.

This is the section of the business plan where you can finally put in detail the concept you’ve been planning for your catering business. Remember the things you’ve been holding back in saying in the introduction? This is the time to write them all down now.

Related Reading: 7 Powerful Ways I Promote and Market My Catering Business

You can start by answering the following questions:

  • What cuisine will you be offering?
  • How many people can you cater to?
  • Will you be offering healthy options such as vegan, keto, or paleo meals?

You may also add in other concept ideas that are not mentioned above. Just make sure to cover everything so you can have a basis for your product line and services to be tackled later on.

Plate, fork and knife advertising catering for all occasions.

A compelling catering business logo.

Planning to put your business out there means you also have to know the industry you’ll be diving into. This is to help you analyze your potential customers, the growth of the catering business in your area, and the competition.

As mentioned above in the customer focus, your skills will have to match your target market. You’ve already written a brief introduction about it so in this section, all you have to do is to explain it in detail.

how to write business plan for catering

The catering business has been going on for a long while now so it’s important to gather in as much information as you can regarding this industry. This is to help you figure out if there is a potential market for your business and how to put your plans into action.

Another helpful guide is to look into the type of cuisine most people in your area look for. You can then incorporate it into your business and offer it as part of your menu.

The bottom line is that analyzing the industry around you helps you plan better for the future of your catering business.

You will not be the only catering business in your area. You’ll have to consider restaurants as your competition too. Check their prices and set menus. Do a competition check by tasting their food once in a while. Knowing who the players are in this competitive business game gives you the upper hand because you’ll be aware of their strengths and weaknesses and how to deal with them on the field.

how to write business plan for catering

Determine the key players in your business.

A catering service is run by a few people. In this section of the business plan, you’ll list down everyone who is working on this business alongside you as well as the roles they possess in your business. This includes:

  • Business Partners
  • Accountants
  • Co-chefs (If you’re not the only one doing the cooking)

Why is this so important, you might ask? Stating clear business roles and laying out the management structure keeps everyone in check and helps avoid any misunderstandings. Most businesses that don’t define this early on end up having a messy workflow. So make sure to state each duty clearly for everyone to follow.

Italian burgers add that delicious Italian flavor to this American classic food

Burgers are a proven catering option.

This section of the business plan goes hand in hand with your company concept. Here you can present your different sample menus for all the cuisine you wish to cater to. Be sure to include the prices for the set menus per head.

You can also write down the services you plan to offer. Here are some you can consider for your catering business:

  • Out of town catering
  • Cocktail station
  • Set up style (buffet or plated)
  • Table setting (formal or casual, rustic or summer feel)
  • Wait staff or food display only

Writing them all down in this section will keep your business more organized which is very important when you start on your catering business.

Grilled chicken from a barbecue food truck

Grilled chicken is another popular option for caterers.

How are you going to market your catering business? Do you plan to have an ad out in your local newspaper and on social media? Both strategies are fine but you need to find more ways to get your catering business out there.

One way to market yourself is to partner up with rental spaces such as function halls that do not provide food. Give them a proposal that when there are inquiries regarding the rental of their halls, they would present your set menus to the guests as well so they don’t need to trouble over finding a caterer.

Related Reading: How I Started a Legit Catering Business Out of My House

Partnering with several event coordinators is also a way to get your business known. People these days hire event coordinators to do all the planning for them. They expect these coordinators to answer all their questions from food, music, and decorations. By partnering up with an event coordinator, they’ll be the ones to pitch in your catering business to their customers.

Remember to uphold your mission statement as well. By providing good food and high-class standards during your catering event, you’re already marketing your products and services to the number of people you’re catering to. So always make an exceptional first impression because that will stay with the guests long enough for them to remember hiring you on their next and succeeding events.

fried chicken

Plan your financial future.

Knowing where you’re going to get the funds to start your catering business is a must. This is how you’ll know if your plans are going to be achievable or not. Besides, having a solid financial plan will also allow you to go through with your ideas without any interruptions.

In this section, break down your financial plan into two categories which are your plans to request for funding and your financial forecast.

Some business owners are ready to put up their catering business due to having saved enough money through the years. But what if you lack the funds to do it? Don’t fret. You can still loan from the bank and invite investors.

Whatever your plan is that deals with requesting for funding, include it here so you can document it.

how to write business plan for catering

Make conservative and best case scenario financial forecasts.

Reaching break-even is the ultimate goal when you’re putting up a business. You can compute how long it will take you to reach it early on in the planning stage.

You can also list down all your proposed expenses here which include the following:

  • Pots, pans, and other large kitchen appliances and tools for cooking
  • Chafing dishes
  • Dessert displays and trays
  • Table cloths, plates, glasses, and utensils
  • Uniforms for you and the staff
  • Storage boxes and food warmers

You may also add in tables and chairs if you do not want to keep on renting these. But sometimes, the venue where you’ll be catering can provide these as well.

Download Now: Bakery Business Plan Templates for 2021

Be sure to include your staff’s payroll expenses. Since catering events are not done daily (unless you’ve already made a name for yourself and you’re booked every day), you can just have your wait staff be on call and pay them per catering event rather than a daily wage.

By computing these, you’ll know just how much you should allot for your startup capital and how much should your goals be to reach during every catering gig in order to profit off of it.

how to write business plan for catering

What’s your operation plan?

Put your plan into action by making a timeline of your operations. Here is an example:

Date Plan [Insert Date Here] – Finalize the business documents you need such as permits and registrations for your catering business. [Insert Date Here] – Start marketing your business on social media and the local news. Send out proposals for partnerships with event coordinators and function halls. [Insert Date Here] – Hire and train staff. [Insert Date Here] – Start catering when booked. [Insert Date Here] – Achieve goals and reach break-even.

The appendix section of the business plan is where you can put all your documentation. This includes photos of your food and table setting and your copies of the permits and registration for your catering business.

Here are the catering business plan samples in PowerPoint, Word Doc, Google Doc, and PDF. These are ideal for commercial or home-based catering businesses.

  • Catering business plan template Google Doc
  • PDF catering business plan sample
  • Catering PowerPoint template
  • Catering businesses are ideal because there is no space for you to rent which is considered one of the main expenses that can be quite heavy on the pockets. You will be cooking in the comfort of your own home. Just make sure your place can handle heavy cooking and there is enough space for you and your staff to move about.
  • It would be nice to learn more about the different cuisines as you go along so you can cater to a wide variety of audiences.
  • Include a checklist of all the equipment you need to operate at the start. These equipment requirements make up the bulk of your startup costs. You can download a checklist of frequently used catering equipment here .

Throughout this entire guide, we have been referring to your readers as one of the main reasons why you should make your catering business plan easy to understand. But in truth, making this business plan is for you as well. You will need this plan when you’re requesting for financial assistance in banks and this would also serve as your work guide. So remember to keep it detailed and easy to comprehend because you will be using this on the road to putting up your business.

While opening a catering business can be extraordinarily rewarding there are a few factors you should consider before deciding to push ahead. Creating a business plan lets you understand what the factors are, what’s going to make this business become a success, and how you can profit from the venture.

If you’re serious about starting a catering business, don’t forget to sign up for our Food Business Startup Kit . This free community will give you access to exclusive interviews with catering professionals you can use to help grow your own business.

Want to start your own food business?

Hey! 👋I’m Brett Lindenberg, the founder of Food Truck Empire.

We interview successful founders and share the stories behind their food trucks, restaurants, food and beverage brands. By sharing these stories, I want to help others get started.

If you liked this story, sign up for our newsletter that includes our food business startup kit and most popular interviews sent straight to your inbox.

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About the Author: Brett Lindenberg

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Catering Business Plan Template

Catering business plan.

If you want to start a catering business or expand your current one, you need a business plan.

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 5,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their catering businesses.

How to Write a Business Plan for a Catering Company

Below are links to each section of your catering business plan template:

Next Section: Executive Summary >

Catering Company Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my catering business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Catering Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily complete your Catering Business Plan.

Where Can I Download a Catering Business Plan PDF?

You can download our catering business plan PDF template here . This is a business plan template you can use in PDF format.

What Is a Catering Business Plan?

A catering business plan provides a snapshot of your own business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business’ goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why Do You Need a Business Plan?

If you’re looking to start a catering business or grow your existing small business you need a business plan, especially if you are seeking financing for your business. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your company in order to improve your chances of success. Your catering business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your catering company grows and changes.

How Do I Write a Successful Catering Business Plan?

The best way to write a catering business plan is to follow a proven catering business plan template. This template should include the following information: Executive Summary, Company Analysis, Competitive Analysis, Industry Analysis, Customer Analysis, Marketing Strategy & Plan, Operations Plan, Management Team, Financial Projections & Plan, and Appendix.

What Are the Sources of Funding for a Catering Business?

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a catering business are savings and/or credit cards of the business owner, bank loans and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable. But they will want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business.

The second most common form of funding for a catering business or cafe is angel investors. Angel investors are wealthy individuals who will write you a check. They will either take equity in return for their funding, or, like a bank, they will give you a loan. Venture capitalists will not fund a catering business. They might consider funding a catering company with multiple locations or a massive footprint, but never an individual location. This is because most venture capitalists are looking for millions of dollars in return when they make an investment, and an individual or small location could never achieve such results.

What Are the 3 Types of Catering Service Businesses?

There are three types of catering service businesses: on-premise catering, off-premise catering, and event catering.

  • On-premise catering is when the caterer sets up a temporary commercial kitchen space at the client's location.
  • Off-premise catering is when the caterer provides delicious food for events such as picnics, weddings, cocktail parties, and other meetings off-site.
  • Event catering is where the caterer prepares food that is served at special events, corporate events, or family events.

What Are The 5 Steps to Starting a Catering Business?

Starting a catering business is not as difficult as one might think. Here are the five steps needed to get your catering business up and running:

  • Come Up With a Business Idea : This is probably the most important step, as it will lay the foundation for everything else you do. When brainstorming business ideas, make sure to think about what you’re good at and what you enjoy doing.
  • Do Your Research : This step is important to ensure your business is viable and has the potential for success.
  • Create a Catering Business Plan : A business plan is a document that outlines your goals, strategies, and financials. It’s a must-have for any business, but especially for a catering business.
  • Obtain Your Business License : In order to legally operate your catering business, you will need to obtain the necessary business licenses.
  • Secure Funding : If needed, you will need to secure funding in order to get your catering business off the ground.

Once your business is up and running, it’s time to start promoting it! Create a marketing plan and start spreading the word about your new catering business to potential clients.

What are the Benefits of Starting a Catering Business?

There are numerous benefits of starting a catering business, including:

  • Low Overhead Costs : One of the benefits of catering is that the overhead costs are relatively low, especially when compared to other food preparation businesses such as restaurants. This means you can make a profit with fewer customers and staff members.
  • Flexible Schedule : Typically have a flexible schedule, which is ideal for those who want to be their own boss and have more control over their time.
  • Variety of Services : Can offer a variety of catering services and menus, which gives you the ability to target a range of customers.
  • Repeat Customers : Typically have a high percentage of repeat customers, as people often use catering for specific events like weddings, business meetings, conventions, etc.
  • High Demand : Another benefit of catering is that there are typically high demands for this type of service during certain times of the year, including holidays and warm weather months when people are hosting events outside.

What are the Pitfalls of Starting a Catering Business?

While there are many benefits to starting a catering business, there are also some potential pitfalls that should be considered. These include:

  • Not Enough Demand : Before starting a catering business, it’s important to do your research and make sure there is enough demand for your services.
  • Lack of Experience : If you don’t have experience in the catering industry, it will be difficult to start and succeed in this business.
  • High Startup Costs : This type of business can have high startup costs because of the equipment needed, as well as all of the miscellaneous costs that come with starting any business.
  • Competition : Catering is highly competitive and there are many established catering companies already servicing your market. This means you need to do everything possible to set yourself apart from your competitors in order to be successful.
  • Time-Consuming : Catering is a time-consuming business and it can be difficult to balance it with other obligations.
  • Limited Scalability : Catering companies are limited in their scalability, meaning you can only expand so much before you hit a limit. This could be problematic if your goal is to grow your business significantly.
  • Unpredictable Income : Catering services can be very unpredictable when it comes to income, as they can vary greatly from one event to the next.
  • High Risk : As with any business, there is a certain amount of risk involved in starting and running a catering business. You need to be prepared for the possibility of not making a profit or even losing money.

CATERING BUSINESS PLAN OUTLINE

  • Catering Business Plan Home
  • 1. Executive Summary
  • 2. Company Overview
  • 3. Industry Analysis
  • 4. Customer Analysis
  • 5. Competitive Analysis
  • 6. Marketing Plan
  • 7. Operations Plan
  • 8. Management Team
  • 9. Financial Plan
  • 10. Appendix
  • Catering Business Plan Summary

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

Use This Simple Business Plan Template

How to write a business plan for a catering company?

catering company business plan

Are you a startup catering business looking to see if your idea is viable and raise financing?

Or an existing catering company looking for ways to grow, expand or improve profitability? 

If so, this guide will provide the tools and insights you need to write a comprehensive business plan for your catering company.

This in-depth guide covers why you should write a business plan for your catering company; what information is necessary; what such plans typically include; and the best tools available for creating them. 

With these resources, you'll be well on your way toward success as an established or aspiring caterer!

On the menu:

Why write a business plan for a catering company?

  • Information needed to create a business plan for a catering company
  • What is the financial forecast for a catering company?
  • The written part of a catering business plan
  • What tool should I use to write my catering business plan?

Creating a business plan for a catering company is an essential step in the success of any food service venture. Even if you already have an established catering business, you should regularly revise and update your plan.

A business plan is essential because:

  • It forces you to think about how you will grow your business
  • It’s what financiers will look at if your goal is to get funding
  • It helps you keep track of your progress

Business planning and your catering business growth

Having a clear vision for where you want your business to go will help guide your decisions on how to get there.

Writing a business plan will force you to anticipate every aspect of your business - from pricing, marketing and staffing to forecasting, and financial planning - and act as your roadmap for the years to come.

Obtaining funding for your catering business

A well-crafted catering business plan is a mandatory tool when looking for funding.

The business plan details your company's aims and objectives and gives crucial information to potential lenders to make informed judgments about your catering business’ borrowing capacity. 

Similarly, every Investor wants to see healthy growth, profitability, and cash generation to make sure their investment in your catering company will generate a good return on investment. 

Your catering business plan will provide this detailed financial information through the income statements (P&L), balance sheets, and cash flow statements, enabling investors to make an informed decision. 

Keeping track of your catering business’s progress

A business plan is essential if you want to track the progress of your catering business. 

It’s easy to set ambitious goals, but delivering on them is what really matters. Having a business plan in place, and regularly comparing your results to what was planned, keeps you honest about your capacity to execute.

Tracking your financial performance against your forecasts is especially key as it enables you to quickly identify if you are on track or not, and when needed to adjust your forecast in order to maintain visibility on your future cash flows. 

Now that you understand the importance of writing a business plan for a catering company, it's time to look at what information is needed to create one. 

Create your catering business plan online!

Think your catering business could be profitable? Find out how with a business plan!

catering business plan online

What information is needed to create a business plan for a catering company?

Carrying out market research for a catering company.

Market research (a look into consumer behaviour and economic trends) is essential before writing a business plan for a catering company. 

Market research provides valuable insight into the industry and can help you to identify potential customer needs, competition, and trends in the market. 

When performing market research for your catering business you could look at answering questions like:

  • Is the sector growing?
  • What are the most attractive customer segments (corporate, weddings, or social events)?
  • Who is the competition? Is the target market saturated?
  • What types of cuisine (Mexican, Italian, vegetarian, fast food, traditional, etc.) are more profitable?
  • What are the upcoming trends in customer habits in the catering business?
  • What are sales like during weekdays and weekends? Is there a high level of seasonality?
  • What is pricing like? And how have profit margins evolved in recent years?

With this information, you can more accurately forecast revenues (sales) and create an effective marketing strategy to give your catering company the best chance of success. 

Also, it gives investors confidence in your understanding of the industry and provides evidence that you are taking steps to ensure long-term sustainability. 

Developing the marketing plan for a catering company

You will also need to think about your go to market strategy - i.e. what actions will be put in place to acquire and retain customers. 

Having a clear sales & marketing strategy in place will help you ensure you have the right level of staff, and budget for sales and marketing costs, to hit the sales targets set in your business plan. 

The staffing and equipment needs of a catering company

Before developing your catering business plan, you should evaluate the recruitment strategy and the investments required. 

Knowing how much money is needed for staffing is key to accurately anticipating the funding requirements and cost structure in the forecast of your catering company.

For example, you could consider how much it will cost you to hire:

  • A manager (event planner)
  • A supervisor
  • Dishwashers

Similarly, you should also factor in the money you will spend on equipment that is needed to start or expand your business.

Once you have collected all the necessary information to create a business plan for your catering company, the next step is to develop a financial forecast. 

What goes in the financial forecast of a catering company?

The financial forecast for a catering company contains the profit and loss (P&L) or income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement which we will present in more detail below. 

These financial tables enable the readers of your plan to assess the financial potential of your catering business, in particular its viability, borrowing capacity and potential return on investment.

The projected P&L statement

The projected P&L statement for a catering company is a financial statement that shows how much money your company is expected to make (profit) and how much it is anticipated to grow over time.

example of projected profit and loss statement in a catering company business plan

The projected balance sheet of your catering company

The balance sheet is an essential financial statement used to assess your catering company's financial position at a given time. It is a snapshot of the company’s assets, liabilities, and net worth (owner’s money left in the business after deducting liabilities from assets). 

Equipment, inventory, accounts receivable (a record of sales made on credit), investments, and cash are samples of assets a firm may own. Loans, accounts payable (purchases the business made on credit), taxes, and wages are examples of liabilities. 

Lenders, investors or business owners can get an insight into a business’s financial condition when they compare what your business owes versus what it owns. 

Also, a catering company's balance sheet will show whether it is solvent (the ability of the business to pay its long-term debt) or liquid (the business's ability to pay its short-term debt). This helps assess your catering business' funding requirements and borrowing capacity.

projected balance sheet in a catering company business plan

The projected cash flow statement

The cash flow forecast of your catering business helps you understand how much money is coming in and going out. 

This will assist you in making informed decisions about how to expand your business and plan for the future. 

