sample catering services business plan

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10 free catering business plan templates and examples

• Published on February 8, 2024
• by Patricia Fernandes
• Last updated: 2 months ago

When starting a catering business, it’s essential to have a well-structured business plan in place. A comprehensive business plan not only helps you outline your goals and strategies but also serves as a detailed roadmap for success. However, creating a business plan from scratch can be a daunting task. That’s where catering business plan templates come in handy. Understand the importance of a well-devised plan for your catering venture , as it can significantly improve your chances of overcoming challenges and achieving long-term success.

Once you’ve found a suitable template, the next step is to customize it to fit your unique catering business. This involves filling in the specific details of your business, such as your target market, menu offerings, pricing, marketing strategies, and financial projections. Customizing key elements of the template allows you to tailor it to your specific goals and vision, ensuring that your business plan accurately reflects catering businesses. Understanding the challenges that come with taking on the catering industry, developing a strategy through a tailored catering service business plan from the onset can significantly influence your path towards achieving long-term success and stability.

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Why Creating a Catering Business Plan is Essential

In the catering industry, having a well-thought-out business plan is crucial for success. It provides a roadmap for your business and helps you make informed decisions. Here are some key reasons why creating a catering services business plan is essential:

Defining Your Goals: A business plan allows you to clearly define your goals and objectives. It helps you identify what you want to achieve with your catering business.

Understanding Your Target Market: By conducting market research and analysis, you can gain valuable insights into your target market. This information will help you tailor your services to meet the needs and preferences of your customers.

Outlining Strategies: Your business plan serves as a guide to outline the strategies you will implement to achieve profitability. It includes details on your menu, pricing, marketing tactics, and financial projections.

Setting Yourself Up for Success: By carefully considering all aspects of your business and planning for potential challenges, you can set yourself up for long-term success in catering companies.

If you’re dreaming of starting your catering biz, you’re in the right place. We selected 10 catering business plan templates to help you get from daydreaming to doing. We’ve broken them down into three categories: Basic, Intermediary, and Complete, so you can find just what you need, no matter where you’re at in your catering business planning process.

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Basic Catering Business Plan Templates

Template 01: the quick start guide.

This business plan template is like the fast food of business plans – quick, easy, and gets the job done. It’s perfect if you’re just getting your feet wet. Considering launching a catering service? Ensure you have a robust plan for your catering venture by understanding the essential components and pitfalls to steer clear of.

Use the Quick Start Guide Template

Template 02: The Budget Buddy

Focused on the numbers, this one helps you figure out your starting costs and financial plan for how you’ll keep the lights on.

Use the Budget Buddy Template

Template 03: The Startup Planner

This template helps you outline your business concept’s initial needs, legal structure, and pricing strategy.

Use the Startup Planner Template

Intermediary Catering Business Plan Templates

Template 04: conscious catering strategy.

Focusing on the growing trend for healthy and dietary-specific menus, this sample menu template is perfect for caterers wanting to market and specialize in health-conscious catering industry food offerings. Learn to adapt and enhance your catering business plan to cater to health-conscious consumers, ensuring the long-term growth and success of your business.

Use the Conscious Catering Strategy Template

Template 05: Full-Service Catering Plan

Designed for established catering services and catering companies ready to expand, this template focuses on operational and pricing strategies, detailed menu planning, and advanced, marketing strategies and techniques. It’s ideal for caterers looking to scale their operations and refine their service offerings. Discover strategies on constructing a lucrative catering business plan , with guidance on enhancing operations, menu selections, and marketing approaches. Visit Metrobi’s website to delve deeper.

Use the Full-Service Catering Plan Template

Template 06: Catering Growth Accelerator

Unless you’re planning to do everything yourself (spoiler: not a good idea), this template helps you plan out your dream team.

Use the Catering Growth Accelerator Template

Complete Catering Business Plan Templates

Template 07: the full feast.

This is the big one – a comprehensive marketing plan for a full catering company template that covers everything from A to Z. If you’re ready to dive deep, this is for you. Planning to launch or manage a catering service? Ensure you have a detailed catering service business plan to guide you through every step.

Use the Full Feast Template

Template 08: The Event Ace

Specializing in events? This template focuses on planning for different types of clients at events and managing bookings at networking events.

Use the Event Ace Template

Template 09: The Growth Guru

Thinking ahead? This template helps you map out marketing strategy detailed plan for how you’ll expand and grow over time.

Use the Growth Guru Template

Template 10: The Risk Wrangler

Every serious business owner faces challenges. This template helps you identify potential risks to business goals and plan how to handle them.

Use the Risk Wrangler Template

Taking Action and Customizing Your Business Plan

Now is the time to take action and start creating your catering business plan. While examples and templates can be helpful starting points, it’s important to customize them to fit your unique business needs. Remember, your catering business plan template is a living document that can be updated and adjusted as your business grows and evolves. Learn how you can adapt and refine your catering business plan to ensure it aligns with your goals, enabling sustainable growth and success in the competitive catering landscape. Explore strategies to advance and update your catering business plan , positioning your venture for enduring prosperity and distinction in the bustling catering market.

Turning Your Catering Company Dreams into Reality

Starting a catering business is super exciting, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. That’s where the catering business plan template comes in. They’re like your road map to success, whether you’re just starting to sketch out your catering equipment ideas or you’re ready to launch. So, grab the first operations plan template that fits your stage and start cooking up your new catering business and plan!

Why you must have a solid catering business plan

How will your catering business plan evolve as you grow your catering business

How to create a profitable catering business plan

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How To Write a Catering Business Plan

Caterers combine their chef skills with next-level organization and planning to craft beautiful and delicious foodscapes with flawless service. If this sounds like your dream job, build your catering business plan with this template.

Tyler Martinez Author

Tyler Martinez

Restaurant Banquet Event Order (BEO) Template

This free BEO template can help your restaurant optimize incoming catering requests and streamline documentation.

Business Plan for Catering Businesses Guide

Catering businesses navigate intersections of the restaurant industry where quality and quantity are always in the balance. Catering is born of a passion for providing good food for some of life's most important events, making a wedding even more delightful or a graduation party that much more memorable.

Some caterers specialize in intimate events for 40 people or less. Others have their mass-production chops ready to go for weddings or conferences with guest lists in the hundreds or even thousands. It all depends on what's in the catering or banquet event order form . 

To deliver quality recipes and execute seamless service, you’ll need to develop a system of planning to cater events that works for you. Whether you’re taking your home kitchen to clients or expanding your restaurant’s services, a business plan is a good place to start.

Why Build a Catering Business Plan?

Planning is the name of the game in catering, and sections of your business plan will be resources for your potential investors, your clients, and future you as you navigate the many steps that go into setting up a new catering business. 

A detailed roadmap is critical for the success of your catering business. 

Catering requires extensive planning, menu ideas , and preparation no matter the scale of the operation. Building a detailed business plan forces you to prepare to plan events –  it gets you thinking about the supply chains you have access to, the labor required to prepare and execute recipes, and what kinds of local networks you’ll be working in.