Knowing your cash flow can also help you determine whether you have enough money to keep the business running or if you need additional capital.

catering company business plan: projected cash flow

The initial financing plan

An initial financing plan shows how much money you need at the start of your catering company business plan, where it will come from, and what it will be used for.

catering company: sources and uses of funds

Now that you know what you should include in your catering company's financial forecast, it's time to look at the written portion of your business plan which provides the context needed to evaluate the relevance of your financial forecast.

The written presentation of a catering company business plan

The written presentation is composed of 7 main sections:

The executive summary

  • The description of the business

The products and services section

The market analysis.

  • The strategy 
  • The operations
  • The financial plan

The executive summary of the business plan of your catering company should enable readers to quickly and easily understand who you are, what you do, and the objectives of your business plan. 

The summary should include your mission and vision statement, a comprehensive overview of the catering business, its market, key financials, an overview of your plans and goals, your business strategy, your funding requirements, and the administrative structure of your business.

Presentation of the company

When preparing the description of your catering business, it is essential to consider the different parts that make up the business. First, you should explore the structure and ownership of your enterprise. 

This includes information on who owns the business, how many shareholders there are, and what type of legal entity (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, and so on) your business operates as.

The second part to consider is the location of your business. It is crucial to explain why you have chosen a particular area or city for your catering venture, and how the local market may benefit from having your services.

Finally, you should describe the management team. Include an outline of each member’s experience and certifications, and how their jobs will contribute to the catering company's success. 

A good leadership team is vital for every business plan since it increases investor trust. As a result, ensuring that they are adequately highlighted can make all the difference.

When you are writing the products and services of the business plan for a catering business, it is important to include detailed descriptions of each product or service.

For example, in this portion of the business plan, you could state that you cater to private events, weddings, corporate groups, and so on. 

Your plan's reader should have a sense of how many guests can be served for each type of event, what types of menus are available, and if any specific dietary needs can be met, as well as other significant facts.

The goal here is to ensure you adequately present all your products and services.

This information should be clear, concise and comprehensive so that potential investors or banks can get a good understanding of what exactly your catering company offers.

a range of food aligned in a buffet: illustration for the products and services section of the catering business plan

When presenting the conclusion of your market analysis in your catering business plan, you should include information about demographics and segmentation, target market, competition, barriers to entry, and regulation. 

This will help lenders and investors understand who the company is targeting with its services, and help inform their opinion of your commercial potential.

In addition to demographic information, it's also important to provide an overview of your competition in order to show potential investors why your service stands out from others in the local market.

You should also explain any relevant regulations you must adhere to when operating.

By providing such details you will give potential lenders and investors a clear understanding of how well-positioned you are for success in this competitive industry landscape.

The strategy section

When writing the strategy section of your business plan for a catering company, you should detail your competitive advantage, pricing strategy, marketing plan, milestones and risks and mitigants (how to counter the risks). 

The competitive advantage should highlight how your services are unique from other competitors in the area. This could include special cuisine options or services, such as delivery or event planning. 

In addition, a pricing strategy is essential to ensure that customers are getting value for money while still making sure that profits are maximized. Pricing should be competitive yet profitable for the business, considering market trends and the customer's willingness to pay. 

Moreover, a detailed marketing plan must be included which outlines how the company plans to promote its services and reach potential customers. 

Plus, you should set milestones to measure the success of your business plan, and risks and mitigants identified to prepare for any potential issues that may arise. 

With these elements included, your strategy section will ensure that your catering company stands out from the competition.

The operations section

This section should provide an overview of how your business is organized to achieve success and must be convincing enough to investors and banks.

The operations section of your catering business plan, you should include detailed information about your staffing team, roles and responsibilities of staff members, recruitment plans, operating hours, key assets and intellectual property needed to operate the business, and suppliers. 

In terms of staffing, your business plan should detail who will be responsible for each job role, what qualifications and experience are required for each position, and how many people will fill that role. 

The financial plan section

The financial plan section of the guide is where you talk about the financial forecast we talked about earlier in this guide. 

By now, you should have a comprehensive understanding of the information that belongs in your catering business plan. It's time to begin assembling all the parts. 

What tool should I use to write my catering company's business plan?

In this section, we’ll be reviewing three solutions for creating a business plan for your catering company: using Word and Excel, hiring a consultant, or using online business plan software.

Create your catering company's business plan using Word or Excel

Using Word and Excel sounds attractive because they are cheap, but these tools are often not the best solution for you due to their limitations.

Do you have the skills to create a forecast in Excel? This is the first issue if you are going fully manual with Excel: you need to understand what you are doing, meaning that you need to have a solid background in accounting and finance to avoid making mistakes.

The second issue is trust. Even if you avoid making mistakes, will investors and lenders think you did? 

Now when it comes to writing the actual business plan, Word is great but you start from a blank page, without instructions, and have to do all the formatting which takes forever.

Hire a consultant to write your catering company's business plan

Outsourcing the writing of your catering business plan to an accountant or consultant may be a viable option for you if you don’t have time. 

The main advantage of this approach is that consultants and accountants are used to writing business plans and financial forecasts, and thus there is less risk of errors. 

However, this method also has its drawbacks:

  • It’s expensive: it costs a minimum of $2,000 (or £1,500) to get a business plan from a consultant.
  • Revisions required after the first version of the plan are often not included in the price.
  • Unless the consultant knows your industry by heart, they are unlikely to be able to challenge your assumptions, and to be able to sell your positioning compellingly.
  • Accountants won't touch any part of the presentation (they only help with the forecast).

Using an online business plan software

Another alternative is to use online business plan software . There are several advantages to using specialized software:

  • You are guided through the writing process by detailed instructions and examples for each part of the plan
  • You can be inspired by already written business plan templates
  • You can easily make your financial forecast by letting the software take care of the financial calculations for you without errors
  • You get a professional document, formatted and ready to be sent to your bank
  • The software will enable you to easily track your actual financial performance against your forecast and update your forecast as time goes by

If you're interested in using this type of solution, you can try our software for free by signing up here .

We hope that this article has helped you to better understand how to write the business plan for a catering company. If you still have questions, do not hesitate to contact us.

Also on The Business Plan Shop

  • How to write a successful business plan for a pizzeria
  • Coffee shop business plan template

Know someone in the catering industry? Share this article with them!

Guillaume Le Brouster

Founder & CEO at The Business Plan Shop Ltd

Guillaume Le Brouster is a seasoned entrepreneur and financier.

Guillaume has been an entrepreneur for more than a decade and has first-hand experience of starting, running, and growing a successful business.

Prior to being a business owner, Guillaume worked in investment banking and private equity, where he spent most of his time creating complex financial forecasts, writing business plans, and analysing financial statements to make financing and investment decisions.

Guillaume holds a Master's Degree in Finance from ESCP Business School and a Bachelor of Science in Business & Management from Paris Dauphine University.

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Catering Business Plan

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Every event or occasion calls for good food. And although the majority of people like good food, not everyone has the talent to cook the same.

And if you are someone who receives constant compliments for your cooking then you must have thought of having your catering business.

But having a catering business is much more than that. It all boils down to the quality of your service in the end, but before that, you need to have a strategy to attract your customers’ attention, build trust, manage your finances, and many more.

All of the above might sound a little overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be. All you need is a catering business plan.

Catering Industry Highlights 2023

Here is an overview of the current state of the catering industry in 2023:

Market size and growth potential:

Employment scenario:, number of operational businesses:, major market drivers:, key market trends:, financial plan:.

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how to write business plan for catering

How Can a Catering Business Plan Help You?

The catering business is one of the most rewarding careers as it not only lets you pursue your passion, it has the potential to grow into a huge business by size and volume if planned properly.

A business plan is helpful for a catering business because along with great cooking skills, great management skills are an integral part of a successful catering business.

A business plan can help you conduct your daily business activities without chaos, have good finances, help you find your desired customers, and make your unique business idea a marketable one.

Things to Consider Before Writing Your Catering Business Plan

Make a list of items you can serve.

Having a list of items you will serve, helps you organize your services better. It also helps your customers understand what you can offer and decide if your service is the right one for them or not.

It also becomes important that you design your menu as per your target audience’s tastes and preferences.

Figure out your location and staffing coasts

Figure out from where you’ll provide services, what would be the amount of rent you’ll have to pay, which location would be good for your business , etc.

Apart from that, you also need to figure out staffing costs, the size of your team, the skills required, and so on.

Figure out where you’ll get your supplies from

Getting good supplies is essential for a catering business. Because you need to pay attention to quality as well as the taste of the food you’ll offer. Having a fixed supplier helps you maintain consistency in the quality of your food.

Make a list of important equipment

Although many catering services work on the go and prefer to rent equipment, it is a good practice to have the basic equipment in case of contingency. It would also decrease your reliance on other people, and pose fewer challenges while gathering supplies for new orders.

Having your equipment also makes it easier for you and your team to prepare orders as you get familiar with how to use those tools.

Now that you have done the research, let’s learn how you can write a business plan for yourself.

How to Write a Catering Business Plan?

A good catering business plan consists of a clear description of your business’s functioning, your target market, the services you offer, the size of your company, a pricing strategy, and a well-designed employee management system.

Now you might wonder, where to start from, how to go about writing a plan from scratch, and most importantly how to know if you have written a good one.

Well, you need not worry.

You can easily write a well-rounded business plan either through a pre-designed template or through online business plan software.

Moreover, online business plan software can help you write a flexible business plan that grows alongside your business.

Catering Business Plan Outline

This is the standard catering business plan outline which will cover all important sections that you should include in your business plan.

  • Keys to Success
  • Financial Summary
  • Legal Entity
  • Locations and Facilities
  • Facility Design
  • Boxed lunches
  • Buffet style lunches
  • Alternative Providers
  • Future Products
  • Internal Bright Future Customers
  • Nonprofit External Customers
  • For-profit External Customers
  • Market Analysis
  • Market Trends
  • Market Growth
  • Value Proposition
  • Competitive Edge
  • Distribution Strategy
  • Marketing Programs
  • Pricing Strategy
  • Promotion Strategy
  • Of Grape & Grain
  • Cravings Fine Foods
  • Ariana’s Deli
  • Fettuccini and Co
  • Napoli Restaurant
  • Brindiamo Catering
  • Wild Duck Brewery
  • Oregon Electric Station
  • Local and national grocery stores chains
  • Local and national sandwich fast-food chains
  • Strategic Alliances
  • Organizational Structure
  • Management Team Gaps
  • Personnel Plan
  • Other General Assumptions
  • Fundraising Strategy
  • Fundraising Programs
  • Funding Forecast
  • Start-up Summary
  • Income Statement (5-Year Projections)
  • Balance Sheet (5-Year Projections)
  • Cash Flow (5-Year Projections)

Although your plan will keep changing as your business grows, here are a few key sections that would form the foundation of your business plan:

1. Executive summary

This executive summary section would be the first one on your plan. It provides a summary of all that your business stands for. It can be divided into the following subsections:

  • Objectives : This segment would consist of the chief objectives of your company. What it aims to achieve, who it wants to serve, and where it wants to reach.
  • Mission : This segment includes the mission statement of your business, it consists of what market gap you plan on filling with your business.
  • Financial Summary : This segment will give a summary of the past and present condition of your finances as well as projected gains of your business.

A clear executive summary can come in handy if you need funding.

2. Operational Strategy

The operational strategy section helps you plan how to work toward achieving your business goals. It can be divided into the following subsections:

  • Day-to-day activities : In this segment, you’ll write an overview of the best way of carrying out your business from onboarding clients to fulfilling the services.
  • Long-term goals : This section would consist of long-term goals like serving a certain number of clients, growing your business to a certain size, and expanding to a certain number of branches, etc.

A good operational strategy would make your business activities less chaotic and prevent them from being all over the place.

3. Market Analysis

In this segment, you’ll write down every single detail you can find out about the market. It would include the following segments:

  • Market trends : Knowing about all the prevailing market trends can help you design a plan that would change as per the evolving market, and also help you maintain the foundation your company stands on. It would also give you an overview of what your competitors are doing.
  • Target Market : This segment would describe everything about your target market. The locations they prefer, the kind of cuisines they are into, how and when they procure catering services, etc.

This segment helps you understand what you are getting yourself into.

4. Services

This section consists of a detailed description of the services you offer. For example, the events you cater to, the volume of people you can serve, the food options your services have, what additional services you offer, etc.

This segment helps your target audience understand your services better, it helps them in deciding whether you are the right fit for them or not. So, make sure you describe your services in a clear and precise manner.

5. Financial Plan

The financial plan segment includes everything starting from the funds you need to start your business, the funds you need for procuring supplies and employing people, the projected cash flow of your business, expected profit, and loss of your business, pricing strategy, etc.

Download a sample catering business plan

Need help writing your business plan from scratch? Here you go; download our free catering business plan pdf to start.

It’s a modern business plan template specifically designed for your catering business. Use the example business plan as a guide for writing your own.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

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A business plan software like Upmetrics is the best way to draft your business plan. This incredible tool comes with step-by-step instructions, customizable templates, and 400+ sample business plans to help you get started.

So, whether starting a catering business or planning to grow an existing one, Upmetrics is the tool you need to create a business plan.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning today!

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Frequently asked questions, how do i write a business plan for catering.

Writing a catering business plan from scratch requires a lot of research, but you can report it most effectively with the help of a catering business plan example. Using our business plan software, you can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less.

What should be included in a catering business plan?

These are the key components of a business plan your catering plan must include to stand out to investors:

  • Executive summary
  • Business Overview
  • Products and services
  • Sales and marketing strategies
  • Operations plan
  • Management team
  • Financial plan

Where to find business plan writers for your catering business?

While many business plan writers are available to help you, believe it or not, no one knows your business better than you. So we recommend you write your catering business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind. You can use AI business plan generators like Upmetrics to speed up the writing process.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a catering business plan?

Following are some of the common mistakes to avoid when writing a catering business plan:

  • Poor market research and ignoring industry trends.
  • Inadequate and inaccurate financial projections.
  • Undefined goals and lack of details.
  • Including outdated and irrelevant information.
  • Not proofreading the document for typos and grammatical errors.
  • Not regularly updating your business plan.

About the Author

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Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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How To Write A Winning Catering Business Plan + Template

How To Write a Winning Staffing Agency Business Plan

Creating a business plan is essential for any business, but it can be especially helpful for catering businesses that want to improve their strategy and/or raise funding. This begs a question: what elements appropriately belong in your catering business plan.

A well-crafted business plan not only outlines the vision for your company, but also documents a step-by-step roadmap of how you are going to accomplish it. In order to create an effective business plan, you must first understand the components that are essential to its success.

This article provides an overview of the key elements that every catering business owner should include in his or her business plan.

Download the Ultimate Catering Business Plan Template

What is a Catering Business Plan?

A catering business plan is a formal written document that describes your company’s business strategy and its feasibility. It documents the reasons you will be successful, your areas of competitive advantage, and it includes information about your team members. Your business plan is a key document that will convince investors and lenders (if needed) that you are positioned to become a successful venture.

Why Write a Catering Business Plan?

A catering business plan is required for banks and investors. The document is a clear and concise guide of your business idea and the steps you will take to make it profitable.

Entrepreneurs can also use this as a roadmap when starting their new company or venture, especially if they are inexperienced in starting a business.

Writing an Effective Catering Business Plan

The following are the key components of a successful catering business plan:

Executive Summary

The executive summary of a catering business plan is a one to two page overview of your entire business plan. It should summarize the main points, which will be presented in full in the rest of your business plan. Follow these tips:

  • Start with a one-line description of your catering company
  • Provide a short summary of the key points in each section of your business plan, which includes information about your company’s management team, industry analysis, competitive analysis, and financial forecast among others.
  • Form a line-up of evaluators to whom you will give your catering business plan and have them be heartless in their criticism.

Company Description

This section should include a brief history of your company. Include a short description of how your company started, and provide a timeline of milestones your company has achieved.

If you are just starting your catering business, you may not have a long company history. Instead, you can include information about your professional experience in this industry and how and why you conceived your new venture. If you have worked for a similar company before or have been involved in an entrepreneurial venture before starting your catering firm, mention this.

You will also include information about your chosen catering business model and how, if applicable, it is different from other companies in your industry.

Industry Analysis

The industry or market analysis is an important component of a catering business plan. Conduct thorough market research to determine industry trends and document the size of your market. 

Questions to answer in the catering business plan  include:

  • What part of the catering industry are you targeting?
  • How big is the market?
  • What trends are happening in the industry right now (and if applicable, how do these trends support the success of your company)?

You should also include sources for the information you provide, such as published research reports and expert opinions.

Customer Analysis

This section should include a list of your target audience(s) with demographic and psychographic profiles (e.g., age, gender, income level, profession, job titles, interests). You will need to provide a profile of each customer segment separately, including their needs and wants.

For example, a catering business’ customers may include:

  • Wedding receptions
  • Corporate luncheons and events
  • Private parties
  • Cocktail parties

This information will help you determine your marketing strategy later on. It is important to remember that your target market may not always be the same as your actual customer base. In other words, you may have to market to a different audience in your catering business plan than the one you eventually want to sell your services to.

You can include information about how your customers make the decision to buy from you as well as what keeps them buying from you.

Develop a strategy for targeting those customers who are most likely to buy from you, as well as those that might be influenced to buy your products or catering services with the right marketing.

Competitive Analysis

The competitive analysis helps you determine how your product or service will be different from competitors, and what your unique selling proposition (USP) might be that will set you apart in this industry.

For each competitor, list their strengths and weaknesses. Next, determine your areas of competitive differentiation and/or advantage; that is, in what ways are you different from and ideally better than your competitors.

Marketing Plan

This part of the business plan is where you determine and document your marketing strategy. Your plan should be clearly laid out, including the following 4 Ps.

  • Product/Service : Detail your product/service offerings here. Document their features and benefits.
  • Price : Document your pricing strategy here. In addition to stating the prices for your products/services, mention how your pricing compares to your competition.
  • Place : Where will your customers find you? What channels of distribution (e.g., partnerships) will you use to reach them if applicable?
  • Promotion : How will you reach your target customers? For example, you may use social media, write blog posts, create an email marketing campaign, use pay-per-click advertising, launch a direct mail campaign. Or you may promote your catering business via word-of-mouth.

Operations Plan

This part of your catering business plan should include the following information:

  • How will you deliver your product/service to customers? For example, will you do it in person or over the phone only?
  • What infrastructure, equipment, and resources are needed to operate successfully? How can you meet those requirements within budget constraints?

The operations plan is where you also need to include your company’s business policies. You will want to establish policies related to everything from customer service to pricing, to the overall brand image you are trying to present.

Finally, and most importantly, in your Operations Plan, you will lay out the milestones your company hopes to achieve within the next three-to-five years. Create a chart that shows the key milestone(s) you hope to achieve each quarter for the next four quarters, and then each year for the following four years. Examples of milestones for a catering business include reaching $X in sales. Other examples include:

Hiring a certain number of new employees

Opening a second location

Rolling out a new product or service line

Management Team

List your team members here including their names and titles, as well as their expertise and experience relevant to your specific catering industry. Include brief biography sketches for each team member.

Particularly if you are seeking funding, the goal of this section is to convince investors and lenders that your team has the expertise and experience to execute on your plan. If you are missing key team members, document the roles and responsibilities you plan to hire for in the future.

Financial Plan

Here you will include a summary of your complete and detailed financial plan (your full financial projections go in the Appendix). 

This includes the following three financial statements:

Income Statement

Your income statement should include:

  • Revenue : how much revenue you generate.
  • Cost of Goods Sold : These are your direct costs associated with generating revenue. This includes labor costs, as well as the cost of any equipment and supplies used to deliver the product/service offering.
  • Net Income (or loss) : Once expenses and revenue are totaled and deducted from each other, this is the net income or loss

Sample Income Statement for a Startup Catering Business

Balance sheet.

Include a balance sheet that shows your assets, liabilities, and equity. Your balance sheet should include:

  • Assets : All of the things you own (including cash).
  • Liabilities : This is what you owe against your company’s assets, such as accounts payable or loans.
  • Equity : The worth of your business after all liabilities and assets are totaled and deducted from each other.

Sample Balance Sheet for a Startup Catering Business

Cash flow statement.

Include a cash flow statement showing how much cash comes in, how much cash goes out and a net cash flow for each year. The cash flow statement should include:

  • Cash Flow From Operations
  • Cash Flow From Investments
  • Cash Flow From Financing

Below is a sample of a projected cash flow statement for a startup catering business.

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup Catering Business

You will also want to include an appendix section which will include:

  • Your complete financial projections
  • A complete list of your company’s business policies and procedures related to the rest of the business plan (marketing, operations, etc.)
  • Any other documentation which supports what you included in the body of your business plan.

Writing a good business plan gives you the advantage of being fully prepared to launch and/or grow your catering company. It not only outlines your business vision but also provides a step-by-step process of how you are going to accomplish it.

A well-written business plan is critical for any catering business looking to start or grow. In addition, be sure to include a detailed financial plan and supporting documentation in your appendix. This will give investors and lenders the confidence they need to believe in your company’s long-term success.  

Finish Your Catering Business Plan in 1 Day!

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How to create a catering business plan

  • Jeremy Greenbaum
  • Sep 7, 2023
  • 11 min read

How to write a catering business plan

When starting a business , especially when starting a service business , crafting a meticulous and transparent business plan is essential. A catering business plan is a meticulously crafted manuscript that outlines your company’s ambitions, tactics and financial projections. This invaluable document not only charts a precise course when starting your food business but also serves as a culinary compass. Keep reading to learn how to write a strong catering business plan.

Looking to promote your business online by making a website ? Try Wix’s website builder .

Writing a comprehensive catering business plan is crucial for the success of your venture. It provides a roadmap for your business, helps attract investors and funding and guides your decision-making process regardless of your type of business . Here are the six main parts of a catering business plan:

Executive summary

Company and domain names

Market analysis and research

Operations plan

Marketing and advertising plan

Financial plan

01. Executive summary

The executive summary is a concise overview of your catering business plan. It should provide a clear and compelling summary of your business idea, goals and strategies. This section is typically written last but appears at the beginning of the business plan.

An effective executive summary for a catering business plan should include:

A brief description of your catering business and its unique selling proposition

An overview of your target market and how you plan to capture it

A summary of your financial projections, including revenue targets and profitability

An outline of your marketing strategies and how you intend to promote your services

02. Company and domain names

Choosing the right business name for your catering venture is crucial for building brand awareness and trust. It should reflect your company's values, be memorable and resonate with your target audience. Consider using a business name generator (or specifically a restaurant business name generator ) for inspiration and brainstorming ideas.

Be inspired: Catering business name ideas

When selecting a domain name for your catering website, it's important to choose something that is easy to remember, relevant to your business and available. Conduct a domain name search to check its availability and consider best practices (e.g., keep it short and simple, avoid numbers and hyphens, use keywords and check to make sure it aligns with your brand identity and values).

Once you’ve landed on a business name and structure, follow the steps for registering your business .

03. Market analysis and research

Including market analysis and research in your catering business plan is essential for understanding the competitive environment and building a better business strategy. Conducting market research will help you identify your target market, assess customer preferences and understand the demand for catering services in your area.

An overview of the catering industry, including trends and growth opportunities

An analysis of your target market, including demographics, psychographics and buying behavior

A competitive analysis, identifying key competitors and their strengths and weaknesses

A SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) to assess internal and external factors that may impact your business

04. Operations plan

The operations plan outlines the practical aspects of running your catering business. This includes details about location, premises, equipment and staffing needs.

Key elements to consider in your operations plan:

Location and premises: Choose a location that is easily accessible for clients and has sufficient space for food preparation, storage and office operations. Determine the layout and design of your premises to optimize workflow and create an inviting atmosphere for clients.

Equipment: List the necessary equipment for your catering business, such as commercial kitchen appliances, serving utensils and transportation vehicles.

Staffing: Define the roles and responsibilities of your staff members, including chefs, servers, event coordinators and administrative personnel. Consider their qualifications and training requirements.

05. Marketing and advertising plan

The marketing and advertising plan lays out the strategies you will use to promote your catering business, including your plans to create a business website . It helps you identify the most effective channels to reach your target audience and maximize your marketing budget.

Consider the following when creating your marketing and advertising plan:

Target audience: Define your target market segments based on demographics, psychographics and event types.

Branding: Develop a strong brand identity that reflects your catering business's values, mission and unique selling proposition. (If you need help creating a logo, check out these food-related logo ideas and use a logo maker .)

Pricing strategy: Determine your pricing structure based on factors like food costs, overhead expenses, competition and desired profit margins.

Promotional channels: Identify the most effective channels to reach your target audience, such as social media advertising, email marketing, event sponsorships or partnerships with wedding planners or corporate event organizers.

Marketing campaigns: Plan specific marketing campaigns tailored to different segments of your target market. This could include seasonal promotions, referral programs or discounts for repeat customers.

By incorporating these strategies into your marketing and advertising plan, you can effectively promote your catering business and attract clients.

06. Financial plan

The financial plan is a crucial part of any catering business plan. It outlines how your business will be funded initially and provides a timeframe for reaching profitability. Remember to include:

Startup costs: Estimate the initial investment required to start your catering business, including equipment purchases, leasehold improvements, licenses, permits and marketing expenses.

Revenue projections: Based on market research and pricing strategies, project your anticipated revenue over the first few years of operation.

Expenses: Identify all the ongoing expenses involved in running your catering business, such as food costs, labor, rent, utilities, insurance and marketing expenses.

Cash flow statement: Prepare a cash flow statement that outlines the inflows and outflows of cash in your business on a monthly or quarterly basis. This will help you anticipate any cash flow challenges and plan accordingly.

Profitability analysis: Assess the profitability of your catering business by calculating gross profit margins and net profit margins. This will give you an understanding of the financial health of your business.

steps to developing a business plan

Catering business plan examples

These draft business plans provide a starting point for developing your own catering business plan. Customize them according to your specific business goals, target market and unique selling proposition. A well-crafted business plan will set you on the path to success in the competitive catering industry. Check out these service business examples to help you get started:

Example #1: full-service catering business

ABC Catering Company is a full-service catering business specializing in corporate events and weddings. We offer a wide range of menu options, focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and exceptional service. Our target market includes businesses in the downtown area seeking high-quality catering for their meetings and events, as well as couples planning their dream weddings. With our experienced team and commitment to excellence, we aim to become the go-to catering provider in the region. Our projected revenue for the first year is $500,000, with a net profit margin of 15%. We will leverage digital marketing strategies, including social media advertising and partnerships with local event planners, to reach our target audience.

Company name and domain name

Company name: ABC Catering Company

Domain name: abccateringcompany.com

The catering industry is witnessing a transformative shift, driven by a growing demand for exceptional dining experiences at events ranging from weddings to corporate gatherings. As clients increasingly seek convenience and sophistication, there is a rising preference for professionally curated dining solutions.

ABC Catering Company is strategically positioned to cater to a discerning clientele, primarily focusing on upscale weddings, corporate events and social gatherings. Our target demographic includes professionals, high-income individuals and event planners who value creativity, diversity and flawless execution.

Within our competitive landscape, ABC Catering Company faces established players like XYZ Culinary Creations and Gourmet Gatherings Inc. XYZ Culinary Creations stands out for its innovative presentations but struggles with consistency, while Gourmet Gatherings Inc. excels in personalized experiences but lacks comprehensive menu options for specific dietary needs. Through a holistic understanding of our market and competitors, ABC Catering Company is poised to make its mark by capitalizing on trends, addressing client preference, and navigating challenges effectively.

Location: ABC Catering Company will be situated centrally, boasting easy client access and ample parking, with premises encompassing a commercial kitchen, storage areas and an integrated office space.

Equipment and resources: Our operations will be powered by a cutting-edge commercial kitchen, an array of elegant serving utensils, dedicated transportation vehicles and essential office equipment.

Staffing and expertise: Our skilled team—comprising accomplished chefs, meticulous servers, creative event coordinators and capable administrative personnel—will orchestrate exceptional catering experiences.

Hiring and qualifications: Selection will be based on qualifications and industry experience, ensuring that our chefs, servers, event coordinators and administrative personnel uphold our commitment to excellence.

Target audience: Our prime focus lies on capturing the interest of downtown businesses and engaged couples in the wedding planning process.

Branding: Forge a robust brand identity that encapsulates our values, mission and distinctive selling proposition.

Pricing strategy: Strategically set prices, factoring in food expenses, operational costs, market competition and desired profit margins.

Promotional channels: Harness the potential of social media advertising, email campaigns, event sponsorships and collaborations with wedding planners and corporate organizers for optimum outreach.

Marketing campaigns: Devise targeted marketing endeavors tailored to different subsets of our audience, encompassing seasonal offers, referral initiatives and loyalty discounts.

Startup costs: The estimated initial investment required is $200,000 for kitchen equipment, leasehold improvements, licenses, permits and marketing expenses.

Revenue projections: Based on market research and pricing strategies, projected revenue for the first year is $500,000.

Expenses: Ongoing expenses include food costs, labor, rent, utilities, insurance and marketing expenses.

Cash flow statement: A monthly cash flow statement will be prepared to track inflows and outflows of cash.

Profitability analysis: Gross profit margins are projected to be 60%, with a net profit margin of 15%.

Example #2: corporate catering business

XYZ Corporate Catering is a specialized catering business focusing on providing high-quality food and service for corporate events. We offer customized menus that cater to the specific needs and preferences of our corporate clients. Our target market includes businesses in the technology and finance sectors. With our experienced team of chefs and event coordinators, we aim to become the preferred catering partner for corporate events in the region. Our projected revenue for the first year is $400,000, with a net profit margin of 20%. We will utilize targeted email marketing campaigns and establish partnerships with event venues to reach our target audience effectively.

Company name: XYZ Corporate Catering

Domain name: xyzcorporatecatering.com

XYZ Corporate Catering operates within the thriving corporate events sector, where businesses seek top-notch catering solutions for meetings, conferences and other professional gatherings. This segment is characterized by a growing preference for high-quality, customizable menus that cater to diverse dietary requirements and corporate themes. As the demand for elevated culinary experiences in the business realm increases, XYZ Corporate Catering is poised to capitalize on this trend, delivering exceptional service and tailored offerings to meet the unique needs of corporate clients.

Our target audience encompasses a wide array of businesses, from small enterprises to large corporations, spanning diverse industries. We are well-positioned to cater to these businesses through our flexible menu options, streamlined delivery and commitment to professionalism. The competitive landscape includes a mix of established catering services and local vendors, with key differentiators being the quality of offerings, reliability of service and expertise in handling corporate events. XYZ Corporate Catering's focus on culinary excellence, efficient logistics and strong client relationships will set us apart in this competitive arena, positioning us as a trusted partner for corporate event catering needs.

Location: XYZ Corporate Catering will thrive in a strategically located facility, housing advanced kitchens, storage solutions and dedicated administrative spaces.

Equipment and resources: Our operations will be fortified by cutting-edge kitchen equipment, elegant serving tools and efficient delivery vehicles.

Staffing and expertise: Our adept team—composed of seasoned chefs, professional servers, meticulous event coordinators and capable administrative personnel—will ensure flawless execution.

Hiring and qualifications: We will selectively hire individuals with expertise in the catering industry, focusing on chefs, servers, coordinators and administrative staff with a track record of excellence.

Target audience: Our primary focus will encompass downtown businesses and engaged couples in the wedding planning process.

Startup costs: The estimated initial investment required is $150,000 for kitchen equipment, leasehold improvements, licenses, permits and marketing expenses.

Revenue projections: Based on market research and pricing strategies, projected revenue for the first year is $400,000.

Profitability analysis: Gross profit margins are projected to be 70%, with a net profit margin of 20%.

Why should you create a catering business plan? Top benefits to consider

A well-written business plan provides valuable guidance and direction. It helps you define your goals, identify potential challenges and develop strategies to overcome them. Among its many benefits, a business plan can aid with:

Funding: A comprehensive business plan is essential for attracting investors or raising money for a business from financial institutions. It demonstrates the viability of the catering business and showcases the potential return on investment.

Resource planning: A catering business plan will help you understand what resources, supplies and staff are required to start and operate the business successfully. It allows for proper planning and allocation of resources. To learn more about what it takes to start different catering businesses, read our guides - How to start a food truck business , How to start a food prep business , How to start a frozen food business .

Competitive insight: By conducting market analysis and research as part of the business plan, you can gain insights into the competitive environment. This information helps in developing effective marketing strategies and positioning the catering business in the market.

Risk management: A well-prepared business plan allows you to identify potential risks and develop contingency plans to mitigate them. It provides a framework for risk assessment and management, ensuring the long-term success of the catering business.

Financial planning: One of the crucial aspects of a catering business plan is the financial plan. It includes details about initial funding, projected income, expenses and profitability. This information is vital for you, your investors and your lenders to assess the financial viability of the business.

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Catering Business Plan: 10 Elements of a Complete Plan

A catering business plan will take your catering business from a great idea to a profitable business. Writing a catering business plan is similar to writing a restaurant business plan . It’s a combination of what you need, what you have, and what you plan to do. 

Of course, the specifics are more in-depth when you consider your catering business ideas . In this BinWise blog post, we walk you through those specifics. 

We cover your executive summary, your need for a comprehensive equipment list for types of catering events , and your budget and financial plans. A catering business plan is your starting point for how to start a catering business . 

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How to Write a Catering Business Plan

The process of how to write a catering business plan includes general business plan needs like the executive summary, market analysis, and financial projections. It also includes catering-specific sections like the equipment list and liability insurance. It might even have a type of restaurant risk assessment.

These 10 elements of a complete catering business plan will give you the structure to craft a well-rounded plan. They’ll also give you a jumping-off point once you take your business from a plan into the actionable stages.

10. Executive Summary

Your executive summary is the part of your business plan that grabs your reader and gets them invested. The summary includes a brief overview of your business plan, the problem you're solving, your target audience, and the key financial information. In other words, the executive summary includes the highlights of the rest of your business plan.

9. Market Analysis

The market analysis section of your catering business plan is an in-depth analysis of the market of the catering industry. It needs to be thorough for your sake and investors or business advisors.

 A thorough analysis tells you where your business will fit, and how much market room there is. It should include buying patterns, market dynamics, and your competition.

8. Service Specifics

The service specifics for your business plan are all about the unique structure of your catering business. This is where you dive into the particulars of whether you operate on-site, off-site, or a mix of both. 

It’s also the place to define what your business can do. Will you teach cooking classes? Do you host tastings? This is the place to make those decisions in your plan.

7. Actionable Steps

The Actionable steps, or next steps, are the concrete steps you will take in the time following the writing and refining of your business plan. These may include buying the right equipment or starting up your marketing campaign. These are the tangible business plans that will get you started. 

6. Equipment List

The equipment list on your catering business plan can be as extensive or as minimal as you like. It’s okay if it’s a general list of tools and equipment you should have. 

This is also a good place to make a fully fleshed-out list. That list includes specific restaurant equipment , kitchen gadgets, and even things like wait staff uniforms . 

5. Management and Investors

It’s possible that you’ll share your business plan with investors and potential managers. This section may look different depending on who you have already brought on board.

It can be a place where you outline who will be in management and who has already invested. If, however, you’re currently recruiting and searching, it’s a place to show the financial and business information those people would be interested in.

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4. Budget and Finances

The budget and finances section of your business plan are crucial. This is where you lay out your existing finances, what you need, and where your money will be spent. It’s also the place to include what kind of profit you need to make in order to have a successful business. 

3. Marketing Plans

The marketing plans in your catering business plan are more fun to write, but equally important. In your marketing plan, start with an overview of your chosen marketing tactics– email marketing , content marketing , business branding , or small business marketing . Then, dive into your first few marketing campaigns to show how your marketing initiatives will work. 

2. Liability Insurance

Liability insurance is important for any business that is selling food. Problems can arise from allergic reactions to food spoilage in the kitchen. Liability insurance helps you rest assured that you won’t be held solely responsible. It can help to be a backup to keep your business running even when issues show up.

1. Permits and Licensing

Permits and licensing for a catering business are of the utmost importance. As a business owner , you’ll need everything from a food handler’s permit to a liquor license . You’ll also need to work these permits and licenses into your budget and keep them up to date. An expired permit is a liability.

"Key Takeaway: The process of how to write a catering business plan includes general business plan needs like the executive summary, market analysis, and financial projections. It also includes catering-specific sections like the equipment list and liability insurance."

Frequently Asked Questions About Catering Business Plans

A catering business plan is a crucial part of building a successful catering business. If you’re nervous about starting a catering business , our answers to these frequently asked questions will help you craft your business plan and prepare to open for business. 

How Do You Write a Catering Business Plan?

To write a catering business plan you start with the 10 elements of a catering business plan outlined in this blog post . For your plan, in particular, you’ll need to consider your business structure, menu types , staffing–including wait staff , and available services. There are so many moving parts of a catering business, and your plan needs to account for all of them.