Caterers often juggle working with event planners, decorators, and venue managers while delivering on preferences and whims of your client – your business plan solidifies your vision so that you can communicate it to business partners and clients. 

How to Write a Catering Business Plan (Description, Examples, Proposals)

While the specifics of a business plan for a catering operation are unique, this restaurant business plan template is a helpful tool for imagining and executing your vision for a catering business. 

Download a customizable version of the template and read on to learn more about how to make it work for your catering operation.

Restaurant Business Plan Template

No matter where you’re at in your restaurant ownership journey, a business plan will be your north star. Organize your vision and ensure that nothing is overlooked with this free template.

Elements of A Catering Business Plan 

Executive summary.

Make a good first impression with a concise introduction to your concept and a summary of the operations of your catering business. An executive summary introduces key elements of your business plan – consider providing an overview of the budget, the business’s mission and core values, and a coherent vision for your recipes and brand.

Imagine an audience for the executive summary as you write it. How can you choose language and present your concepts so to grab the attention of potential investors, partners, and clients to get them interested in your idea and convince them to keep reading? How will the client experience you provide, from sales to execution, have your catering company stand out of the ranks? 

Company Overview

The company overview works with the executive summary to provide a quick look at your catering business, but this section is more practical than flashy. Provide a glossary for the rest of your business plan by describing your style of food and approach to service, providing information about the ownership and management of your business, and describing the client experience.

A particular concern of a catering business is delivering food to clients. Detail how you will travel with prepared food, if you plan to build or purchase a traveling kitchen, and what types of venues you see yourself working in. Consider including information about the kinds of jobs your catering business will create and how you will find talent to fill the roles you need to.

Team and Management

Start this section by defining your role in your catering business as the owner, manager, chef, research and development team or some combination of those roles. Then, provide information about who is going to execute the additional responsibilities and how you will find the talent to fill those roles. 

Unlike some other food service models, catering businesses can choose the scale on which they operate, and situations might require some innovative scaling. You might be a small, intimate family team or a contingent of dozens of managers, chefs, cooks, and service staff. Alternatively, you might hire from a pool of local staff when you need them on an event-by-event basis, keeping only a few essential employees on the payroll. Define the scale of your catering business in your plan for potential investors or partners.

Sample Menu

As a caterer, you will likely find yourself crafting custom menus for your clients from a list of recipes you’ve developed and tested – showcase both sample event menus and a larger recipe list in your catering business plan.

These menus from Catering Works are a great example of how you might imagine menus for different events. Catering Works emphasizes that a custom menu proposal including food and beverages is crafted for each client’s needs. How you plan to build menus for your clients could be included in this section of your business plan.

Your sample menu provides a lot of information to potential partners or investors and prompts you to start thinking about the finer details of your business. Consider providing information about how you will produce and deliver your services and what specialized and potentially cost equipment you need.

Anticipate what questions clients or partners might have about your menu as you design the sample and be ready to answer those concerns. Do you have options for the range of dietary restrictions? How flexible are your recipes?

Sample menus are one of the greatest assets of your business plan and building menus is a productive exercise for ensuring that your plan is airtight before presenting it to clients or investors.

Market Analysis

Catering is a relatively niche market – customers don’t go looking for caterers until they have an event to plan or group of people to feed. It's not like a restaurant where any customer could decide that this random Tuesday is the day to engage your services. The approaches you take to organizing, building, and marketing your catering business depend on the types of clients you can expect to serve.

Think back to the last time you were at a PTA meeting eating soggy finger sandwiches drenched in cheap mayonnaise and chicken salad without a hint of texture. Or, perhaps you had the good luck to find yourself a wedding recently but the chafing dishes of dry lobster mac and cheese and miniature meatballs distracted from the magic.

Those less-than-perfect experiences are market openings in your area for high-quality finger foods or family style event catering that doesn’t put quantity before quality. Finding that market opening can be tricky, but identifying a market opening and potential client base are central to your business plans.

Marketing and Publicity

Finding an opening in the catering market will help to direct your marketing and publicity strategy. Word-of-mouth marketing can be a valuable asset to caterers — everyone who is wowed by the food at your events will keep you in mind for their own upcoming events — but putting yourself in the position for your clients to find you in local directories or online is equally important. 

There are two types of clients that caterers will generally attract: clients who need to feed groups of people regularly, and clients who are hosting one-time events. Corporations, non-profits, event planners, even some venues and hotels – those will be the regular clients of a catering business, and marketing yourself to those clients through networking is crucial. 

Marketing online with a full website and a consistent social media presence will keep your clients thinking about you. Networking, maintaining relationships between your company (or the sales team), clients, and partner businesses like venues can help to ensure steady business.

If your market research leads you to a particular need for a catering business in your area, you might target your business to fill that need and state explicitly in your marketing plan how you will capture that market opening. If you’re a family style caterer, for what kinds of regular events in the area can you expect to be considered and hired?

Branded Graphics

One of the most exciting aspects of building a cohesive brand across your business plan is creating branded graphics that convey your brand’s concept to both potential investors and customers. Think about how you might represent the ethos of your catering business and the experiences that you plan to offer your customers through branded graphics and the design of the documents in your business plan. 

Branding for a catering company can be placed on everything from menus and business cards to the labels on chafing dishes. Work to extend the aesthetic of your brand into all of your operations – everything from tablecloths to delivery van vinyl wraps can build brand recognition.

Business Operations

Information about the client experience, sales and inventory, accounting, management structure, and the supply chain for the products on your menu is included in the business operations section of your business plan. Consider the role you plan to play in your business as well – will you be the ringleader, head chef, or a hands-off owner/manager?

Catering companies focus on delivering a coherent experience and your business plan might include detailed expectations for how you and your staff will approach clients during sales and handle their accounts through to execution.

This is your ultimate chance to plan for your business – build an outline of how your business will run from the daily to the quarterly. Who will be attracting clients and making sales? Cooking and serving at events? Delivering food and equipment? Who is ordering to ensure that all the necessary food and equipment is ready when it’s needed? Answering these questions will help you to complete detailed and accurate sales and financial projections.

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Sales Forecasts and Operating Expenses

The operating expenses for a caterer include the costs of labor, insurance, products, supplies, equipment, rentals, incidentals, etc. Additional expenses associated with a particular supply chain or networking and marketing costs are worthwhile considerations.

One common analysis to include in a business plan is a “break-even analysis ” which compares the sales required to break even with the cost of expenses each month. Investors will be interested in the potential for profit and loss before they contribute to your business, but to produce a profit and loss statement for a business that isn’t open yet will require some thoroughly educated projections.

A cash flow analysis details how you plan to spend on labor, supplies, and operations to show investors that the company can support itself without additional investments. Consider how the cost of supplies, labor, taxes, maintenance on equipment, cleaning supplies, and paper or plastic for service balance out with revenue by the end of each fiscal quarter. 