How Do I Start a Successful Catering Business?

When it comes to starting a successful catering business, there are several steps you can take to set your business up for success. Those steps are:

  • Making delicious and unique food
  • Putting customer service first in your business
  • Practicing your organizational skills to keep events running smoothly
  • Having business attire guidelines, to keep you and your staff looking uniform
  • Putting health and cleanliness at the top of your priority list–with the best cleaning supplies
  • Balancing your budget for high profits with great service

All that said, there is no guarantee that a business will be successful. We put this disclaimer here to remind you that you can do everything right and still run into roadblocks. However, even with that possibility, you should still plan for success, believing it is a large part of the battle.

What Is the Weakness of Catering?

The main weakness of catering is the need for restaurant-quality equipment in small and often off-site spaces. Even if your business structure involves preparing food and transporting it to the events, you’ll still have some prep to do at the event. 

There’s no guarantee that you’ll have the best equipment at an event, and this can lead to mishaps if you aren’t prepared for it. The best way to prepare is to have as much portable kitchen equipment as possible. That way you can bring what you need. 

How Do I Attract Catering Customers?

There are several ways you can attract catering customers, including:

  • Creative marketing practices and initiatives
  • Tasting events to draw people in
  • Top quality service to build trust
  • Menu and pricing flexibility
  • Referral rewards

A catering business is based on tasty food, but your clients need to meet you in order to enjoy the culinary experience. Having a creative marketing plan, being dependable, and working with customers to ensure satisfaction will help you build your client base.

Catering Business Plans: Plan Ahead, Cater Later

Writing your catering business plan will get you started on a solid foundation for your business. When you have a clear plan of what you want, what you need, and what you already have, you’re well set up for success. Come back to BinWise once your plan is actionable. BinWise Pro and the BinScan mobile app can help you manage your inventory program .

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Catering Business Plan: How to Make a Catering Business Plan

Starting a catering business can be an incredibly rewarding venture, but it also requires careful planning and organization to ensure success. The key to a thriving catering company is a well-constructed catering business plan, outlining everything from your financial goals to your unique selling points. This comprehensive document serves as a roadmap to guide you through the process of starting and running your catering business, providing clarity and direction every step of the way.

In this blog post, we will walk you through the essential steps for creating a catering business plan, ensuring you have a solid foundation for your catering enterprise. From developing a menu that sets you apart from the competition to crafting a marketing strategy that gets your name in front of the right audience, our guide will help you turn your passion for food and service into a successful catering business. So, let's dive in and start building the blueprint for your catering success!

how to write business plan for catering

Catering Business Plan

A catering business plan is a comprehensive document that outlines an upcoming catering venture's operational, financial, and marketing goals. It includes detailed plans for managing sales and expenses, a marketing strategy, customer service policies, and other important business components. The plan serves as a roadmap for starting and running a successful catering business.

How to Make a Catering Business Plan

A catering business plan should be comprehensive and cover all the key aspects of your business, from your target market and competition to your financial projections and marketing strategy. Here are the steps to help you create a catering business plan:

1. Write an Executive Summary

The executive summary should be a brief introduction to your catering business plan. It should summarize your company's goals, target market, financial projections, and unique selling points of your services. Keep it concise and compelling, as this section is often the first part investors or lenders will read.

2. Create a Company Overview

In the company overview section, describe your catering business in detail. Include your company name, restaurant mission statement , business structure, legal status, and ownership. This section should also provide a high-level view of your catering services and target market.

3. Develop Services and Menu Offerings

Provide a detailed description of the services you offer, including catering for weddings, corporate events, or private parties. Outline the types of cuisine you specialize in and provide a sample menu. Include any additional services your business provides, such as event planning, restaurant equipment rental, or wait staff . Discuss your pricing strategy and outline any special packages offered.

4. Design Branded Graphics

Create a consistent and professional visual identity for your catering business by designing branded graphics tailored for restaurant branding . This includes designing a logo, choosing color schemes, and selecting typography that reflects your brand's personality. These visual elements will be used on your website, social media, promotional materials, and other marketing channels to create a cohesive brand image specifically designed for the restaurant catering industry.

5. Conduct an Industry Analysis

Research the catering industry and identify trends, challenges, and opportunities. Analyze your target market and industry competition to understand your business's unique value proposition for restaurants . This analysis should also help you determine the most profitable catering services and event types.

6. Conduct a Customer Analysis

Understand your target customer base, including their demographics, preferences, and needs. This information will help you tailor your catering services and marketing strategy to effectively meet your customers' needs.

7. Analyze Your Competition

Identify your direct and indirect competitors and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. Analyze how your business can differentiate itself and establish a competitive advantage in the market.

8. Develop a Marketing Plan

Outline your marketing strategy, including advertising, social media, website, public relations, and partnerships. Describe your target audience, key messages, and tactics you will use to reach your customers and achieve your business objectives.

9. Create a Business Operations/Operations Plan

Outline how you will manage your catering business's day-to-day operations. Include information on your equipment, kitchen facilities, staff, inventory management , and food safety practices.

10. Build Your Team and Management Structure

Introduce your management team, their roles, and their relevant experience. Include any advisory board members or mentors. Describe your company's organizational structure and how it supports the execution of your business plan.

11. Forecast Your Sales and Operating Expenses

Provide sales projections for your catering business, including a breakdown of revenue streams and potential growth areas. Estimate your operating expenses , such as rent, utilities, labor, marketing, and supplies.

12. Create a Financial Plan

Include financial statements such as profit and loss, cash flow, and balance sheets. Develop a break even analysis to show when your business is expected to become profitable. Include any funding requirements and a plan for how you will secure capital.

13. Prepare an Appendix

Include any relevant supporting documents or additional information, such as licenses, permits, contracts, or legal documents that may be helpful to readers. Use this section to offer context and support for the data and claims presented in your business plan.

By following these steps, you can create a comprehensive and effective catering business plan that sets you up for success. Remember to review and update your plan regularly to adapt to changes in the market and your business's growth.

Catering Business Plan Example

Here is an example of how a catering business plan might look like:

I. Executive Summary

Our catering business, 123xyz Catering, aims to provide exceptional culinary experiences for events ranging from intimate gatherings to large corporate functions. With our talented culinary team, diverse menu offerings, and focus on local and sustainable ingredients, we will quickly establish ourselves as a premier catering service in the industry. Our comprehensive business plan outlines our goals and strategies for success, highlighting our dedication to quality, customer satisfaction , and sustainability.

II. Company Overview

123xyz Catering is a full-service catering company based in [City, State]. Our mission is to create unforgettable events by exceeding our client’s expectations with innovative cuisine, exceptional service, and creative presentation. Our team of experienced chefs, event planners, and service staff work together to ensure a seamless and memorable experience for our clients and their guests.

III. Services and Menu

Our services include event planning, custom menu creation, and on-site food preparation and service for various events, such as weddings, corporate functions, and private parties. We offer diverse menu options, including appetizers, entrées, desserts , and beverages. Our cuisine ranges from traditional to exotic, focusing on incorporating fresh, locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. We also accommodate special dietary needs and preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

IV. Branded Graphics

Our branding strategy emphasizes clean, modern design elements that convey our commitment to quality and innovation. We will invest in professional graphic design services to create a logo, website, and marketing materials that reflect our brand's values and style. Our visual identity will be consistent across all platforms, reinforcing our reputation as a reliable and sophisticated catering service.

V. Industry Analysis

The catering industry is expected to grow steadily, driven by increasing demand for high-quality food services at events and a growing emphasis on unique, memorable experiences. Our market research has identified several trends shaping the industry, such as increasing demand for sustainable and locally-sourced ingredients, as well as a growing interest in diverse and international cuisines. 123xyz Catering is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends and differentiate ourselves from competitors.

VI. Customer Analysis

Our target customers include corporate clients, private individuals, and non-profit organizations hosting events that require catering services. We will focus on serving clients in [City, State] and surrounding areas, with the potential to expand our reach as we grow. We will target customers who value high-quality, unique culinary experiences and are willing to pay a premium for our services.

VII. Competitive Analysis

We have identified several local catering companies as our primary competitors. Through our research, we have determined that we can differentiate ourselves by offering a more diverse and innovative menu, emphasizing sustainable and locally-sourced ingredients, and providing exceptional customer service. Our competitive analysis will guide our marketing strategies and help us position ourselves as a top choice for event catering services.

VIII. Marketing Plan

Our marketing strategy includes online and offline initiatives to generate brand awareness and attract new clients. Key components of our marketing plan include:

  • A user-friendly, professionally-designed website that showcases our menu and services
  • Active engagement on social media platforms, sharing photos and stories from our events
  • Networking within the local event planning community, establishing Attending local food and business expos to showcase our offerings and generate leads
  • Offering special promotions and incentives to attract first-time clients and encourage repeat business

IX. Business Operations/Operations Plan

Our operations plan outlines the infrastructure and resources necessary to support our catering services. Key elements of our operations plan include:

  • Securing a commercial kitchen space equipped with the necessary tools and equipment
  • Developing relationships with local suppliers to ensure a consistent supply of fresh, high-quality ingredients
  • Implementing a streamlined booking and event management system to handle client inquiries and scheduling efficiently
  • Establishing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for food preparation, presentation, and service to ensure consistency and quality across all events
  • Implementing robust food safety and sanitation protocols to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and compliance with local health regulations

X. Team and Management

Our team consists of passionate and experienced professionals, each bringing unique skills and expertise to the company. Key team members include:

  • Founder and CEO: A seasoned entrepreneur with extensive experience in the catering and hospitality industry
  • Executive Chef : A talented culinary expert with a diverse background in various cuisines and a commitment to innovation and sustainability
  • Event Planner: A detail-oriented professional with experience in coordinating and executing events of various sizes and styles
  • Service Staff: A team of dedicated servers and bartenders trained in providing exceptional customer service and ensuring a seamless event experience

XI. Sales Forecasts and Operating Expenses

Our sales forecast projects steady revenue growth as we establish our reputation and expand our client base. We expect to reach profitability within the first two years of operation. Operating expenses will include costs for food and beverage supplies, kitchen equipment and maintenance, labor, marketing, and general administrative expenses. We will continually monitor and adjust our financial projections as needed to ensure the business's long-term success.

XII. Financial Plan

Our financial plan outlines the necessary investments and financial management strategies to support our business operations and growth. Key elements of our financial plan include:

  • Startup costs, including kitchen equipment, initial inventory, and marketing expenses
  • A comprehensive pricing strategy that takes into account food and labor cost s, as well as competitive market rates
  • Detailed financial projections, including income statements, cash flow statements, and balance sheets
  • A break-even analysis to determine when our business will become profitable
  • Contingency plans for managing potential financial risks and challenges

XIII. Appendix

The appendix contains additional information and resources to support the main sections of our business plan. This may include:

  • Resumes and biographies of key team members
  • Sample menus and photographs of our culinary creations
  • Testimonials and case studies from previous clients
  • Copies of relevant licenses, certifications, and insurance policies
  • Market research data and industry reports
  • Detailed financial projections and assumptions

In conclusion, 123xyz Catering is poised to make a lasting impact in the catering industry. With our commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, we will provide an exceptional culinary experience for our clients and their guests, setting the stage for long-term success and growth.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Catering Business Plan

Starting a catering business requires careful planning and preparation. To ensure success, it is important to create a comprehensive business plan that outlines the goals and objectives of your venture, as well as how you intend to reach them. This section will answer frequently asked questions about creating a catering business plan, from what should be included to how profitable the industry can be.

What Is Included In a Catering Business?

A catering business typically includes event planning, menu creation, and food preparation. Depending on the size of the catering service, these services can also include staffing, equipment rental, and event coordination. Some catering businesses may also offer beverage services and party rentals.

How Profitable Is a Catering Business?

A catering business's profitability heavily depends on several factors, including the quality of food, efficient marketing strategies, and operational costs. Catering businesses can enjoy generous profit margins, depending on how well they manage their operations. 

To maximize profits, caterers must ensure that their food is of high quality, that they have an effective marketing strategy to reach potential customers and keep existing customers coming back, and that their operational costs are kept as low as possible. By doing these things, catering businesses can enjoy lucrative profits and remain competitive in the market.

Why Do You Need a Business Plan?

Writing a business plan is essential for any business. It provides direction and clarity, helps to focus resources and efforts, and provides a framework for decision-making. A business plan helps you determine a business idea's viability, set goals and objectives, identify potential risks and opportunities, and manage the resources you have available. It is also essential for securing financing, as it provides potential investors and lenders with an understanding of your business.

Start Your Catering Plan Today

Creating a catering business plan is an essential step towards starting a successful catering business. It is a detailed roadmap that outlines your business objectives, marketing strategies, financial projections, and operational plans.

By following the steps outlined above, you can create a comprehensive and effective plan that sets you up for success. Remember, your catering business plan is a living document that should be reviewed and updated regularly to adapt to changes in the market and your business's growth. Start your catering plan today and take the first step towards making your catering dream a reality.

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Catering Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Catering Business Plan Outline

  • Catering Business Plan Home
  • 1. Executive Summary
  • 2. Company Overview
  • 3. Industry Analysis
  • 4. Customer Analysis
  • 5. Competitive Analysis
  • 6. Marketing Plan
  • 7. Operations Plan
  • 8. Management Team
  • 9. Financial Plan

Start Your Catering Plan Here

Catering Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your catering business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start a new catering business or grow their catering company.

Below are links to each section of a catering business plan template example:

Next Section: Executive Summary >

Catering Business Plan FAQs

What is a catering business plan.

A catering business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your catering business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can  easily complete your catering business plan using our Catering Business Plan Template here .

What Are the Main Types of Catering Businesses?

Catering services are available for a variety of different occasions including parties, weddings and corporate events. 

What Are the Main Sources of Revenues and Expenses for a Catering Business?

The primary source of revenue for catering companies is individual, private events and corporate events. 

The key expenses for catering companies are rent, wages and salaries, equipment and food costs.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Catering Company Business Plan?

Catering companies are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start a Catering Business?

Starting a catering business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A Catering Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed business plan for a catering business that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, market resarch on the catering industry, the services or products you will offer, business operations details, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  You can quickly complete your catering business plan using our Catering Business Plan Template here .

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your catering business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your catering business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Catering Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your catering business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your catering business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary Catering Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your catering business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your catering business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful catering business and catering business planning:

  • How to Start a Catering Business
  • How to Start a Catering Company

Where Can I Get a Catering Business Plan PDF?

You can download our free catering business plan template PDF here . This is a sample catering business plan template you can use in PDF format.

Other Helpful Business Plan Templates

Photography Business Plan Template Event Venue Business Plan Template

Catering Business: Expert Guide on Getting Started

Starting a catering business takes more than an extraordinary talent in the kitchen. It is more than your love for the hospitality industry and making guests comfortable at events. 

Unlike a restaurant business and other businesses in the food and beverage industry , a catering business combines extraordinary cooking skills and a flair for handling events. As a caterer, you must be able to perfectly plan a menu, prepare meals for a set number of guests, and deliver the meal to the event. 

You must also be able to serve these meals with class and style, even if this means bringing the plates and utensils to the event. That sounds like a good job description! 

So, how do you start your catering business? Let’s find out!

bluecart-marketplace-catering-business

What is Catering ? 4 Types of Catering

The catering business is fiercely competitive and brutal. So it's crucial to carve yourself a distinct specialty that will set you apart from the competition. Understanding the different forms of catering is necessary for you to accomplish this.

What, then, is catering? Let's first go over all you need to know about the fundamentals of the catering industry and the many types of catering.

What Is Catering?

Catering is the process or business of preparing food and providing food services for clients at remote locations, such as hotels, restaurants, offices, concerts, and events. The catering industry consists of businesses that offer a variety of consumers food, beverages, and other services, usually for special occasions.

Catering occasionally includes managing and preparing events. For instance, if you provide corporate catering services, you must deal with enormous crowds and corporate clients' needs.

Some restaurants may hire caterers to do their cooking, or they may even let customers order food from them. Customers might, for instance, be so enamored with a specific meal that they insist on having it served at their event.

Who Is a Caterer? 

A caterer is a person or business that prepares, cooks, and serves food and beverages to clients at remote locations and events. In addition to creating seasonal menu selections, the caterer may be expected to supply the plates, spoons, place settings, and wine glasses required to serve guests during an event.

If you enjoy connecting with customers and creating a variety of foods that are both delicious and appealing to the eye, starting a catering business is the perfect endeavor for you. A caterer is creative regarding new recipes, menus, and culinary presentations.

Caterers are also excellent multitaskers. For instance, the caterer must be prepared to make all the dishes for the event at once if professional wait staff will serve each course of the dinner to visitors.

What Does a Caterer Do?

  • Ensures that attendees enjoy their time at events. 
  • Offers delicious, relaxing dinner. 
  • Deals with particular demands.
  • Designs menus for unique events directly with clients.
  • Setting tables and serving meals during sit-down dining occasions. 
  • Sending staff to prepare chafing dishes, bowls, and platters.
  • Serving food to guests.

4 Types of Catering

  • Event Catering: Event catering is planning a menu, preparing, delivering, and serving food at social events and parties. 
  • Full-service Catering: Full-service catering manages every facet of an event, including meal preparation, decorations, and clean-up following the event.
  • Self-catering in Hotels: Self-catering in hotels is when guests have the facilities to prepare their meals themselves. 
  • Family-style Catering : When meals are served family-style, plates are passed around and shared at tables. 

What Is the FDA Requirement for an Offsite Caterer?

Here are some of the requirements to take note of:

  • Structural and Equipment Requirements
  • A caterer is expected to run their business out of a licensed kitchen that can handle their projected operation.
  • All food transport equipment must be NSF-certified or equivalent.
  • The entire operation must be able to safeguard all food products from contamination and maintain the necessary temperatures for serving.
  • A certified powered serving device will be needed for continuous food service that lasts longer than four hours, such as portable steam and refrigerator tables.
  • Administrative Requirements
  • Only a catering permit is necessary from a food outlet authorized to provide catering to an event location.
  • All goods sold separately over the counter, such as sandwiches, cookies, bagels, and doughnuts, must be packaged in food-grade packaging or placed in containers that have been certified for use.
  • Licensed restaurants are exempt from needing a separate catering permit. However, they must inform the health department that they offer catering services.

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Starting a Catering Business

Starting a catering business is a great way to make money from your love of cooking and event planning. A food catering business requires a lower start-up cost than other businesses in the food and beverage industry.

If you are an entrepreneur or a business owner interested in starting a catering business, you have come to the right place. Let’s discuss a step-by-step guide on how to start a catering business.

How to Start a Catering Business in 8 Steps

Here’s how to start an at-home catering business in eight steps:

  • Select Your Catering Specialty

The first step to starting your catering business is choosing your niche. There are different types of catering businesses, and selecting one makes it easy to build your catering brand. 

  • What type of events will you cater? Social event catering, wedding catering, corporate catering, or concession catering. When just starting a catering business, serving small parties and events like cocktail parties, staff functions, and other social events is easy.
  • What type of food will you serve? Will you target a niche market , like vegan food, gluten-free delicacies, baked goods, or snacks? 
  • Write a Business Plan

A business plan is a document that helps you map your goals and objectives. A well-written business plan will include strategies to actualize these goals and make your business ideas a reality.

  • Choose Your Business Structure

A sole proprietorship business structure means your business will be unincorporated and owned by you alone. On the other hand, if you have a partner, you can register your catering business as a general partnership, limited liability company, limited partnership, or limited liability partnership.

  • Obtain Your Catering Business Licenses

Businesses in the food service and restaurant industry need to obtain a business and food handling license from the State. In addition, you may be required to pass a health inspection as well. Consulting a local law firm is a great idea. 

  • Get Your Catering Equipment

A successful catering business requires several things. First, consider taking a small business loan or buying used equipment if the cost exceeds your budget. Take note of these when preparing your catering business plan.

  • Create Your Menu

Starting a catering business is one thing. Creating a menu your customers will love is another. Consider your target market, cooking facilities, and capacity when creating your menu.

  • Pick Your Team

Selecting the right team is critical to the success of your catering business. Your team includes the in-house staff to help you cater events and cook meals. You’ll also need to partner with wholesale distributorships , distribution warehouses , and wholesale food distributors that supply wholesale food ingredients.

  • Market Your Business

Here are a few tips for running an effective marketing campaign for your catering business:

  • Launch a catering website.
  • Use digital catalogs.
  • Integrate restaurant technologies like contactless payments , restaurant POS system s, inventory management systems, and restaurant management software .
  • Implement payment processing software , invoice processing tools, and invoice management software.

Catering Business Plan

A catering business plan is easy to write and contains the same essential elements as other restaurant business plan formats. However, when writing a business plan for a catering business, add catering industry-specific sections.

Let’s review how to write a catering business plan for your catering business.

How to Write a Catering Business Plan

Writing a catering business plan is more than just filling out a downloadable catering business plan template. Your passion for your catering business idea must be evident in each business plan section.

When writing a business plan for a catering business, include these sections:

  • Executive Summary: Your executive summary, usually one page, is the opening section of your business plan. The executive summary is a summary of your business plan.
  • Company Overview: Your catering business overview should include details of your company. It should describe the client experience, ownership and management components, and business operations.
  • Team and Management: This section is a great place to explain your eCommerce team structure and organogram. Start the section by explaining your role within the company.
  • Market and Opportunity: Market research will help you know which type of catering business will succeed in your chosen market. When writing this section, use graphs and charts to explain your findings.
  • Business Operational Plan: Explain your business process flow in this section. From how you will attract clients to how you will serve meals at an event, your operational plan is a great place to explain your workflow in detail.
  • Products and Services: If you plan to specialize in a menu item for specific events, this is the place to discuss it. Ensure you include a sample of your menu and pictures of your meals. Include details about your pricing as well.
  • Marketing Plan: Describe your eCommerce marketing plan and strategies to grow your catering business.
  • Financial Projections: Draw your financial projections, estimated costs for starting a catering business, and cash flow statement.

free-catering-business-resources-download

5 Action Plan for Catering Business

  • Choose a Format
  • Decide on Your Brand
  • Be Aggressive With Marketing
  • Try Software Automation

Catering Business Ideas to Get You Started

Choosing a unique idea that will grow the catering business can be challenging with hundreds of catering business ideas. Several catering business ideas exist, from being a restaurant contract caterer to offering group catering services for team meetings.

Let’s look at some of the best catering business ideas you can adopt for your catering business.

5 Best Catering Business Ideas 

  • Mobile Catering Business: In a mobile catering operation, meals are made and served from a moving van. An instant food delivery service, a street vendor selling food to onlookers, or a concession stand at a fair are all possible uses for a mobile catering unit.

Tips For Starting a Mobile Catering Business

  • Write a restaurant business plan
  • Secure mobile catering permits and license
  • Register the catering vehicle
  • Buy catering insurance
  • Use catering management software
  • Set your prices
  • Get your mobile catering van and catering equipment
  • Hire catering team
  • Promote and grow catering business
  • Event Catering Business: Event catering is one of the most popular categories of catering services. Event caterers handle various events and food, from birthdays and backyard barbecues to modest luncheons and retirement celebrations.

Tips for Starting an Event Catering Business

  • Build a relationship with other event vendors such as wedding planners, photographers, and bakery business owners
  • Work with a great team
  • Be great at organizing events
  • Use professional wait staff uniforms
  • Offer competitive pricing
  • Make delicious food
  • Lunch Catering Business: The lunch catering business involves preparing meals, especially lunches, for customers in a company. You may cater lunch for small teams within a department or the entire company. 

Tips for Starting a Lunch Catering Business

  • Invest in automated order management software like Revolution Ordering
  • Use restaurant QR code menu
  • Create flexible menu options
  • Build a connection with the corporate community
  • Try digital marketing to reach more customers
  • Make a brand statement with your food packages
  • Work with the best delivery route optimization software
  • Meals to Go Catering Business: Catering companies specializing in meals-to-go provide consumers with quick meal options. In this kind of catering, the food is prepared and then heated in the oven for the diners.

Tips for Starting a Meals-to-go Catering Business

  • Research your niche market
  • Use an online order management system
  • Implement eCommerce marketing strategies
  • Partner with the right wholesale restaurant food distributors
  • Health Catering Business: Health catering is a specific type of catering business. You should consider starting a health catering business if you fancy cooking healthy meals and making healthy drinks.

Tips for Starting a Health Catering Business

  • Create the perfect healthy-food menu
  • Partner with a nutritionist or healthy-food expert
  • Build the perfect health-themed brand marketing plan

Catering Software : 6 Best Catering Business Software

Setting up an effective business system is crucial when starting a catering company. Catering software keeps track of all administrative activities while streamlining restaurant operations, cutting labor expenses, and maximizing time management.

You can utilize a variety of catering business software for your operation. Let's first examine some of the greatest online catering software to assist you in automating your catering business.

catering-software-demo

Catering Management Software: Top Features to Consider

  • Task management
  • Time management
  • Employee Scheduling
  • Calendar Management.
  • Accounting and Billing Management
  • Inventory Management

6 Best Catering Business Software You Need

  • Catering Kitchen Management Software

Features of Kitchen Management Software

  • Tracking orders
  • Managing inventory and kitchen supplies
  • Preparing and reviewing orders
  • Planning menus
  • Reporting kitchen performance

Best Kitchen Management Software

  • Revolution Ordering
  • Catering Booking Software

Features of Catering Booking Software

  • Responding to emails and invites automatically
  • Integrating with Google Calendar, Xero, and QuickBooks
  • Modifying the calendar to suit your business
  • Assigning tasks to team members
  • Tracking your mobile workforce

Best Catering Booking Software

  • Total Party Planner
  • Catering CRM Software

Features of Catering CRM Software

  • Managing leads and customers
  • Automating leads
  • Delivering the best customer service
  • Managing delivery addresses
  • Capturing signatures
  • Managing online orders

Best Catering CRM Software

  • Social Tables
  • Catering Inventory Software

Features of Catering Inventory Software

  • Maintaining an accurate record of inventory
  • Checking the variance between the inventory used in a day and what’s left at the end of the day
  • Reducing inventory stock quantity automatically once the catering event is over
  • Automating restocking and ordering of restaurant supplies

Best Catering Inventory Software

  • Accounting Software for Catering Business

Features of Catering Accounting Software

  • Accepting payments online
  • Creating financial reports 
  • Tracking and processing payments
  • Processing invoices automatically
  • Managing recurring payments
  • Sending notifications for failed payments

Best Catering Accounting Software

  • Catering POS Software

Features of Catering POS Software

  • Reducing wait time
  • Integrating loyalty programs
  • Managing inventory
  • Inventory tracking
  • Controlling errors
  • Sending reports
  • Processing payments
  • Managing tables

Best Catering POS Software

  • TouchBistro

How to Advertise a Catering Business

The key to generating sales, scaling up, and developing your catering company is to learn how to market it. Despite the fact that there are several sorts of catering businesses, the same marketing and expansion techniques will work for all of them.

Let’s look at some of the best strategies to grow the catering business. 

ecommerce-marketing-demo

7 Tips to Promote Catering Business

Here are seven tips on how to market a small catering business:

  • Draw Your Marketing Budget
  • Get Creative With Marketing
  • Build a Website
  • Implement Digital Marketing Strategies
  • Integrate Automation Software
  • Use Digital Catalogs
  • Offer Referral Programs

Starting a catering business needs considerable preparation, from having the appropriate tools to employing qualified staff. However, you can get started right away with the help of the advice and suggestions in this guide.

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How to Start a Catering Business in 9 Steps

Eric Goldschein

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The catering industry attracts a broad range of entrepreneurs. Maybe you’re an excellent cook, maybe you love throwing parties, or maybe you’re interested in event planning and want to get the ball rolling by catering.

Or maybe you’re like Dannella Burnett, of Gainesville, Georgia, who formed her catering business back in 2009, and your reason is simple and sweet:

“I figured if I could cook for other people and put food on their plates, I could put food on my family’s plate,” Burnett says of her decision to start Oakwood Occasions.

But as Burnett knew even in the nascent stages of starting a catering business and expanding to event planning, the business is about much more than putting food on plates. It’s about thinking your way through stressful situations, planning for the unexpected, and most importantly, running a business just like you would any other.

In this guide, we are going to take you step-by-step through everything you need to know about how to start a catering business. With a little help, you'll be delighting guests at parties, events, and festivals in no time.

how to write business plan for catering

How to start a catering business in 9 steps

Before you get to the following steps to starting a catering business, note that you should decide on the type of catering business you want to start before learning how to start a catering business.

Some caterers only do cocktail reception drinks and small finger foods, others do buffet-style catering, and some do the sit-down catering that you might see at a banquet or wedding. Once you know what kind of catering you want to do, you can get on to the next steps.

Step 1: Choose your business name and business entity type

Once you have the type of catering business you want to start in mind, you can move on to choosing a name for your business and defining the entity for it as well. You'll want to choose a name and make sure it's available in the state where you're opening your catering business. In most states, you can check business name availability online with the Secretary of State.

You'll also need to choose the business entity you want your business to operate as. Here you've got a lot of options depending on a few things, including whether you want to go it alone or not.

If you decide to operate as a sole proprietor, your business will be unincorporated and be owned by you alone (or you and your spouse). If you want to have a partner for your business, or want to avoid taking on all personal liability for your company, you can choose to register your business as a general partnership, a limited partnership, a limited liability partnership, a limited liability company, or another business entity. Each offers different protections for the partners and the business.

How much do you need?

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We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

Step 2: Write a business plan

Once you have your business name and entity chosen, the next step on the "how to start a catering business" checklist involves writing a business plan. This will take some work, but it will pay off in the long run because you'll have the plan to fall back on and it can help you know what to expect while running your business.

You can use a business plan template or you can make a plan on your own. When you do make the plan, it should include quite a bit of research. You'll want to include an overview of your company, a market analysis, your business's organization, the specific products and services you'll be providing, and your marketing and financial plan. If that sounds like a lot, don't worry—you can always add to your plan as you learn more about the catering business world.

Importantly, though, you should also research your competition and identify potential customers. Is there a particular type of catering that is needed in your area that is currently underserved? For example, if you live in an area with a lot of golf courses, you may find that they are always in need of caterers for weekend events. Your market research into the needs in your area can go a long way to helping you sustain your business.

Part of your business plan for how to start a catering business should also include the vendors and suppliers you plan to use. Look into sourcing all the supplies you need, including linens, utensils, china, even tables and chairs for some events, and of course the food. When it comes to non-food items, Burnett suggests renting first, before buying things outright.

“At the beginning, you can rent anything you might ever want or need,” she says. “And renting is great: You know what the cost will be and you don’t have the upfront cost of purchasing something.

“But at some point, though you want to buy those things yourself because you still can charge for them and basically you’re paying for the ownership of them. And they ultimately pay for themselves.”

When it does come time to buy, equipment financing can provide you with the funding you need to cover the cost of supplies.

Step 3: Register your catering business and get an EIN

Depending on the business entity you chose, your business's name might by default be your name. If you want to change that, you might need a DBA or "doing business as" name. You'll want to register your business and its name with the state you plan to operate in.

For a catering business, because you're handling food, this might also require some other registrations depending on the rules in your state. The health department might need to check out the place where you're cooking and preparing the food you'll be serving, for example.

You'll also want to apply for an employer identification number also called an EIN. You can apply for one online from the IRS in just minutes and enjoy the benefits of having one for years to come. It can serve as a business tax ID number and help you do other business tasks like applying for a credit card and paying your employees.

Step 4: Get all licenses and clearances needed to start a catering business

As with most industries involving food prep, you can’t just, well, do it. You need to obtain a business license from the state, as well as a food handling license. You also need to pass a county or state health inspection—a residential kitchen likely won’t cut it, so consider looking for a commercial kitchen that has already been approved.

Some other requirements you might need to consider include workers' compensation insurance and permits or licenses to work out of certain venues—the monthly or annual costs of which can cut into profit margins.

If you’re unsure of what will be required, get in touch with your local Chamber of Commerce , Small Business Development Center , or the Small Business Administration to find out more.

It's not a bad idea to consult a lawyer in your area who specializes in the food or service industry for help filing everything and getting all of the registrations squared away before you start cooking.

Step 5: Determine your pricing

Pricing your work depends greatly on where your business is located and what kind of catering you do. Many businesses create price tiers that provide a certain level of service and amenities for various amounts. Burnett never went down that route.

“I started off doing custom proposals for people, and I’ve stayed with them throughout these nine years,” she says. “It takes a lot more time, but a lot of my proposals get accepted, rather than a package deal where it may or may not fit what someone is looking for. If they don’t need something, if it doesn’t pertain to their event, it’s not going into their pricing. If they need more, they pay for more; if they need less, they pay for less."

To get an idea of what costs what, Burnett says that her price per person has varied from $7-$8, for light appetizers for cocktail hour, up to $80 for filet and lobster.

“It varies because we do buffets, plated dinners, simple appetizers, or [events] where we’ve just dropped off food and they’ve served it themselves—to very high-end menus with unique ingredients,” she explains.

Step 6: Hire, train, and outfit your staff

It’s unlikely you can cater an event all by yourself, so staff is a requirement. Hiring and training staff is something that came organically for Burnett, but that might not be the case for you, so do whatever is best for your business is recommended here.

“At the first location, we brought on staff members one by one as we needed people. There was no real formal training from the beginning," she says.

You may be able to find staff just as easily, either by word-of-mouth or by combing your own network. But you might also need to reach out on foodservice-oriented job-seeking sites, or look into how competitors found their staff. Just keep in mind that what works for you when you're starting a catering business might not be what works once your business starts growing.

"But when we moved into our new location, at the Hall County Government Center, we opened up a café, coffee shop, and expanded the catering business at the same time. Since we were going to have in-house staff as well as catering staff, we had to go through a much more extensive training period.”

Here’s another place where having capital at the start comes in handy: If you’re hiring and training staff before they actually work an event, you need to set aside training dollars.

Additionally, uniforms, including vectorized logos, can be “really cheap or really expensive,” in the words of Burnett.

“Hey, I want aprons with logos on them—getting that logo vectorized for $75-$80, then $5-$7 a piece depending on how big you want the logo. Then you have to buy the apron. If you need 20, 30, 40 of those—that adds up,” she says.

Step 7: Market during your own events

When it comes to marketing and advertising your business, Burnett has one suggestion that trumps all the rest.

“When you’re putting food in somebody’s mouth, that’s the best time to find your next client,” she says. “It’s through the guests that are attending the events you’re catering for.”

Otherwise, it depends on what kind of catering you specialize in. If you focus on weddings, you’ll want to attend bridal shows—which involve bringing food samples and sometimes buying a booth. Corporate catering might involve more focus on LinkedIn advertising, where you can buy leads; you might also pay people to knock on doors and pass out fliers to bigger businesses.

“Really, it’s about networking. A lot of word of mouth, a lot of referrals,” she says. When you're just starting a catering business, that’s where the putting food in someone’s mouth tactic comes in.

Step 8: Get funding

Burnett made the decision to start her business out of necessity after her husband lost his job in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. She had previously worked in food and retail management, and she fell back on that experience when it came time to find a new source of income.

“A woman at my church said, ‘Why don’t you reopen your catering business here at the church?’ I didn’t think you could do that, but we called the health department and had them do a site visit at the church kitchen. It was deemed sufficient for commercial use, so I had my church kitchen licensed as a catering commissary, and I launched the business with zero capital, zero plan. Nothing but me, myself, and I,” Burnett explains.

Burnett found herself in business well before she expected to be. Despite making things work, she says luck took the place of capital and wouldn’t recommend that path to other future caterers.

“There are some things that I could look back on that I would say either by sheer doggedness or dumb luck, the next right thing did happen,” she says. “Was it more stressful because there wasn’t a plan at the beginning or there wasn’t capital? I think definitely.”

Burnett notes that, for the catering industry, access to capital is especially important: “Most small businesses fail because they don’t have the capital to get them through the ebbs and flows. And in something like the catering business, there should naturally be some ebb and flow, whether it’s the seasonality of the type of catering that you do, or the calendar—seasons and holidays.”

If you aren't as lucky as Burnett, you will probably need some funding to get your catering business off the ground and through slower months. Knowing how to acquire capital is one of the keys to figuring out how to start a catering business. There are plenty of routes you can go to acquire small business funding to get your business going.

If you want to go the traditional route, you can go for a traditional term loan, a business line of credit , or maybe a business credit card . Once you're established you can look into getting an SBA loan .

Step 9: Plan for emergencies — both financial and others

You should have extra capital when you start out, and continue to budget wisely as you go, because you never know when something will go wrong in the catering industry.