Financing and Loans

Opening a catering company might cost less than a brick-and-mortar restaurant – less staff to hire and train, a need to stock only what products you’ll be selling soon, and likely lower rent on a space for a kitchen than full restaurant. Even so, it’s crucial to carefully consider your finances and prepare to apply for necessary lines of credit or loans. 

This  financing guide is a useful resource for figuring out your fiscal fundamentals – it goes into detail about loan options from brick-and-mortar banks, alternative loans, Small Business Association (SBA) loans, merchant cash advances, business lines of credit, crowdfunding, asking family or friends, commercial real estate loans, equipment financing, and purchase order funding.

Depending on the amount of initial investment needed, you might work with a bank or private investor to get your catering business off the ground. Include information about how you expect investors to be involved with the business and any benefits they might gain by investing, such as discounts on services or priority booking.

Once you have a plan to fund your catering business, it is crucial to include that information in your business plan. Provide potential investors with information about other investors and detailed financial plans about the projections of profit and expenses of your business.

How to Present a Catering Business Plan

There are a few ways to prepare to communicate with investors about your business plan and get them interested. As you write and edit your plan, you’ll have become the world’s only expert on your catering business. Remember that the way you talk about your business should be tailored to the situation you find yourself in.

First, send your business plan to investors and banks far and wide – put your concept and plan in the hands and minds of as many people as possible. You can’t hear no (or yes!) unless you ask. 

You might also want to try out networking events, where your 30-second elevator pitch will come in very handy so you can communicate everything you need to about your plan for a catering company quickly. Be sure to include something exciting or make an opportunity for questions to keep people talking. 

Once you secure a meeting with a potential investor or partner, you’ll want a more detailed presentation that presents all the key elements of your business plan – for a catering business, that will likely include the experiences at the core of your business.

It’s good to anticipate potential questions and prepare answers for questions you encounter for the first time. When networking, be honest and genuine, even if you don’t have a ready answer for each question that comes your way – investors will be interested in your charisma and savvy just as much as your ability to build a detailed plan.

Get Catering!

Build your business plan, read it over and over again, and make edits until it perfectly encapsulates the vision you have for your company. Then, once you've got your business off the ground, you'll have to keep those pitching skills sharp, because you'll be showing off what you can do for clients at every function you cater — and hopefully, in future client meetings with all the guests you delighted at your last event.

Related Catering Business Resources

• How to Open a Catering Business
• Catering Business Name Ideas
• Catering Menu Ideas
• Catering Licenses and Permits
• Catering Ideas and Concepts

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DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general informational purposes only, and publication does not constitute an endorsement. Toast does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, graphics, links, or other items contained within this content. Toast does not guarantee you will achieve any specific results if you follow any advice herein. It may be advisable for you to consult with a professional such as a lawyer, accountant, or business advisor for advice specific to your situation.

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Catering Business Plan

Used 4,872 times

Chart your path to success with our catering business plan template designed to help entrepreneurs organize their catering business.

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Created by:

​ [Sender.FirstName] [Sender.LastName] ​

​ [Sender.Company] ​

Prepared for:

​ [Recipient.FirstName] [Recipient.LastName]

​ [Recipient.Company] ​

Executive Summary

​ [Sender.Company] is a distinguished catering business in [Sender.StreetAddress] [Sender.City] [Sender.State] [Sender.PostalCode] , specializing in catering services. To provide the utmost convenience to its clients, [Sender.Company] has innovatively developed an online platform.

Combining culinary expertise with technological innovation, [Sender.Company] is dedicated to simplifying the catering process.

​ [Sender.Company] 's unwavering commitment to enhancing the catering experience underscores its mission to provide clients with a seamless and tailored culinary journey, establishing it as a leader in the catering industry.

Company Overview

Who is [sender.company] .

​ [Sender.Company] , nestled in the heart of (insert location here).

The driving force behind the inception of [Sender.Company] is none other than (Owner Name), a seasoned luminary within the catering domain. Despite (Owner Name)'s substantial background in the industry, it was a pivotal moment in (month, date) that marked the genesis of [Sender.Company] .

It became abundantly clear that [Sender.Company] was poised to make its indelible mark in the culinary landscape of (insert location here), promising a catering experience that was unique, exceptional, and ideally attuned to the tastes and preferences of its clientele.

Service Offering

​ [Sender.Company] specializes in delivering a diverse range of catering services, catering to various culinary desires and event requirements.

(Company Product/Option): (Insert short description)

This diverse array of catering services ensures that individuals and event hosts can find the perfect culinary experience that aligns seamlessly with their tastes and event requirements.

Management Team

(Name) – Founder & CEO

Background: (Brief background and qualifications of the CEO)

Responsibilities: (CEO's primary responsibilities and areas of focus)

(Name) – Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Background: (Brief background and qualifications of the COO)

Responsibilities: (COO's primary responsibilities and areas of focus)

(Name) – Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Background: (Brief background and qualifications of the CFO)

Responsibilities: (CFO's primary responsibilities and areas of focus)

(Name) – Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)

Background: (Brief background and qualifications of the CMO)

Responsibilities: (CMO's primary responsibilities and areas of focus)

Customer Analysis

Profile of target market.

​ [Sender.Company] will target businesses of all sizes in [Sender.StreetAddress] [Sender.City] [Sender.State] [Sender.PostalCode] . Businesses demand catering services for all of their events. Thus, they could be the primary client for any catering business. [Sender.Company] will also target local non-profits and individuals searching for catering services for social occasions.

Customer Segmentation

​ [Sender.Company] intends to target the following client groups:

Corporations: Hosting conferences, product launches, meetings, and celebrations.

Local Governments: For their meetings and social gatherings

Parents: For birthdays and social gatherings

Brides: Providing catering for bridal showers, engagement parties, and wedding celebrations

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Some businesses with similar profiles can be found in [Sender.Company] locations. As a result, [Sender.Company] will face direct or indirect client rivalry. The competitors of the company are briefly described here.

Competitive Advantage

​ [Sender.Company] will provide its client with the following competitive advantages:

(Competitive Advantage 1)

(Competitive Advantage 2)

Marketing Plan

​ [sender.company] ’s branding and positioning.

The [Sender.Company] brand is renowned for its unique value proposition within the catering industry:

Diverse Menu Options

​ [Sender.Company] is known for its extensive menu offerings, providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner customization.

Culinary Excellence

The company is committed to serving top-tier cuisine prepared by skilled chefs and presented by a team of sophisticated servers.

Exceptional Customer Service

At [Sender.Company] , excellent customer service is a hallmark.

Innovative Themes and Concepts

​ [Sender.Company] stands out with its creative approach, offering innovative event themes and concepts.

Sustainability and Dietary Accommodations

The company prioritizes and accommodates various dietary needs, demonstrating a commitment to eco-friendly practices and guest preferences.

Event Planning Expertise

​ [Sender.Company] provides comprehensive event planning services, including venue selection, décor, and entertainment.

These unique values define [Sender.Company] and highlight its dedication to delivering exceptional catering and event experiences.