"Things break, so you have to replace them. Maybe you started off with china for 200 and now you only have china for 150 because they break,” says Burnett, listing the things that caught her off-guard when starting out.

“Repairs to vehicles: Catering can be hard on your vehicles, so you’ll need replacements to tires. The price of gas, when it went sky-high, it had an impact. Food was costing more. And people understood that food cost more to a certain extent, but people still had in their head that they need to do a lunch for $10 or $15 a person, and when the price of gas and food has gone up, it’s easy for that not to be profitable.”

But preparing for the unexpected is about more than budgeting. Most events are catered at a venue that can be 30 minutes, an hour, or even a few hours away from the kitchen. That can put you in a tight spot.

“The ability to be a MacGyver is a requirement. Every venue is different, and if you forget something, you’ve gotta figure out how to make it work,” Burnett says.

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How to start a catering business: The bottom line

Catering isn’t an easy business. Burnett says you need to “know what you’re getting into,” due to the physical and demanding nature of the work.

“You can be a great cook, and that doesn’t necessarily make you a great caterer,” she says.

But Burnett was able to build a massively successful business—so much so that she actually began tapering off of catering in 2019 to focus more on event planning—off little more than an idea that was born in a church kitchen.

This article originally appeared on JustBusiness, a subsidiary of NerdWallet.

On a similar note...

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Catering Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Starting a catering business can be an incredibly rewarding venture, offering flexibility, creativity, and a unique opportunity to express your culinary prowess. To ensure your business venture is successful, it's important to create a comprehensive business plan. Fortunately, our Catering Business Plan Template & Guidebook is here to provide you with the most up-to-date information and resources you need to make your venture a reality. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of the process and provide invaluable advice on how to develop an effective business plan for your catering business.

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How to Write a Catering Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your catering business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your catering business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a catering business:

Our mission at ABC Catering is to create delicious, custom-made culinary experiences that bring joy, satisfaction, and lasting memories to each and every one of our clients. We are dedicated to providing outstanding customer service and creating unforgettable, high-quality catering experiences that will leave all of our guests delighted.

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2. Products & Services Offered by Your Catering Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your catering business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

  • What is my business?
  • What are the products and/or services that I offer?
  • Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
  • How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
  • How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

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3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your catering business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your catering business includes the following elements:

Target market

  • Who is your target market?
  • What do these customers have in common?
  • How many of them are there?
  • How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

  • Who are your current customers? 
  • Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
  • How can their experience with your catering business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

  • How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
  • Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
  • Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
  • How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

  • Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
  • Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
  • What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

  • Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
  • What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
  • What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
  • How many of your customers do you instead will return?

Form an LLC in your state!

how to write business plan for catering

4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

  • The equipment and facilities needed
  • Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
  • Financial requirements for each step
  • Milestones & KPIs
  • Location of your business
  • Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a catering business?

To run a catering business, you will need the following equipment and supplies:

  • Commercial kitchen space or access to a commercial kitchen
  • Cooking vessels of various sizes
  • Industrial-grade ovens and stoves
  • Freezer and refrigeration units
  • Utensils for cooking and serving, such as tongs, spoons, and knives
  • Serving trays or platters
  • Food packaging materials
  • Pots, pans, hot plates and other cooking equipment
  • Food safety supplies such as thermometers and gloves
  • Transportation vehicles

You may also need the following permits:

  • Licenses for selling food in your area
  • Health permit to serve food in your area
  • Catering license or permit if required by your state/local government.

5. Management & Organization of Your Catering Business.

The second part of your catering business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

  • How many employees you need in order to run your catering business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
  • The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
  • How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. Catering Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a catering business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a catering business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your catering business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your catering business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your catering business plan:

  • Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
  • Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
  • Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
  • Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
  • Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
  • Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

how to write business plan for catering

Frequently Asked Questions About Catering Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a catering business.

A business plan for a catering business is necessary because it sets out goals, objectives, and strategies that provide direction to the business. It also acts as a roadmap for the business, allowing the owners and stakeholders to track progress. Additionally, potential investors or lenders may require a business plan before investing in or lending to the catering business. A well-written business plan can serve as an essential document for securing capital and launching a successful catering operation.

Who should you ask for help with your catering business plan?

It is recommended to consult with a professional business consultant or adviser with expertise in the catering industry. Additionally, local Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) often provide free or low-cost guidance and advice on creating a business plan.

Can you write a catering business plan yourself?

Writing a catering business plan is possible to do on your own, however it is best to seek the advice of a professional who has experience in crafting and managing business plans for small businesses. A professional can provide the help you need to make sure the plan is comprehensive and tailored to your business’s unique needs. They can also ensure that the plan meets all legal requirements and fits within the local regulatory framework. Additionally, they can provide guidance on marketing, pricing, budgeting, and other business operations issues.

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I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.

How to Write a Business Plan for Catering

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  • Business Planning & Strategy
  • Write a Business Plan
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How to start my own pastry shop, figuring out prices for baked goods.

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Writing a business plan for a catering business shouldn’t be that difficult; much of your plan will cover the basics of starting any small business, and you can find templates online to get you started. After you have the basic format set up, plug in the specifics for a catering business. Using a step-by-step method to write a catering business plan puts you on a path to launch sooner rather than later.

Choose a Format

Many business plans follow the same format. Smarty Cents recommends following this outline for direction and a logical flow to writing your plan.

  • Contents page
  • Executive summary
  • Marketplace overview
  • Product/service description
  • Marketing plan
  • Support materials

Do Your Research

Start your business plan by addressing the business – not catering – basics. Will you run the business out of your home? You’ll need a local business license and approval from your town. Will you incorporate? Talk to a tax professional about your options. You’ll probably want to set up a business checking account and get a credit card. Talk to your local bank or credit union. Check your local and state health department rules and regulations inside and out.

Decide on Your Brand

Your brand is your unique selling proposition or differential. For example, if you do high-end corporate events, that’s your brand. If you do private, in-home events, that’s your brand. You support a brand with branding and brand management, such as coming up with a name, logo, slogan and other marketing communications, but you first must decide precisely what you’re going to sell. Once you know that, you can start developing your overall marketing plan.

What Is Marketing?

Marketing consists of a combination of product, pricing, distribution, and promotional strategies and tactics. Together they are known as the marketing mix, explains MindTools . Advertising, PR, social media and other forms of promotion are known as marketing communications (the fourth P of the Four Ps of product, price, place and promotion).

After you identify your brand, look at the demand for what you want to offer in your marketplace. You’ll get a good indication by looking at your competition. This action helps you develop your product offerings, prices and distribution strategy. For example: Will you deliver box lunches or serve hot food on-site?) Schedule time to work on the marketplace overview and marketing sections of your business plan one after the other since they closely affect each other.

Create Your Menu

When you know your brand, competition, pricing structure and distribution plans, develop the menu. In addition to choosing the menu items, figure out your hard costs for each one. Your hard costs include food and labor expenses. After calculating those, factor in the overhead costs to run your business, the desired profits and taxes. This knowledge allows you to set your prices for each menu item and determine your profit margins.

Run Some Numbers

Project three sales scenarios – conservative, realistic and optimistic – to see what your gross profits might be based on the profit margins you calculated when you created your menu.

As part of your overhead costs, factor in paying down your launch costs. These are expenses such as the purchase of kitchen equipment, a vehicle, setting up a corporation, building a website, and getting all your fees and licenses set up. Decide if you want to pay off all of these in year one or over several years.

Create an annual budget with average monthly expenses. Try to determine if your business will make a profit based on the three sales scenarios. Adjust your expenses, prices or sales projections if you think you can do that realistically to generate the desired profit.

Write a Summary

Finish your business plan with a recap if you’re going to use it to attract investors. Restate your concept, startup costs, catering strategies, why you think the business will work, and your projected profit (which might not come until year two). State what your capital needs are and what you are offering to investors. You can leave this last step out if you are going to use your business plan to apply to a bank for a loan or line of credit.

  • MindTools: The Marketing Mix and the 4Ps of Marketing
  • Smarty Cents: How to Write a Business Plan the Right Way
  • Complete food handlers training is offered by the Bureau of Consumer Health in Houston and online training is provided by the state of Texas to those companies operating outside of Houston. This training teaches you how to properly handle food to prevent food-borne illnesses such as botulism and salmonella and provides additional credibility to your business, especially if it is operated from a home.
  • To maintain a food dealer's permit in Houston, your catering business is subject to two unannounced health inspections per year. Inspections of all food preparation areas, food storage areas (dry goods, freezer and refrigeration), temperature logs, sanitation areas and dish-washing stations are conducted to ensure a safe food preparation environment. Failure to comply with health inspection standards may results in non-renewal of your food dealer's license.

Steve Milano is a journalist and business executive/consultant. He has helped dozens of for-profit companies and nonprofits with their marketing and operations. Steve has written more than 8,000 articles during his career, focusing on small business, careers, personal finance and health and fitness. Steve also turned his tennis hobby into a career, coaching, writing, running nonprofits and conducting workshops around the globe.

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Catering Business Plan Template

NOV.11, 2016

Catering Business Plan Template

If you are planning to start a catering company, you need to have a professional catering business plan. OGS Capital can help you with that; we have a team of professional business personnel and writers who work with us on a daily basis to ensure that clients get customized plans for their business. We strive to make sure that we deliver the final copy of the business plans for catering companies  to the customer on time, and this has so far helped us to get referrals and returning customers.

Tips for Succeeding in Writing a Mobile Catering Business Plan

The quality of your catering company business plan will determine whether you will get capital from investors and financial institutions. Hence, it is important to make sure that every detail in the plan is factual and verifiable before presenting it to the investors or banks.

Here are four tips for writing a good business plan for your catering company.

  • Carry out an intensive study to understand the hospitality industry
  • Convey information about the firm in a professional, cohesive, conscious language
  • Layout the various sections clearly using headings and sub-headings
  • Proofread the catering business plan to ensure that it is free of any grammatical errors and typos

Adhering to these four tips will help you to come up with business plans for catering companies  that you will not be afraid to present and defend when pitching the business idea to the financial institution. Let us proceed and discuss the primary benefits of having an expertly written small catering business plan.

Assist in Decision Making

Every decision that you make will have a positive or negative impact on your catering business. It is, therefore, important to make sure that you consider all the plausible direct and indirect effects that a resolution may have on the enterprise before implementing it to avert regrets.

A good catering company business plan will act as a blueprint that will guide you through the decision-making process. Our team will work hard to make sure that each recommendation made is right for your business. Without a catering company business plan , rest assured that you would be prone to making hasty decisions that could plunge your business in deep financial crisis.

Proper Management of Funds

Unknown to most people is that a catering company business plan does not aim to discuss the business idea only. It goes an extra mile to provide precise details of how the funds will be spent at every stage of the business growth. For instance, it describes the total amount of money that will be used to acquisition equipment. Hence, it will be instrumental in helping you manage your funds correctly. Note that it only takes one financial mistake to compromise the financial stability of the business.

Fosters Transparency and Management

Transparency and proper management are the two primary virtues that set professional catering companies from their counterparts. Poor or lack of transparency results in losses and unnecessary disagreements. All this information will be included in the plan to not only increase your chances of getting funding but also to help you make informed managerial decisions.

Facilitate Setting of Sales Targets

The marketing teams need to have sales goals that they want to achieve after a given duration. Without these goals, they will be operating in a void, and you will also not be able to monitor their performance.

Our marketing professionals will not only help you to come up with a marketing strategy but also provide ideas on how you should set sales targets and objectives.

If you are looking for professional business plans for catering companies that will enable you to enjoy these four benefits, get in touch with us by filling this form. One of our customer care business consultants will get in touch with you to discuss our services in details.

Catering business plan for starting your own building firm

Catering is a business in which you provide food to remote locations to serve people at parties, ceremonies, events, filming sites, and hospitals, etc. The service can sometimes also include the provision of furniture, tables, chairs, utensils, and crockery.

If you are a person who wants to start a business that holds minimum risks, takes a small team and a little investment, then catering is the right choice for you. Besides, another good thing about this business is that it starts yielding profits as soon as it is launched.

What you need to do is just ensure that you manage and market your business plans for catering companies properly. For that purpose, the first step to take is making a business plan for catering. If you need any help regarding how to start a catering business plan, you can have it from here. Here we are providing a business plan for a catering startup, Marlon Caterers.

Executive Summary

2.1 the business.

Marlon Caterers will be a registered and licensed catering business in Atlanta. The business aims to help people celebrate their memorable events with an unforgettable dinner. Moreover, the business will also take care of the needs of patients in hospitals by offering them healthy and nutritious food according to their doctors’ advice.

The business will provide several types of catering such as buffet catering, sit-down catering, hospital catering, corporate catering, and more.

2.2 Management

Management is a very important factor in the catering business. It’s only through efficient management that you can ensure

  • The quality of your servings is intact
  • The food prepared fulfills the dietary and hygiene requirements of your clients
  • The order is delivered and served timely and perfectly

To maintain a good reputation among your customers, you must know all the difficulties and risks you can encounter. The risks may include budget disruptions due to sudden cancellation of orders, or any small/ large mistake during the business operations.

Before starting a catering business, you should study many catering business startup plans and then prepare a set up catering business plan for your business.

2.3 Customers

Our target customers belong to various niches. They will include the residential community, business organizations, film studios, government institutions, and hospitals.

2.4 Target of the Company

In this how to start a catering company sample business plans for catering companies we are enlisting the business targets set by Marlon Caterers.

  • To reduce our customer acquisition cost by 20% by the end of five years
  • To keep our customer churn rate below 5% throughout our service years
  • To achieve a net profit margin of $22k per month by the end of the third year

Catering business plan

Company Summary

3.1 company owner.

Marlon Redford will be the owner of Marlon Caterers. Marlon has acquired a degree in Business Administration from McDonough School of Business. Marlon has been serving on a managerial post in New York’s top luxury wedding planner company, Colin Cowie for four years. But a few months back, he decided to quit the job and start his own business.

3.2 Why the Business is being started

Marlon always wanted to have a career in which he could utilize his creative ideas to serve his community. He loved food and had an interest in cooking as well. So he decided to make a small team and start a business plans for catering companies .

3.3 How the Business will be started

The first step before starting a catering business is creating a description of catering business plan. Your catering company business plan should cover all aspects such as startup expenses, market analysis, sales strategy, personnel plan, and an extensive financial plan for your business.

In this catering company business plan example, we have listed the business strategy created by Marlon Caterers. Marlon devised his start a catering company business plan himself as he had adequate knowledge to do so. If you don’t know how to write a business plans for catering companies , you should either take help from this sample business plan for catering service. Or you should hire a professional person.

Marlon will rent a facility in Atlanta to set up his office there and keep the inventory. He will purchase luxurious crockery, flatware, tableware, chairs, tables, and sofas to host high-end events. To serve the other categories of target customers, inventory that comes in reasonable rates will also be acquired.

Besides, Marlon will hire the general staff, chefs, waiters, and some supervisors to help him run the business.

The start-up requirements, start-up expenses, total assets, funding, liabilities, planned investment, and other parameters for the successful launch of the business are given below.

Catering business plan

Before you start a business plans for catering companies , you must identify the services you can provide under the catering domain. Including your services in your business plan about catering, can help you in acquiring the right licenses, required inventory, and relevant staff.

In this template of a catering business plan we are enlisting the services provided by Marlon Caterers.

We’ll offer on-premise and off-premise catering in the following categories.

  • Plated Sit-down catering

In this catering, our waiters will lay out the food on individual tables. So, the guests will have to eat whatever is laid out on the plates for them.

  • Buffet Catering

In this type of serving we will serve the dishes and food in one place. The guests will have to prepare their plates themselves according to their needs and wants.

  • Cocktail Reception

Our wedding or party dinner will be preceded by a cocktail hour. Our cocktail servings will include Manhattan cocktail, Daiquiri, Margarita, Bloody Mary, Mojito, and Hurricane.

  • Snacks & Drinks For Production Sets

We will supply food, snacks, and drinks to film studios, production sets, and shooting sites located near us. As the film crew works on a particular site on a weekly or monthly basis, so we’ll offer them various weekly and monthly packages.

  • Hospital Catering

We’ll offer fresh, healthy, and nutritious foods to hospitals for patients. Our nutrient-rich meals will help them recover fast.

Marketing Analysis of Catering Business

If you are starting a business plan for catering companies , you should focus on doing accurate marketing analysis. Through market research, you can identify local trends and expectations. Besides, you can also select the most suitable location to launch your startup.

Marketing analysis should be completed before you create a business plans for catering companies . Because it will help you in recognizing your customers and setting your prices accordingly while also making sure that you are not running at a loss.

excellent work

excellent work, competent advice. Alex is very friendly, great communication. 100% I recommend CGS capital. Thank you so much for your hard work!

5.1 Market Trends

The demand for the catering business has been high in the last few years. Due to a boost in average household income, more people had started utilizing private catering services to hold events. However, there is a slight problem these days. Due to the coronavirus pandemic mass gatherings aren’t allowed. So, your business might suffer a loss in the initial phases if you only provide catering for wedding ceremonies and parties. Marlon found the solution to this problem as he decided to offer hospital and film catering too.

Overall, business is surely profitable. According to First Research, catering industries in the U.S. make up above $11 billion in revenue on annual basis. More than 12000 catering industries are running in the U.S. Moreover, Statista also reports that the market size of this business has reached $12 billion in 2020.

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

Before you think how to write a business plan for a catering business, you should consider who will be your customers. Knowing your customers will enable you to devise customer-oriented pricing and sales strategy.

In this sample of business plans for catering companies , we have listed the market segmentation done by Marlon Caterers.

The detailed marketing segmentation of our target audience is as follows:

Catering business plan

5.1.1 Residential Community

The biggest consumer of our services will be the residents of Atlanta. They are expected to avail of our catering services whenever they host birthday or anniversary parties, gatherings, wedding ceremonies, etc.

5.1.2 Corporates & Film Producers

The second category includes business organizations that will need our catering for their business meetups, events, and parties. They are also expected to contact us for arranging just a cocktail party as that contains light refreshments and drinks to boost the energy level of workers.

Moreover, film studios that happen to shoot in Atlanta will also be needing our services. This group usually spent weeks and months on a particular site and thus need catering service continuously for days. So to compel them to hire us, we’ll offer them various weekly and monthly packages.

5.1.3 Hospitals

The last category of our target customers include hospitals based in Atlanta. They are expected to contact us for making nutritious and healthy plated foods for patients.

5.3 Business Target

Our business plans for catering companies targets to be achieved within a specified time are listed below

  • To maintain an average rating above 4.75 on our website

5.4 Product Pricing

Our prices are almost within the same range as that of our competitors. However, we’ll be offering several discounts on our initial stage to attract as many customers as possible.

Marketing Strategy

Sales strategy is also an important component of a catering business plan proposal. Through this, you can reach your qualified customers and make them comprehend that you are better than all your competitors. To give you an idea of what to include in sales strategy, we are providing the sales strategy of Marlon Caterers in this example of marketing plan for a catering business.

6.1 Competitive Analysis

Our biggest competitive advantage lies in our customer service. We are highly customer-oriented and are always willing to go the extra mile to satisfy our customers. Secondly, we have developed a user-friendly mobile app that will allow our customers to

  • Make online bookings
  • Choose venue
  • Select dishes from our menu

Third, we provide on-premise catering in which we prepare the food on site. This will be a competitive edge for us as just two to three competitors are offering it.

6.2 Sales Strategy

  • We will offer a 35% discount on our services for the first month of the launch
  • We will develop an SEO website to show our business in the top results on searches
  • We will establish a strong social media presence
  • We will advertise ourselves through Google Local ads service, local magazines, and newspapers

6.3 Sales Monthly

Catering business plan

6.4 Sales Yearly

Catering business plan

6.5 Sales Forecast

Catering business plan

Personnel plan

While writing business plans for catering companies you should also create a list of your required employees along with their job responsibilities.

7.1 Company Staff

Marlon will manage the business himself. However, he will hire the following people

  • 1 Quality Manager to ensure the quality of service by active supervision
  • 1 Inventory Manager to manage and maintain the merchandise
  • 1 Accountant to maintain financial records
  • 2 Sales Executives to market and to discover new ventures
  • 5 Catering Assistants/ Catering Chefs to prepare the food
  • 4 Waiters to serve the guests
  • 2 General Assistants to bring ingredients daily
  • 1 Web Developer
  • 2 Drivers to provide transport
  • 1 Front Desk Officer to act as a receptionist

7.2 Average Salary of Employees

Financial plan.

As you make a catering business plan, you should also start analyzing your finances. Crafting a financial plan is an absolute need for a business as it maps the ways to minimize or even avoid loss. A good financial plan comprises a strategy to cover startup expenses with earned profits. Moreover, it also proposes a systematic approach to managing employees’ salaries, cost of business operations, and costs to cater for unexpected events.

To give you an idea of how a financial plan should look like, we are giving here the financial plan of Marlon Caterers.

8.1 Important Assumptions

8.2 brake-even analysis.

Catering business plan

8.3 Projected Profit and Loss

8.3.1 profit monthly.

Catering business plan

8.3.2 Profit Yearly

Catering business plan

8.3.3 Gross Margin Monthly

Catering business plan

8.3.4 Gross Margin Yearly

Catering business plan

8.4 Projected Cash Flow

Catering business plan

8.5 Projected Balance Sheet

8.6 business ratios.

Download Catering Company Business Plan Sample in pdf

OGScapital also specializes in writing business plans such as starting coffee roasting business plan , brewery startup business plan , confectionery shop business plan , bakery business idea , cookie business plan , bed and breakfast business plan and etc.

OGSCapital’s team has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs with top-rate business plan development, consultancy and analysis. They’ve helped thousands of SME owners secure more than $1.5 billion in funding, and they can do the same for you.

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Sample comprehensive catering business plan guide.

Writing a comprehensive business plan for a catering company is essential for establishing a clear roadmap for success. Below is a complete guide on how to write a business plan for a catering company:

1. Executive Summary:

  • Provide an overview of your catering company, including its mission, vision, and objectives.
  • Summarize the services you offer, your target market, unique selling points, and competitive advantage.
  • Highlight financial projections, growth potential, and any major achievements or milestones.

2. Company Description:

  • Introduce your catering company, its history, and its legal structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC).
  • Explain the location of your business, facilities, and any equipment or resources you own or plan to acquire.

3. Market Analysis:

  • Conduct market research to understand your target market, including demographics, preferences, and purchasing behavior.
  • Analyze the catering industry, identifying trends, opportunities, and potential challenges.
  • Assess your competitors, their strengths and weaknesses, pricing strategies, and market positioning.

4. Services Offered:

  • Detail the catering services you provide, such as corporate events, weddings, private parties, etc.
  • Describe any specialty cuisines, dietary options, or unique offerings that set your company apart.

5. Marketing and Sales Strategy:

  • Outline your marketing plan, including branding, advertising, and promotional activities.
  • Define your target audience and how you will reach them through various channels, such as social media, website, referrals, etc.
  • Discuss your sales strategy, pricing structure, and how you will acquire and retain clients.

6. Operations and Management:

  • Explain the day-to-day operations of your catering business, from food preparation and delivery to staffing and logistics.
  • Provide an organizational chart outlining the management team’s roles and responsibilities.
  • Discuss any partnerships, suppliers, or vendors you work with to support your operations.

7. Financial Projections:

  • Develop a comprehensive financial forecast, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow projections.
  • Estimate startup costs, operating expenses, and revenue projections for the first few years.
  • Conduct a break-even analysis and discuss your funding requirements, such as loans, investments, or personal contributions.

8. Risk Management:

  • Identify potential risks and challenges that could impact your catering business, such as seasonality, food safety regulations, or supplier issues.
  • Discuss strategies for mitigating these risks and ensuring business continuity.

9. Appendices:

  • Include any additional documents or information that support your business plan, such as resumes of key team members, sample menus, contracts, permits, licenses, etc.

10. Review and Revision:

  • Review your business plan regularly and update it as needed to reflect changes in your business environment, market conditions, or strategic objectives.

By following this guide, you can create a comprehensive business plan that outlines your catering company’s goals, strategies, and financial projections, setting the foundation for long-term success.

How to Write a Business Plan for a Catering Company

Creating a comprehensive catering business plan involves several key steps to ensure clarity and success. Firstly, start with an executive summary that succinctly outlines your company’s mission, services, market analysis, and financial projections. This section provides a snapshot of your business for potential investors or partners. Next, delve into a detailed company description, including your legal structure, location, facilities, and equipment. Understanding your market is crucial, so conduct thorough market analysis to identify your target audience, competitors, and industry trends. With this information, you can develop tailored marketing and sales strategies to reach your customers effectively and differentiate your catering services in a competitive landscape. Finally, focus on operations and management, outlining your workflow, organizational structure, and risk management strategies to ensure smooth operations and sustainable growth. By following these steps, you’ll create a robust business plan that sets the foundation for your catering company’s success.

The foundational elements of your catering business plan, it’s essential to include comprehensive financial projections that outline startup costs, operating expenses, revenue forecasts, and funding requirements. This section provides a roadmap for financial viability and helps stakeholders understand the potential return on investment. Additionally, consider including an appendix with supplementary materials such as resumes of key team members, sample menus, contracts, permits, and licenses. These documents provide additional context and credibility to your business plan, demonstrating your team’s qualifications and the feasibility of your catering venture. Regularly reviewing and revising your business plan ensures it remains aligned with your evolving goals and market conditions, setting you up for success in the dynamic catering industry.

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Financial Model, Business Plan and Dashboard Templates - FinModelsLab

How To Write a Business Plan for Catering Marketplace in 9 Steps: Checklist

By henry sheykin, resources on catering marketplace.

  • Financial Model
  • Business Plan
  • Value Proposition
  • One-Page Business Plan

Welcome to our blog post on how to write a business plan for a catering marketplace! Catering marketplaces have become increasingly popular in the US, providing a commission-based platform for caterers to connect with event hosts. According to recent statistics, the catering industry is experiencing rapid growth, with a market size of over $58 billion and an annual growth rate of 4.8%. If you're considering starting your own catering marketplace, this comprehensive checklist will guide you through the nine essential steps to create a successful business plan.

Define Your Target Market And Identify Their Needs And Preferences.

Before starting a catering marketplace business, it is crucial to define your target market and understand their needs and preferences. By doing so, you can tailor your products and services to meet their specific requirements, effectively positioning your business in the market.

To define your target market, consider factors such as demographics (age, gender, location), psychographics (lifestyle, interests, values), and behavior (buying habits, preferences). Conduct market research and gather data to gain insights into your potential customers' characteristics and preferences.

Once you have identified your target market, it is important to understand their needs and preferences. What types of events do they usually host? What cuisines and dietary options do they prefer? Do they prioritize affordability or are they willing to pay a premium for high-quality caterers? By answering these questions, you can align your business offerings with the demands of your target market.

To gain a deeper understanding of your target market's needs and preferences, consider conducting surveys, interviews, or focus groups. Use these methods to gather valuable feedback and insights directly from your potential customers. This will enable you to refine your business concept and tailor your products and services to better meet their expectations.

Tips to Define Your Target Market and Identify Their Needs and Preferences:

  • Segment your target market based on specific criteria such as event size, budget, or cuisine preference.
  • Utilize social media platforms and online forums to gather insights about your potential customers' preferences and interests.
  • Engage in competitor analysis to identify any gaps in the market that you can capitalize on.
  • Stay updated with industry trends and emerging consumer preferences to stay ahead of the competition.
  • Regularly communicate with your target market through surveys or feedback forms to ensure you are meeting their evolving needs.

By defining your target market and identifying their needs and preferences, you lay the foundation for a successful catering marketplace business. This understanding will guide your decision-making process and allow you to create a compelling value proposition that resonates with your customers.

Conduct Market Research To Understand The Competition And Current Market Trends.

Market research plays a crucial role in understanding the competitive landscape and identifying current market trends. By conducting thorough market research, you can gain valuable insights that will inform your business strategy and help you stay ahead in the catering marketplace industry.

Here are some key steps to follow when conducting market research:

  • Identify your competitors: Begin by identifying the existing catering marketplace platforms and direct competitors in your target market. Analyze their strengths, weaknesses, and unique selling propositions to gain a comprehensive understanding of the competition.
  • Analyze market trends: Stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the catering industry. This includes monitoring changes in consumer preferences, emerging technologies, and innovative business models. Understanding these trends will allow you to adapt your offerings and stay competitive.
  • Study customer behavior: Conduct surveys, interviews, or focus groups to gather insights about what customers value in a catering marketplace. This information will help you tailor your services to meet their needs and preferences more effectively.
  • Assess market demand: Evaluate the demand for catering services in your target market. Identify any gaps or untapped opportunities that you can leverage to differentiate your business from competitors.
  • Research pricing strategies: Analyze the pricing models used by different catering marketplace platforms and determine the average rates charged by caterers. This information will help you set competitive pricing that attracts both caterers and customers.
  • Engage with industry associations and attend relevant conferences or events to gather insights from industry experts.
  • Utilize online resources such as market research reports and industry publications to stay informed about the latest market trends.
  • Consider conducting a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) to evaluate your position in relation to your competitors.

Create A Solid Business Concept And Unique Selling Proposition

A solid business concept is the foundation of any successful catering marketplace. It's important to clearly define what sets your platform apart from others in the market and articulate your unique selling proposition (USP). This will not only differentiate your business but also attract both caterers and event hosts.

The first step in creating a solid business concept is to thoroughly understand the needs and preferences of your target market. Identify the pain points that caterers and event hosts face when it comes to connecting and booking catering services. This will help you tailor your business concept to address these specific pain points, making your platform more attractive and valuable.

When formulating your USP, consider what makes your platform unique and why caterers and event hosts should choose your marketplace over others. This could be your user-friendly interface, extensive caterer profiles and menus, additional services such as logistics coordination, or a strong focus on customer support. Whatever it may be, clearly communicate and emphasize this unique aspect of your platform to differentiate yourself from the competition.

  • Research existing catering marketplaces to identify gaps or areas for improvement.
  • Stay up to date with industry trends and incorporate them into your business concept.
  • Consider conducting surveys or focus groups with potential users to gather feedback and insights.
  • Keep your USP concise and easily understandable.
  • Highlight the value and benefits that your platform brings to both caterers and event hosts.

Determine Your Business Structure And Legal Requirements

When starting a catering marketplace business, it is crucial to determine the most appropriate business structure and comply with all the necessary legal requirements . The chosen structure will impact how your business operates, its tax obligations, liability, and overall legal standing. Here are a few key considerations:

  • Choose a Legal Structure: Decide whether you want to operate as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation. Each structure has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of taxation, liability protection, and governance.
  • Register Your Business: Select a business name and register it with the appropriate state authorities. Obtain any required permits, licenses, and certifications related to food handling, health inspections, and catering services. Compliance with local, state, and federal regulations is crucial to avoid penalties and legal issues.
  • Obtain Insurance: Catering marketplaces often involve interactions with customers, caterers, and suppliers. It is important to have a comprehensive insurance policy that covers liability, property damage, and other potential risks associated with your business.
  • Establish Contracts and Agreements: Develop clear and legally binding contracts with both caterers and event hosts to outline the terms and conditions of your service. Consult with a lawyer to ensure that your contracts protect your business interests and comply with relevant laws.
  • Consult with a business attorney or legal advisor who specializes in the catering industry to ensure you are fully compliant with all legal requirements.
  • Consider consulting a tax professional to understand the tax implications of each business structure and ensure you are meeting all tax obligations.
  • Keep up to date with industry regulations and changes in legislation that may impact your business. Stay informed to make necessary adjustments and remain compliant.

Outline The Products And Services You Will Offer And Establish Pricing Strategies.

When it comes to the products and services your catering marketplace will offer, it is essential to clearly define your offerings and establish effective pricing strategies. This will not only help you attract caterers with diverse specialties and menus but will also enable event hosts to make informed decisions based on their preferences and budget.

Outline your product offerings: Begin by determining the types of catering services you will offer through your marketplace. This may include options such as full-service catering, drop-off catering, specialized cuisines, and customizable menus. Ensure that your offerings align with the needs and preferences of your target market, catering to both small-scale events and larger gatherings.

Evaluate and categorize pricing strategies: Next, establish a pricing structure that is competitive yet profitable for your catering marketplace. Consider factors such as the complexity of the menu, number of guests served, additional services provided, and the skills and experience of the caterer. Categorize your pricing strategies into different tiers, offering options for various budget ranges. This will help event hosts find suitable caterers within their desired price range.

Tips for establishing effective pricing strategies:

  • Research your competitors' pricing to ensure you are offering competitive rates.
  • Consider offering package deals or discounts for bulk orders or recurring customers.
  • Be transparent about any extra charges or fees, such as delivery or setup costs.
  • Regularly assess and adjust your pricing strategies based on market trends and customer feedback.

Promote value-added services: Besides the core catering services, consider offering additional value-added services to differentiate your marketplace. This may include logistics coordination, payment processing, and customer support. The convenience and ease of these services can enhance the overall customer experience and encourage repeat business.

Highlight unique selling points: Lastly, identify and emphasize the unique selling points of your catering marketplace. This could be anything from a wide range of cuisines, specialized dietary options, or exceptional customer service. Clearly communicate these unique selling points to both potential caterers and event hosts to differentiate your marketplace from competitors.

By outlining your products and services and establishing effective pricing strategies, you can attract caterers and event hosts and position your catering marketplace as a reliable and convenient platform for all their needs.

Develop A Marketing And Advertising Plan To Attract Both Caterers And Customers.

Creating a comprehensive marketing and advertising plan is crucial to attract both caterers and customers to your catering marketplace. Here are some important points to consider:

  • Identify Your Target Audience: Determine the specific demographics and characteristics of your target audience, both caterers and customers. This will help you tailor your marketing efforts to effectively reach and engage with them.
  • Establish Your Brand Voice and Identity: Develop a strong and distinctive brand identity that resonates with your target audience. This includes your logo, website design, and brand messaging. Consistency in your branding efforts will ensure recognition and trust among caterers and customers.
  • Create an Online Presence: Build a user-friendly and visually appealing website that showcases the benefits of your catering marketplace and the value it offers to both caterers and customers. Optimize your site for search engines to improve visibility and organic reach.
  • Utilize Social Media: Leverage social media platforms to promote your catering marketplace, engage with your target audience, and generate buzz. Share captivating content, such as mouth-watering food photos and real-time event updates, to entice both caterers and customers.
  • Implement Targeted Advertising: Utilize targeted online advertising, such as pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns and display ads, to reach potential caterers and customers on relevant platforms. Track and analyze the performance of your ads to refine your strategy and maximize conversions.

Tips for Effective Marketing and Advertising:

  • Clearly communicate the benefits and unique features of your catering marketplace to caterers and customers.
  • Offer incentives and promotions to attract caterers and customers to sign up and use your platform.
  • Collaborate with influencers and industry experts to increase your reach and credibility.
  • Attend industry events and trade shows to network with caterers, customers, and potential partners.
  • Collect and showcase positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied caterers and customers on your website and social media channels.

By developing a well-rounded marketing and advertising plan tailored to your target audience, you can effectively attract both caterers and customers to your catering marketplace. Continuously monitor and adapt your marketing strategies to stay ahead of the competition and ensure the growth and success of your business.

Build Relationships With Potential Suppliers And Evaluate Their Reliability.

When starting a catering marketplace business, building strong relationships with potential suppliers is crucial to ensure the success and sustainability of your operations. Here are some steps to help you effectively build relationships and evaluate the reliability of your suppliers:

1. Research and identify potential suppliers: Begin by researching and identifying potential suppliers who can provide high-quality ingredients and products that align with your catering marketplace's vision and values. Look for suppliers who have a good reputation in the industry and can meet your specific requirements.

2. Reach out and establish communication: Once you have identified potential suppliers, reach out to them to introduce your catering marketplace and express your interest in partnering with them. Establish clear lines of communication and ensure that both parties have a thorough understanding of each other's expectations.

3. Request samples and assess quality: Before entering into any formal agreements, request samples from potential suppliers to assess the quality of their products. This step is crucial as it allows you to ensure that the suppliers can meet the standards and expectations of your catering marketplace and its customers.

4. Evaluate reliability and responsiveness: It is essential to evaluate the reliability and responsiveness of potential suppliers. Consider factors such as their ability to meet deadlines, respond promptly to inquiries, and communicate effectively. A reliable supplier will play a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of your catering marketplace.

5. Negotiate mutually beneficial terms: Once you have evaluated the reliability and quality of potential suppliers, negotiate mutually beneficial terms that align with both parties' interests. This may include discussing pricing, delivery schedules, payment terms, and any additional services or support they can offer to your catering marketplace.