Promotions Strategy

​ [Sender.Company] anticipates its primary customer base to encompass individuals residing or working within the area of the establishment. The company's comprehensive promotional strategy to engage this demographic comprises various components.

The catering business will proactively encourage delighted clients to refer other companies or individuals by providing financial incentives for each successful referral.

Advertising

​ [Sender.Company] will initially invest in advertising placements within local newspapers and event publications to enhance brand awareness.

Direct Mail

​ [Sender.Company] will utilize local business mailing lists and business association databases to distribute informative materials to nearby businesses. These materials will offer insights into the company's offerings, feature discounts, and incentivize individuals to consider [Sender.Company] for their catering needs.

Public Relations

Outreach efforts will extend to local and regional newspapers and television stations, where press releases detailing the company's launch and its unique value proposition will be disseminated.

Ongoing Customer Communications

To maintain an active online presence, [Sender.Company] will maintain an informative website and circulate a monthly email newsletter.

Social Media Marketing

Proactive interaction with prospective clients and strategic collaborators on diverse social media platforms, including (List relevant social media platforms), will enable the business to remain responsive to evolving customer requirements and preferences.

Pricing Strategy

​ [Sender.Company] prioritizes catering to a wide range of client budgets while consistently delivering exceptional catering services. Recognizing the catering industry's susceptibility to price fluctuations, often driven by external factors, [Sender.Company] is firmly committed to offering competitive pricing that appeals to a broad clientele and reduces accessibility barriers. Additionally, a robust cost management strategy will be implemented to maximize profitability.

(Payment Option 1)

(Payment Option 2)

(Payment Option 3)

(Payment Option 4)

By offering these versatile payment alternatives, [Sender.Company] aims to ensure that its valued clients have a range of choices to align with their financial needs and preferences, ultimately enhancing their overall satisfaction. These options can be adjusted to remain responsive to market dynamics and evolving customer demands.

These milestones underscore [Sender.Company] 's unwavering commitment to making consistent and measurable strides in its pursuit of success within the (Industry Name).

Financial Plan

Source and use of funds.

​ [Sender.Company] will be receiving (Amount) from (Source of Fund) to launch its catering business. The funds will be used for capital expenditures, labor costs, and acquiring supplies and equipment. The following table shows the proposed startup costs:

Financial Projections

These are [Sender.Company] 's pro forma financial statements for the next five (5) years. It contains the business's income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement.

​ [Recipient.FirstName] [Recipient.LastName] ​

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Catering Business Plan

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 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

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

Write your business plan with Upmetrics

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

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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Here is a free business plan sample for a catering company.

Have you been toying with the idea of launching a catering business but feel overwhelmed about where to start?

Look no further, as we're about to guide you through a comprehensive business plan tailored for the catering industry.

Creating a solid business plan is a crucial step for any aspiring entrepreneur. It serves as a roadmap, outlining your vision, objectives, and the strategies you'll employ to turn your catering dreams into a thriving reality.

To streamline your planning process and get you started on the right foot, feel free to utilize our catering business plan template. Our team of professionals is also on standby to provide a free review and fine-tuning of your plan.

How to draft a great business plan for your catering company?

A good business plan for a catering business must be tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of the catering industry.

Initially, it's important to provide a comprehensive overview of the catering market. This should include current statistics and an analysis of emerging trends, similar to what we've outlined in our catering business plan template .

Your business plan should articulate your vision clearly, define your target market (such as weddings, corporate events, private parties), and establish your catering company's distinctive approach (gourmet, budget-friendly, ethnic cuisines, etc.).

Market analysis is a critical component. You'll need to thoroughly research local competitors, understand industry trends, and identify the preferences of potential clients.

For a catering business, it's imperative to detail your menu offerings. Describe your range of cuisines, menu flexibility for dietary restrictions, and how your selections cater to the tastes and needs of your intended clientele.

The operational plan is vital and should cover the logistics of your catering operations. This includes the location of your kitchen, the layout for food preparation and storage, supplier relationships for ingredients, and the logistics of transporting food to event venues.

Quality control is paramount in catering. Your plan should highlight your commitment to food quality, preparation standards, and adherence to health and safety regulations.

Marketing and sales strategies must be addressed. How will you build a client base and foster repeat business? Discuss promotional tactics, networking strategies, and customer service excellence.

Incorporating digital marketing efforts, such as a professional website and active social media engagement, is crucial for modern businesses.

The financial section is a cornerstone of your business plan. It should outline your startup costs, projected revenue, operating expenses, and the point at which you expect to turn a profit.

Catering businesses often deal with fluctuating costs and varying client demands, making financial planning especially important. To assist with this, consider using our financial forecast for a catering business .

Compared to other business plans, a catering business plan must address specific factors such as menu diversity, event-specific logistics, staffing for different types of events, and the scalability of services.

A comprehensive business plan is a tool for clarifying your strategy and attracting investment or loans.

Investors and lenders will look for a thorough market analysis, sound financial projections, and a clear plan for managing the complexities of catering operations.

By presenting a detailed and substantiated business plan, you showcase your professionalism and dedication to the success of your catering enterprise.

To streamline the planning process and ensure you cover all necessary elements, you can start with our catering business plan template .

A free example of business plan for a catering company

Here, we will provide a concise and illustrative example of a business plan for a specific project.

This example aims to provide an overview of the essential components of a business plan. It is important to note that this version is only a summary. As it stands, this business plan is not sufficiently developed to support a profitability strategy or convince a bank to provide financing.

To be effective, the business plan should be significantly more detailed, including up-to-date market data, more persuasive arguments, a thorough market study, a three-year action plan, as well as detailed financial tables such as a projected income statement, projected balance sheet, cash flow budget, and break-even analysis.

All these elements have been thoroughly included by our experts in the business plan template they have designed for a catering .

Here, we will follow the same structure as in our business plan template.

Market Opportunity

Market overview and potential.

The catering industry is an essential segment of the food services market, offering vast opportunities for growth and innovation.

As of recent estimates, the global catering market size is valued at several billion dollars, with expectations for continued expansion. This growth is driven by an increase in corporate events, social gatherings, and a general preference for professionally prepared meals for various occasions.

In the United States, the catering industry contributes significantly to the economy, with thousands of catering companies operating across the country, generating substantial revenue annually.

This data underscores the pivotal role that catering services play in the food industry and highlights the potential for new entrants to make their mark.

Industry Trends

The catering industry is experiencing a shift towards more personalized and health-conscious dining experiences.

There is a rising demand for organic, non-GMO, and locally sourced ingredients, as clients are more aware of the health and environmental impacts of their food choices.

Customization is becoming increasingly important, with clients seeking unique and tailored menus to suit dietary restrictions and personal preferences, such as gluten-free, keto, or vegan diets.

Technology is also playing a role in transforming the catering business, with online ordering systems and event management software streamlining operations and enhancing customer engagement.

Sustainability practices are being integrated into catering operations, from reducing food waste to using eco-friendly packaging and utensils.

These trends are shaping the future of catering, as providers adapt to the evolving demands of modern consumers and event planners.

Key Success Factors

Several factors contribute to the success of a catering business.

High-quality food that is both delicious and presented elegantly is fundamental to a caterer's reputation and client satisfaction.

Versatility in menu offerings allows a catering service to accommodate a wide range of events and dietary needs, enhancing its marketability.

Strategic partnerships with event planners, venues, and suppliers can lead to a steady stream of business and opportunities for growth.

Exceptional customer service, including clear communication and the ability to execute events flawlessly, is critical for building trust and repeat business.

Efficient operations, including cost control, inventory management, and staff training, ensure that the business runs smoothly and profitably.

Adapting to industry trends, such as incorporating sustainable practices and leveraging technology, will position a catering company as a forward-thinking and competitive player in the market.

The Project

Project presentation.

Our gluten-free catering service is designed to cater to the increasing number of individuals with gluten sensitivities, celiac disease, or those who prefer a gluten-free lifestyle. Strategically positioned to serve both private events and corporate functions, our catering service will provide a diverse menu of gluten-free options, including appetizers, main courses, sides, and desserts, all crafted with premium, certified gluten-free ingredients.

We emphasize the flavor, presentation, and nutritional value of our dishes to ensure a delightful and satisfying dining experience for all our clients.

Our catering business is poised to set the standard for gluten-free dining experiences, enhancing the lives of our clients by accommodating their dietary needs without compromising on taste or quality.

Value Proposition

The value proposition of our gluten-free catering service lies in our dedication to delivering a gourmet dining experience tailored to the gluten-free community. We understand the challenges faced by those with dietary restrictions and are committed to providing a diverse menu that is both safe and delectable.

Our pledge to culinary excellence and dietary safety offers peace of mind and enjoyment to our clients, contributing to their health and satisfaction.

We strive to create a welcoming atmosphere for all guests, regardless of their dietary preferences, and are dedicated to educating our clientele about the advantages of gluten-free dining.

As a leader in gluten-free catering, we aim to be a cornerstone in the community, presenting a viable and appetizing alternative to traditional catering options and enhancing the well-being of our clients.

Project Owner

The project owner is a seasoned professional with a passion for catering and a comprehensive understanding of gluten-free dietary requirements.

Armed with experience in event planning and a background in nutrition, the owner is driven to establish a gluten-free catering service that excels in quality, creativity, and customer service.

With a commitment to education and dietary awareness, the owner is dedicated to offering exquisite gluten-free meals that contribute to the health of clients and the success of their events.

Their dedication to culinary artistry and their zeal for exceptional service are the cornerstones of this venture, aiming to enrich the dining experiences of those in need of reliable and delicious gluten-free options.

The Market Study

Market segments.

The market segments for this gluten-free catering service are diverse and multifaceted.

Primary clients include individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease who require strict gluten-free diets for their health and well-being.

Additionally, there is a growing demographic of health-conscious individuals who opt for gluten-free meals as part of a lifestyle choice or dietary preference.

Corporate clients seeking to accommodate the dietary needs of their employees or guests during events also represent a significant market segment.

Lastly, event planners and hosts who aim to provide inclusive menu options for weddings, parties, and other social gatherings are potential customers for our services.

SWOT Analysis

Conducting a SWOT analysis for the gluten-free catering business highlights several factors.

Strengths include specialized knowledge in gluten-free meal preparation, a commitment to high-quality ingredients, and the ability to offer a diverse menu catering to various dietary needs.

Weaknesses may involve the higher costs associated with sourcing premium gluten-free ingredients and the complexity of ensuring cross-contamination is avoided.

Opportunities can be found in the increasing awareness and demand for gluten-free options, as well as the potential to partner with health professionals who can refer clients with dietary restrictions.

Threats include the growing number of competitors in the gluten-free catering space and the volatility of prices for gluten-free ingredients.

Competitor Analysis

An analysis of competitors within the gluten-free catering industry shows a competitive landscape.

Direct competitors include other catering services that offer gluten-free menus and restaurants with gluten-free takeout options.

These businesses compete on the basis of menu diversity, ingredient quality, price points, and service excellence.

Identifying competitive advantages such as unique menu offerings, exceptional customer service, and strong partnerships with suppliers can help in carving out a niche in the market.

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of these competitors is crucial for developing strategies to differentiate and build customer loyalty.

Competitive Advantages

Our gluten-free catering service's competitive advantages lie in our unwavering dedication to quality and customer satisfaction.

We offer a wide array of appetizing and nutritious gluten-free dishes, crafted to meet the needs of our diverse clientele without compromising on flavor or presentation.

Our commitment to educating our clients and their guests about the benefits of gluten-free dining, along with our transparent ingredient sourcing, helps to establish trust and loyalty within our customer base.

Moreover, our adaptability to cater to various event sizes and settings gives us the flexibility to provide personalized and memorable experiences for every occasion.

You can also read our articles about: - how to start a catering company: a complete guide - the customer segments of a catering company - the competition study for a catering company

The Strategy

Development plan.

Our three-year development plan for the gluten-free catering service is designed to establish us as a leader in the industry.

In the first year, we aim to build a strong reputation for our unique gluten-free menus and exceptional service, focusing on corporate events, weddings, and private parties.

The second year will be about expanding our reach by partnering with event planners and venues, and offering our services to a wider array of events and clients.

In the third year, we plan to diversify our offerings with seasonal and culturally diverse gluten-free menus, and to start offering cooking classes and workshops to engage with our community.

We will consistently prioritize the quality of our ingredients, customer service excellence, and innovative menu design to cater to the evolving tastes and dietary needs of our clients.

Business Model Canvas

The Business Model Canvas for our gluten-free catering service targets individuals and organizations looking for high-quality, gluten-free food options for their events.

Our value proposition is delivering a memorable dining experience with a diverse range of gluten-free dishes that do not compromise on taste or presentation.

We offer our catering services through direct engagement with clients, as well as through our website and social media platforms, utilizing our skilled chefs and event coordinators as key resources.

Key activities include menu development, event planning, and client consultations.

Our revenue streams are generated from catering events, while our costs are associated with high-quality ingredient procurement, labor, and marketing efforts.

Access a detailed and customizable Business Model Canvas in our business plan template .

Marketing Strategy

Our marketing strategy is centered on showcasing the quality and creativity of our gluten-free catering menus.

We plan to engage with our target market through food tasting events, partnerships with gluten-free influencers, and by providing educational content on the benefits of gluten-free diets.

Collaborations with nutritionists and dietitians will help validate our offerings and build trust with potential clients.

We will leverage social media platforms and targeted advertising to increase visibility and attract a diverse clientele interested in healthy, gluten-free options for their events.

Risk Policy

Our risk policy for the gluten-free catering service focuses on mitigating risks associated with food preparation, ingredient sourcing, and event execution.

We will adhere to strict gluten-free protocols and cross-contamination prevention measures to ensure the safety of our clients with gluten sensitivities.

Regular staff training and quality control checks will be implemented to maintain high standards. We will also manage costs effectively to ensure financial stability.