6. Establish long-term partnerships: Building long-term partnerships with reliable suppliers is essential to ensure the consistent supply of high-quality products. Invest time and effort in nurturing these relationships by regularly communicating, addressing any concerns or issues promptly, and fostering mutual trust and respect.

Tips for building relationships with suppliers:

  • Regularly communicate and provide feedback to suppliers to maintain a strong partnership.
  • Consider visiting supplier facilities or attending industry trade shows and events to establish face-to-face connections.
  • Ensure that suppliers comply with any regulatory requirements or certifications necessary for your catering marketplace.
  • Develop contingency plans and backup suppliers in case of unforeseen circumstances or issues with existing suppliers.

By diligently building relationships with potential suppliers and evaluating their reliability, you can create a strong supply chain for your catering marketplace business. This will contribute to delivering exceptional experiences to your customers and solidifying your position in the competitive catering industry.

Create A Financial Plan, Including Estimates Of Start-Up Costs, Revenue Projections, And Profitability Analysis.

Creating a comprehensive financial plan is essential for the success of your catering marketplace business. It will help you understand the financial viability of your venture, make informed decisions, and attract potential investors. Here are some key steps to consider when creating your financial plan:

  • Estimate Start-Up Costs: Determine the initial expenses required to launch your catering marketplace. This may include website development, marketing expenses, legal fees, technology infrastructure, and office space. Be as accurate as possible to avoid any unexpected financial burdens.
  • Forecast Revenue Projections: Based on market research and analysis, develop a forecast for your revenue over a specific period. Consider factors such as the number of caterers and event hosts you expect to join your platform, average transaction value, and predicted market growth. This will give you a realistic understanding of your earning potential.
  • Analyze Profitability: Calculate your potential profitability by subtracting your estimated expenses from your projected revenue. Take into account both fixed and variable costs, such as platform maintenance, payment processing fees, customer support, and marketing expenses. This analysis will help you assess whether your business model is financially feasible and sustainable in the long run.
  • Consider Various Scenarios: Create multiple financial scenarios to account for potential fluctuations in the market, changes in customer demand, or unexpected expenses. This will help you prepare for different circumstances and make strategic decisions accordingly.
  • Seek Professional Help: If you are not confident in your financial analysis skills, consider consulting with a financial advisor or accountant. They can provide valuable insights and ensure the accuracy of your financial projections.

By creating a comprehensive financial plan, including estimates of start-up costs, revenue projections, and profitability analysis, you will have a clear understanding of the financial aspects of your catering marketplace business. This will enable you to make informed decisions, attract potential investors, and increase the chances of long-term success.

Evaluate The Feasibility And Sustainability Of Your Business Model.

Evaluating the feasibility and sustainability of your business model is crucial to ensure the long-term success and profitability of your catering marketplace. It involves thoroughly assessing various factors that can impact your business, such as market demand, competition, scalability, and financial viability.

One important aspect to consider is the market demand for your catering marketplace. Determine whether there is a significant demand for these types of services and if it is a growing or saturated market. Conduct surveys or interviews with potential customers and caterers to gather insights on their needs, preferences, and willingness to use your platform.

  • Identify gaps or pain points in the current market offerings that your business can address.
  • Consider partnering with event planners or venues to expand your customer base.

Analyze the competitive landscape to understand the existing players in the market and their strengths and weaknesses. Determine what sets your business apart from competitors and identify potential barriers to entry or challenges that may arise.

  • Offer unique features or services that differentiate your platform from competitors.
  • Consider creating strategic partnerships or collaborations to enhance your offerings.

Assess the scalability of your business model to ensure it can handle growth and expansion. Consider the potential challenges and resources required to scale up your operations, such as hiring additional staff, investing in technology infrastructure, or expanding to new geographical locations.

  • Implement scalable technology systems to accommodate increasing user demands.
  • Establish partnerships or licensing agreements to expand your marketplace to new regions.

Financial viability is another critical aspect to evaluate. Calculate your start-up costs, including platform development, marketing, and operational expenses. Estimate your revenue projections based on anticipated commission fees and the number of bookings you expect. Conduct a profitability analysis to assess whether your revenue will sufficiently cover your costs and generate a sustainable profit.

  • Consider seeking external funding from investors or applying for small business grants to support your start-up costs.
  • Regularly review and adjust your pricing strategies to ensure they align with your financial goals.

Evaluating the feasibility and sustainability of your business model is an ongoing process. Periodically reassess market trends, customer feedback, and financial performance to adapt your strategies and ensure your catering marketplace continues to thrive in the evolving industry.

In conclusion, successfully launching a catering marketplace requires careful planning and strategic decision-making. By following the nine steps outlined in this checklist, you can ensure that your business plan addresses all essential aspects of the venture.

By defining your target market and understanding their needs, conducting market research, and creating a solid business concept, you will lay a strong foundation for your catering marketplace. Determining your business structure and legal requirements, as well as outlining your products and services, will provide clarity and direction.

Developing a robust marketing and advertising plan, building relationships with reliable suppliers, and creating a comprehensive financial plan will help attract both caterers and customers while ensuring profitability. Finally, evaluating the feasibility and sustainability of your business model will ensure long-term success.

With careful planning and execution, your catering marketplace can become a thriving platform connecting caterers with event hosts, providing convenience and value to both parties.

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How to Write a Food and Beverage Business Plan + Sample Business Plan PDF

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Elon Glucklich

7 min. read

Updated February 17, 2024

Free Download: Sample Food and Beverage Business Plan Templates

The food and beverage sector is booming. Restaurant openings rose 10% in 2023 compared to 2022 — even higher than in pre-pandemic years.

From fine dining to food trucks, farmers to brewers, and wholesalers to coffee makers, there are opportunities across the food and beverage industry. 

But starting a business without covering the basics — your operations plan, marketing tactics, financial strategy, and more — carries huge risks. 

That’s why we recommend you write a business plan.

  • Why write a food and beverage business plan?

Writing a business plan is an easy first step that you can start for free. Plus, businesses that take time to plan are significantly more successful than those that don’t.

Many food and beverage establishments fail because of one of the following:

  • Poor inventory management
  • Underestimated expenses
  • High employee turnover
  • Misjudged the size of their market

Writing a business plan can help you:

  • Develop processes for managing inventory and logistics
  • Understand your cash flows and create a realistic expense budget
  • Budget for competitive employee pay that increases worker retention
  • Analyze your competition and determine how big your market is  

If you’re looking for funding from investors for your business, you’ll definitely need a business plan.

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  • How to write a food and beverage business plan

Many business plans follow a standard format and you can use it as a starting point when writing your own plan. Here’s what that includes:

Executive summary

  • Company summary and funding needs
  • Products and services
  • Marketing plan
  • Management team

Financial plan

For food and beverage companies, you must give extra attention to your market analysis, operations plan, and financial forecasts.

If you’re ready to start, download a free business plan template and fill it out as you read this article.

A sample business plan outline for a food and beverage business.

Every business plan should include an executive summary . It’s a brief outline summarizing the plan, no more than one or two pages.

We recommend that you write the executive summary last after fleshing out the details of your plan. 

Just summarize the vision for your business, describe your offerings and target market , and touch on your management team and financials. Don’t go into tons of detail — just provide a high-level sense of what you want your business to accomplish.

Opportunity: problem and solution

This section of your food and beverage business plan describes the opportunity you hope to capture.

Maybe you’re a farmer looking to diversify your revenue streams by distributing to grocery stores. Or a bar owner with high-end liquor that competitors in the market aren’t serving. 

Whatever your business is, describe the gap in the market and how you aim to fill it.

If you’re operating a more common type of business, like a restaurant , you can probably keep this section short. But it’s useful to document what makes your business unique and it will help focus your sales and marketing efforts later on.

Market analysis

In a field as crowded with competitors as the food and beverage space, a detailed market analysis is essential. 

Your focus should be on identifying the specific customer segments you aim to serve. 

Maybe you’re a butcher with connections to fresh livestock. Will you be more successful selling directly to consumers, or should you focus on selling to grocery stores and markets in your area?

Or, you’re opening  a diner. Should your menu focus on healthy meals or easy-to-make child-friendly options?

These are the types of questions that market research helps you answer. This section should detail the defining characteristics of your target market, including the demographics and preferences of your ideal customer and the size of the market you’re targeting. Market research questions specific to a food and beverage business could include:

  • Business location and characteristics
  • Area income
  • Local food and beverage preferences
  • Existing food and beverage options 

Elaborate on how your food and beverage offerings align with that target market ’s needs. Remember, you can’t please everyone, so focus on a specific group of people or type of person and build out from there.

Marketing and sales

For food and beverage businesses promotions are how you stand out and seize a share of your market.

The marketing and advertising chapter of your business plan is where you’ll detail your strategies for capturing the attention — and loyalty — of the customers you identified as your target market in the previous section.

With so many options for consumers in the food and beverage space, you’ll likely have to rely on multiple marketing channels , including::

  • Advertising on websites, television, and in relevant publications.
  • Content marketing — developing an engaging website and writing blog content that’s search engine optimized to drive traffic to your site.
  • Engaging with your customers on social media.
  • Offering discounts and customer loyalty programs.
  • Appearing at food and beverage industry trade shows and community events.

It doesn’t matter how delicious your recipes are, how fresh your crops are, or how innovative your cocktails are — if you don’t operate efficiently, your business probably won’t last long.

The operations strategy may be the most detailed section of your business plan, especially if you’re writing it for a bank loan or investment. This section describes how you will run your business day to day.

When writing the operations section, describe the following:

Physical space

Whether it’s a restaurant, a farm, or a food transportation business, describe the space you’re operating in, and all of the physical assets and equipment you’ll need to be successful. 

If it’s a sit-down restaurant, consider including a floorplan mockup in your appendix.

Supply chain 

List the suppliers and partners that get your product to customers. Think about the businesses you purchase ingredients from, the warehouses that goods are stored in, and the trucking companies that deliver your products to grocery stores. 

These are your supply chain partners. It’s crucial that you maintain good relationships with them.

Production processes

How long it takes to make your product, and what materials and equipment are required. Documenting how you produce your goods or services demonstrates that you understand the costs of making them. 

You may also uncover ways to produce them more quickly, or at a lesser cost.

Detail how you’ll handle matters of efficiency like order fulfillment, storage, shipping, and returns, as well as customer satisfaction. If you provide delivery services, document how you will handle the process of getting your product to customers’ homes or businesses.

List your staffing needs, training, and experience requirements for key staff. Also, document the management structure of your business. 

This helps ensure that important tasks you don’t have time to monitor are being done and that workers are being supervised.

Describe investments in payment processing systems, inventory management software, and other tools that support sales or operations in your business. Cataloging your technology systems will help you determine where it might make sense to invest in upgrades for efficiency.

Take some time to write a financial plan . Create detailed financial projections, including sales , expenses , and profitability .

If that sounds intimidating, take a deep breath, and remember that financial forecasts are really just best guesses. If you’re running an existing business, you can start with your previous year’s numbers. If you’re starting, make an educated guess about where you hope to be financially a year from now.

Investors will want to see a: 

  • Sales forecast
  • Income statement (also called a profit and loss statement )
  • Cash flow statement
  • Balance sheet 

If you use a tool like LivePlan , you’ll be able to build out your financial forecasts relatively quickly, even if you don’t have experience with business numbers.

Even if you aren’t seeking investment, the financial plan is crucial for understanding the viability of your business. It allows you to adjust your business model based on projected performance, and make informed decisions about where to spend your money.

  • Food and beverage business plan templates and examples

If you want to see how other food and beverage businesses have created their plans, check out our free library of food and beverage business plans . 

You can download all of them in Word format and jump-start your own business plan.

See why 1.2 million entrepreneurs have written their business plans with LivePlan

Content Author: Elon Glucklich

Elon is a marketing specialist at Palo Alto Software, working with consultants, accountants, business instructors and others who use LivePlan at scale. He has a bachelor's degree in journalism and an MBA from the University of Oregon.

Check out LivePlan

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how to write business plan for catering

IMAGES

  1. 9+ BBQ Catering Business Plan Templates

    how to write business plan for catering

  2. Catering Business Plan (How to Write & Template)

    how to write business plan for catering

  3. Catering Business Plan Template Sample Pages

    how to write business plan for catering

  4. Catering Business Plan Template

    how to write business plan for catering

  5. Catering Business Plan Template Sample Pages

    how to write business plan for catering

  6. FREE 9+ Sample Catering Business Plan Templates in PDF

    how to write business plan for catering

VIDEO

  1. Presentasi Proposal Business Plan

  2. How to Start a Catering Business

  3. How to start Catering Business in Pakistan/catering service/catering business from home

  4. Writing a business plan

  5. 3 Effective Ways to Plan Your Business

  6. How to Write a Business Plan Step by Step Guide + Business Plan Template for Free

COMMENTS

  1. Catering Business Plan (How to Write & Template)

    Step 1: Gather Important Information Before you begin writing your catering business plan, gather answers to the crucial questions listed below. This will provide you with a solid foundation for the plan: What is your target market? What is your unique selling proposition (USP)? What are your pricing strategies? Who are your competitors?

  2. How To Write a Catering Business Plan

    Build your catering business plan with this template.

  3. How To Write a Catering Business Plan w/ Templates (PDF, Word Doc)

    This will include a brief introduction of your catering business, a description of your company, the services your catering business will be providing, and the customer focus. Introduction A quick introduction helps the reader get a bird's eye view of your catering business.

  4. Catering Business Plan Template & Guide [Updated 2024]

    1. Executive Summary 2. Company Overview 3. Industry Analysis 4. Customer Analysis 5. Competitive Analysis 6. Marketing Plan 7. Operations Plan 8. Management Team 9. Financial Plan 10. Appendix Next Section: Executive Summary > Catering Company Business Plan FAQs What Is the Easiest Way to Complete My Catering Business Plan?

  5. Catering Business Plan: How to Write Catering Business Plan

    When writing a business plan for catering business, include these sections: Executive Summary Company Overview Team and Management Market and Opportunity Business Operational Plan Products and Services Marketing Plan Financial Projections Executive Summary Your executive summary, usually one page, is the opening section of your business plan.

  6. How to write a business plan for a catering company?

    On the menu: Why write a business plan for a catering company? Information needed to create a business plan for a catering company What is the financial forecast for a catering company? The written part of a catering business plan What tool should I use to write my catering business plan? Why write a business plan for a catering company?

  7. Catering Business Plan Template: A Step-by-Step Guide (2024)

    Food, Beverage & Restaurant Catering Business Plan Are you thinking of starting a catering business We have prepared a solid catering business plan sample that guides you on every stage of your business plan writing Download Template Create a Business Plan Every event or occasion calls for good food.

  8. How To Write A Winning Catering Business Plan

    Executive Summary The executive summary of a catering business plan is a one to two page overview of your entire business plan. It should summarize the main points, which will be presented in full in the rest of your business plan. Follow these tips: Start with a one-line description of your catering company

  9. How to create a catering business plan

    01. Executive summary The executive summary is a concise overview of your catering business plan. It should provide a clear and compelling summary of your business idea, goals and strategies. This section is typically written last but appears at the beginning of the business plan.

  10. Catering Business Plan: 10 Elements of a Complete Plan

    The process of how to write a catering business plan includes general business plan needs like the executive summary, market analysis, and financial projections. It also includes catering-specific sections like the equipment list and liability insurance. It might even have a type of restaurant risk assessment.

  11. Catering Business Plan: How to Make a Catering Business Plan

    Create a Company Overview In the company overview section, describe your catering business in detail. Include your company name, restaurant mission statement, business structure, legal status, and ownership. This section should also provide a high-level view of your catering services and target market. 3. Develop Services and Menu Offerings

  12. Catering Business Plan Template

    Provide a detailed summary of your catering business plan. It's essential to keep the executive summary clear and concise. Provide information about your company, including its history and the future goals it aims to achieve.

  13. Catering Business Plan Template (2024)

    Catering Business Plan You've come to the right place to create your catering business plan. We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start a new catering business or grow their catering company.

  14. Catering Business: Expert Guide on Getting Started

    Catering Business Plan. A catering business plan is easy to write and contains the same essential elements as other restaurant business plan formats. However, when writing a business plan for a catering business, add catering industry-specific sections. Let's review how to write a catering business plan for your catering business.

  15. How to Start a Catering Business in 9 Steps

    Step 3: Register your catering business and get an EIN. Depending on the business entity you chose, your business's name might by default be your name. If you want to change that, you might need a ...

  16. The #1 Catering Business Plan Template & Guidebook

    How to Write a Catering Business Plan in 7 Steps: 1. Describe the Purpose of Your Catering Business. The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your catering business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers.

  17. How to create a strong catering business plan

    The basic structure of a catering business plan A business plan will have a few sections. You don't have to follow an exact script, but here are a few sections you should make sure to include: 1. Executive summary This is a summary of your business — it doesn't need to be more than a page long.

  18. How to Write a Business Plan for Catering

    Using a step-by-step method to write a catering business plan puts you on a path to launch sooner rather than later. Choose a Format. Many business plans follow the same format.

  19. How to Write Catering Business Plan? Guide & Template

    How to Write a Catering Business Plan. Crafting an effective catering business plan involves several key steps: 1. Executive Summary. Brief overview of your catering business, including the ...

  20. Catering Business Plan Sample [2024 UPD]

    2.4 Target of the Company. In this how to start a catering company sample business plans for catering companies we are enlisting the business targets set by Marlon Caterers. To reduce our customer acquisition cost by 20% by the end of five years. To keep our customer churn rate below 5% throughout our service years.

  21. Sample Comprehensive Catering Business Plan Guide

    Writing a comprehensive business plan for a catering company is essential for establishing a clear roadmap for success. Below is a complete guide on how to write a business plan for a catering company: 1. Executive Summary: Provide an overview of your catering company, including its mission, vision, and objectives. Summarize the services you offer,…

  22. Create a Winning Catering Marketplace Business Plan in 9 Steps

    Welcome to our blog post on how to write a business plan for a catering marketplace! Catering marketplaces have become increasingly popular in the US, providing a commission-based platform for caterers to connect with event hosts. According to recent statistics, the catering industry is experiencing rapid growth, with a market size of over $58 ...

  23. How to Write a Food and Beverage Business Plan + Sample Business Plan

    Writing a business plan is an easy first step that you can start for free. Plus, businesses that take time to plan are significantly more successful than those that don't. Many food and beverage establishments fail because of one of the following: Poor inventory management;