Comprehensive liability insurance will be in place to protect against any unforeseen incidents related to our catering services.

Why Our Project is Viable

We are committed to filling a gap in the market with our gluten-free catering service, addressing the needs of a growing demographic that values health and dietary inclusivity.

With our dedication to culinary excellence and customer satisfaction, we believe our business is well-positioned for success in the competitive catering landscape.

We are enthusiastic about the positive impact our service can have on the well-being of our clients and are ready to adapt to the industry's demands to achieve our vision.

We look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead and the chance to become a trusted name in gluten-free catering.

You can also read our articles about: - the Business Model Canvas of a catering company - the marketing strategy for a catering company

The Financial Plan

Of course, the text presented below is far from sufficient to serve as a solid and credible financial analysis for a bank or potential investor. They expect specific numbers, financial statements, and charts demonstrating the profitability of your project.

All these elements are available in our business plan template for a catering and our financial plan for a catering .

Initial expenses for our gluten-free catering business include acquiring commercial kitchen equipment designed for gluten-free meal preparation, adapting the kitchen space to comply with food safety regulations, sourcing certified gluten-free ingredients, specialized staff training for proper handling of gluten-free products, as well as costs associated with branding and initiating targeted marketing campaigns to reach our niche market.

Our revenue projections are based on a thorough market analysis of the demand for gluten-free catering services, taking into account the increasing awareness of dietary restrictions and the preference for high-quality, specialized catering options.

We expect a gradual increase in sales, beginning with conservative estimates and expanding as recognition of our gluten-free catering services grows within the community and beyond.

The projected income statement outlines anticipated revenues from our gluten-free catering events, production costs (ingredients, labor, utilities), and operating expenses (facility lease, marketing, staff wages, etc.).

This leads to a forecasted net profit that is essential for assessing the long-term viability of our catering venture.

The projected balance sheet presents assets unique to our business, such as kitchen equipment, ingredient inventories, and liabilities including loans and projected operational costs.

It provides a snapshot of the financial standing of our gluten-free catering service at the conclusion of each fiscal period.

Our projected cash flow statement details the inflows and outflows of cash, enabling us to predict our financial requirements at any point in time. This will be crucial for maintaining financial stability and preventing cash flow issues.

The projected financing strategy identifies the specific sources of funding we intend to utilize to cover our initial costs.

The working capital requirement for our gluten-free catering business will be diligently tracked to ensure we have sufficient liquidity to support our day-to-day operations, which includes ingredient purchases, inventory control, and payroll.

The break-even analysis for our venture will determine the volume of catering events needed to offset all our costs, including the initial investments, and to begin generating profits.

It will signal the point at which our business becomes financially sustainable.

Key performance indicators we will monitor include the profit margin on our gluten-free catering services, the current ratio to evaluate our ability to meet short-term liabilities, and the return on investment to gauge the efficiency of the capital we have deployed into the business.

These metrics will assist us in assessing the financial health and overall success of our gluten-free catering enterprise.

If you want to know more about the financial analysis of this type of activity, please read our article about the financial plan for a catering company .

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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.

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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

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.

Introduction

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.

Company Description

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.

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.

Mission Statement

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.

Company Concept

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.

Market Analysis

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.

Target Market

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.

Industry Analysis

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.

Competitive Analysis

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.

Management Structure

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.

Product Line and Services

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.

Sales and Marketing

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.

Financial Plan

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.

Funding Request

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.

Financial Forecast

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.

Operational Plan

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.

Download Templates

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 – 11+ For Word & PDF

One of the most important elements of starting a new catering business is to have a plan that lays out your plans, objectives, and activities that will be needed to get your business off the ground. Even if it is on the back of a napkin , a plan that outlines how you will get started and answers many questions for you and your investors is better than nothing at all. A catering business plan can save a great deal of wasted time and money. Using a catering business plan template guides the new business owner through the areas they need to address as they launch their new endeavor . Nothing is missed, and the template saves even more time for the busy entrepreneur.

This blog reviews what a catering business plan template is, what the important elements are that should be in every business plan and address several frequently asked questions many readers have.

What Is a Catering Business Plan Template?

A catering business plan provides an overview of a catering business that is already in operation or one that you plan to initiate. The plan looks to the future regarding expansion plans, goals and strategies, and operation plans. These goals and strategies are turned into actions that the business owner will need to execute to meet their objectives. For example, growing the business by 20% could mean adding ten employees, finding a larger building, obtaining financing to purchase more equipment, and developing a marketing plan to expand markets into other regions.

Using a catering business plan template saves you time and forces the business owner to think about and answer many detailed questions about their business plans, goals, and objectives. Using a template also means that you have a professional-looking document that will impress financiers you may need to secure funding for your expansion plans. Lenders look for specific details to be included in the business plan. Without this information, the likely hood of receiving approval for funding is low.

While using a catering business plan template saves time, developing a business plan takes a great deal of time and effort to gather all of the information and apply it to the business you want to create. Many people just want to get started with the business, which can lead to costly mistakes to be made and jeopardize the business’s success. A catering business plan properly developed using a template will save the business owner from making expensive mistakes and improve the opportunities for the business to be successful.

Catering Business Plan Sample

Creating a catering business plan in Word allows for easy formatting and editing. Loading your template in word gives you a quick base for adding the details of your business plan. Word lets you make quick changes, and save them easily. It is compatible with most text formats, and is a good choice for professional documents.

Mobile Catering Business Plan Template

Catering Business Plan Template for Wedding

Wedding Catering Business Plan Template

A food catering business plan should include all your start-up costs, and your plan for operating at a profit. Getting a business loan will require submitting a quality business plan. A template will show you everything to include. A clear, readable format will ensure that your business gives a professional impression.

Catering Business Plan Format

Catering Business Start-up Requirement Template

Catering Business Plan

Outdoor Catering Business Plan Template

Catering Business Statement of Work Sample

Catering Business Plan Outline Template

Catering from home still requires a business plan to ensure you will operate properly. Using your homes resources for a business takes proper financial planning. Your appliances will wear out faster, and utilities will be higher. Including how to factor that into your costs and taxes will make running your business much easier.

Catering Business Plan Essential Factors

Catering Business Plan (FAQ)

Essential Elements of a Catering Business Plan Template

The following are the essential elements of a catering business plan template. We will expand on each of these to provide more details.

• Executive Summary
• Company Overview
• Catering Industry Analysis
• Target Market Profile
• Competitive Profile
• Marketing Plan
• Company Operations
• Management Team
• Financial Plan
• Executive Summary –  typically one page in length, the executive summary shares with readers the objectives of the business and the vision or mission of the business. The executive summary is the last page to be finalized and should reflect in a broad overview your plans for your company over the next five years.
• Company Overview  – describe your company, including the principles of the company, who owns the company, the number of employees, and the organization structure if you have one. If this is a start-up, include start-up costs in this section.
• Catering Industry Analysis  – include in summary form information you have concerning the industry for the market you will operate in as well as general industry trends that demonstrate the growth of the industry. 
• Target Market Profile  – clearly describe your market for the area you will operate in. What demographics is your catering business aimed at? Will you focus on catering to weddings, business events, and large parties, or are you focusing on the consumer market, for example? Back it up with data that supports your decision to focus on the market you have decided to target.
• Competitive Profile  – analysis of your competitors is an excellent task to complete. This data will help you understand who they are, what their target markets are, and their strengths and weaknesses. Finish off this section by describing your competitive advantage compared to your competitors, along with a risk assessment. Your competitors are not going to remain in their current lane. They will adapt to a new competitor coming into the market. How will they react to your entrance?
• Marketing Plan  – once you open for business, letting people know that your company is in the catering business and getting your name out there is paramount to becoming successful. Outline your advertising plan – print, TV, Social media, etc. and how much advertising is going to cost. Your marketing budget needs to be factored into your budget.
• Company Operations  –the catering business operations plan must factor in the catering services that will be offered, the functions of each employee, and the milestones or objectives that the operations team needs to hit to be successful and meet your financial targets. Equipment and supplies should be included, as well as space to operate and vehicles to transport all catering activities.
• Management Team  – your catering business may start with one or two employees and quickly expand as orders arrive. Many catering companies have a combination of full-time employees and temporary staff. Describe the management team, the full-time employees, and where the temporary folks will come from. Hiring skilled, dependable employees is one of the most significant challenges many businesses encounter.
• Financial Plan  – the financial plan is one of the most important sections of the catering business plan. It brings together all of the revenue, expenses, and capital purchases you need to make and how those funds will be used over time. Key assumptions should also be included covering all major issues affecting cash flow and capital expenditures. The catering business financial plan also should include an annual income statement, an annual balance sheet, and an annual cash flow statement. Lenders will examine these numbers in detail to assess how aggressive your plan is and the probability of your business achieving these numbers.Once the catering business plan is finalized, arrange for a 3rd party to review and critique the plan. Someone with experience in the catering business and someone with lending experience is a good choice for reviewing the plan before submitting it to potential lenders.

The following are some of the frequently asked questions many of our readers have about catering business plan templates.

Business plans are extremely useful for several reasons: ᐅ Support applications for support from lenders ᐅ Planning operations, resource needs, and managing cash flow ᐅ Assessing the company’s profit margin ᐅ Setting objectives and milestones ᐅ Planning the growth of the company ᐅ Annual updates help keep your company on track

One of the reasons a catering business plan is useful to both operators and lenders is the prediction of the profit margin. The profit margin is the revenue minus expenses. Accountants can assist with the development of the predicted profit margin taking into account your predictions for sales, operating expenses, and depreciation on capital equipment. Lenders expect a positive profit margin in the first year of approximately seven to ten percent.

The food cost formula is the ratio of the cost of food ingredients vs. the revenue generated by these ingredients. Food costs must consider many factors, including the cost of the ingredients, storage, waste, inventory costs, and support costs such as napkins and garnishes. Food costs are sometimes focused on the cost of the ingredients only to determine the basic cost of a serving. Overhead costs such as storage, waste, employee, and building costs are added to this number to determine profit per meal.

A strategic plan for catering front ends the catering business plan. The strategic business plan for catering helps establish and answer questions about: ᐅ The size of the business at launch and the ability to grow ᐅ The type of catering – weddings, corporate, etc. ᐅ The location of operations and the area served ᐅ How the business will be managed?   Strategic planning may include:   ᐅ Market competition analysis,  ᐅ Feasibility analysis ᐅ Operations analysis

The importance of a catering business plan cannot be understated. There are many advantages for the owner to develop a business plan and use it to guide his business development and growth. Is the business viable with the current plans, or do you need to make changes to elements of the business to give it a better chance of success? Will lenders loan you funds to help get the business started? When should the business expand? Which markets and what is the competitive environment in the area the business will operate in? These questions and more should be addressed in the catering business plan to help make the business successful. Using a catering business plan template saves time and guides new business owners through the topics they need to focus on as they launch their new catering business. Nothing is missed, and the template saves even more time for the busy entrepreneur. There is an advantage to reviewing the business plan at least once a year or sometimes more often to determine if changes need to be made, verify assumptions, and incorporate new facts learned during the year. These mid-course corrections can help ensure that your business reacts to a dynamic market environment. Update the catering business plan at a minimum annually and review the plan with key management personnel. Lenders may demand to see an updated plan. They want to have confidence that their money is being used wisely and that they will see a return on the investment they have made in your business. An updated catering business plan may be a condition of continuing support from lenders. Use the catering business plan as a tool to help your business adjust to changing markets, supply conditions, staffing, and competition. With a business plan, making adjustments to sales projections can tell you quickly what the impact will be on the bottom line. Similarly, with adjustments to the price of goods, staffing, salaries, rent, etc.

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Catering Company Business Plan

Start your own catering company business plan

Fressen Catering

Executive summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. it describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">, opportunity.

The Philadelphia kosher catering market is an interesting one.  Recently they have discovered they really like and need kosher food. It’s healthy its organic and its a “clean” way to eat. It helps keep people healthy. People are in need of really good food.

Fressen will occupy a niche in the kosher catering market that offers new, creative menu items, broadening people’s conception of kosher food.  This market consists of two target segments that are differentiated by household income.

The kosher catering business in Philadelphia is fairly unique.  At the low- to mid-price point of the cost spectrum, there are four other kosher caters.  These caterers tend to serve the part of the market that must have kosher food served at an occasion due to religious beliefs, but struggle to able to afford the cost variance between standard and kosher catering.  All four of these caters have fairly standard menu offerings.  There is a fifth caterer that also serves the lower end of the market (defined as middle class) but serves the high end of the market as well.  Although there is a large wealthy population in Philadelphia that follows the laws of kashrut, they have been underserved.

Competition

Fressen Catering’s competitive edge is its attention to servicing customers and inventive approach to kosher cuisine. Fressen’s customer attention differentiates them in the world of kosher catering which is dominated by several companies that have plenty of demand.  The consequence of market demand is a decreased pressure to accommodate customers. Fressen is approaching the market as if there was significant competition between the different service providers.  By making customer satisfaction a priority, over time, local customers will come to appreciate the attention that their needs are given and form a long lasting relationship with Fressen Catering.

Fressen Catering’s mission is to provide the customer with the finest kosher catering.  We exist to attract and maintain customers.  When we adhere to this maxim, everything else will fall into place.  Our services will exceed the expectations of our customers.

Expectations

Fressen Catering is forecasted to make a profit by year 3. It will be up and running and well-staffed and able to sustain employees and Susan. By year 4 Susan will be able to repay the loan of 90,000 back to friends and family

Financial Highlights by Year

Financing needed.

This business needs $130,000. Susan will put in $40,000 and friends and family will kick in $90,000.

Problem & Solution

Problem worth solving.

The Philadelphia kosher catering market is an interesting one.  There are several caters that offer services that are quite similar to each other in terms of price and menu options. In the past consumers would not welcome new kosher menu items, it is just that people have incorrectly made the assumption that kosher meals have to be boring. Recently they have discovered they really like and need kosher food. 

Our Solution

Fressen Catering’s mission is to provide the customer with the finest kosher catering.  We exist to attract and maintain customers.  When we adhere to this maxim, everything else will fall into place.  Our services will exceed the expectations of our customers.

Target Market

Market Size & Segments

Market Segmentation

Fressen Catering has two distinct target populations:

• Middle class kosher clients. This group of people does not have huge amounts of disposable income, recognizes that it is costly to sponsor a kosher dinner party, and is willing to incur the expenses, but will try to minimize them.
• Upper class kosher clients. This group has intertwined kosher values throughout their lives and is willing to spend whatever it takes to throw a high-end kosher dinner function.  Typically, this group is characterized by a wealthy one-income family where the male works and the female does not.  The female of the household typically thoroughly enjoys the planning of these events.

The target market segment strategy will not be significantly different to address the two different groups. Both groups, regardless of income typically belong to the same group of religious congregations. Therefore, to reach the different groups does not require a distinctly different strategy. What differentiation it will require is different menu offerings needed to satisfy the different groups. The upper-end menu items are cost prohibitive for the middle class target segment.

Current Alternatives

As stated in the previous section, there are four other kosher caterers that serve the low to middle end of the market.  These caterers compete to some degree on cost (due to budget constraints of some clients), but more so on service.  The quality and the serving of the food are the main areas of service that the caterers compete on. 

There is one high-end caterer who will compete with Fressen.  This caterer, while serving the upper-end market, does not provide its clients with upper-end service. This company is not a strong competitor because of their overpriced service offerings relative to the service provided, and its business has been declining over the last few years. Lastly, one competitor for the high-end market is kosher caterers from New York City.  When cost is no object, there are many people that are willing to pay the additional cost of bringing in the caterer from NYC.

The buying habits of consumers of kosher catering is to some degree price sensitive at the middle end of the market.  Between two different service providers, the middle class group will choose the service provider with the best services.  However, cost is certainly an issue and some of the caterers are not even options because they are priced out of this consumer groups price range. The buying habits for the high end of the market is price insensitive.  Choices are made by menu offerings, reputation, and attention to service.

Our Advantages

Fressen Catering’s competitive edge is its attention to servicing customers and inventive approach to kosher cuisine. Fressen’s customer attention differentiates them in the world of kosher catering which is dominated by several companies that have plenty of demand.  The consequence of market demand is a decreased pressure to accommodate customers. Fressen is approaching the market as if there was significant competition between the different service providers.  By making customer satisfaction a priority, over time, local customers will come to appreciate the attention that their needs are given and form a long lasting relationship with Fressen Catering.

Fressen’s other competitive edge is their nouveau cuisine approach to kosher food. Traditionally, kosher food has remained stable and unimaginative for a long time.  Most people believe that there are large compromises that must be made when serving kosher. These compromises need not be made however, and Fressen is changing these misperceptions.  Just because there are strict rules regarding the types of foods that may be used and the way it must be prepared does not eliminate creativity.  Fressen is taking their knowledge of nouveau cuisine and creating inventive, colorful, and delicious kosher alternatives.

Keys to Success

How we will get there will be our business objectives which are: 

• To create a service-based company whose primary goal is to exceed customer’s expectations.
• To increase the number of client’s served by 20% per year through superior service.
• To develop a sustainable start-up business.
• To develop enough cash flow to pay all salaries as well as grow the business.

Marketing & Sales

Marketing plan.

Fressen’s marketing strategy will be based on developing visibility among Philadelphia’s kosher community.  This will be accomplished through three main efforts.

The first is social media. Facebook and Twitter, with useful posts offering information about Philadelphia, information about events, cuisine, and so forth. We need a consistent presence, with useful content, and no clutter. This is of course related to the third effort, below, of word of mouth. Social media is word of mouth on steroids. 

The second is a targeted advertising campaign.  Advertisements will be placed in various Jewish newsletters. There are a couple of Philadelphia-wide newsletters. Additionally, Fressen will advertise in a few Synagogue-specific newsletters. These advertisements should yield a decent amount of service inquiries since they are fairly targeted toward the target population that utilizes kosher catering.

The third is a networking campaign among the Philadelphia Jewish population.  Susan has been an active member of the Philadelphia Jewish community for five years.  While the Jewish population is of decent size, numbering around 200,000, it is a fairly close knit community where people tend to know each other.  Susan will leverage her contacts within the Jewish community to raise awareness for her catering activities.  While the networking might not cast as large of a net as advertisements will, it costs far less and the relationships that it builds will be far stronger because of the trust relationship that has already been established. And it will synch well with social media. 

Fressen’s sales strategy will use a combination of superior customer attention and a comprehensive repertoire of dishes for the menu to turn information seekers into customers.  Susan recognizes when a prospective customer calls to get information about Fressen, it is Susan’s main opportunity to turn them into a customer.  She will do this by spending as much time on the phone as necessary. 

Another benefit that Susan will leverage to develop sales is her comprehensive menu.  In addition to all of the traditional kosher dishes, Susan will offer many innovative nouveau cuisine kosher items that she has developed over her years spent in the culinary industry.  An innovative available menu should be seen as a large benefit.  There is no intuitive or logical reason that people who adhere to kosher are any less adventurous when it comes to food other than the fact that they have been raised that way.

Locations & Facilities

Fressen will rent space for the office and kitchen in an industrial area of Philadelphia.  Renting in the industrial area will significantly lower the cost. Since the space will be used for food production it is not relevant for the store front to be aesthetically pleasing, or in a nice neighborhood.

Milestones & Metrics

Milestones table.

Key Metrics

• Increase the # of customers who appreciate our food 
• Increase the # of tweets and reviews telling people to come into our store 
• # of return customers, they will be the majority of our sales 
• Facebook page views, Facebook shares and google searches which turn up our website. 

Ownership & Structure

Fressen catering is a high end kosher catering to the Philadelphia community owned and run by Susan Chefily. 

Management Team

Susan Cheflly, the founder and owner received her Bachelor of Arts from  the University of Pittsburgh.   After college, Susan went to work in the restaurant industry because it was a good source of money.  While serving at an upscale restaurant in Pittsburgh, Susan befriended one of the chefs there who began to teach her cooking techniques.  Susan began to find this instruction very interesting and enjoyable.  After six months of this tutoring, Susan decided that she wanted to remain in the restaurant industry, but wanted to learn the skills needed to be a chef.  Susan decided to enter the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute, a well-regarded training school for chefs.  Susan completed the one year program and graduated near the top of her class. 

With this education, Susan went to work as a chef at one of the nicer nouveau cuisine restaurants in Philadelphia.  Susan thoroughly enjoyed the five years spent as head chef, but she longed to work for herself, running her own business.  Susan thought she would appreciate the ability to set her own hours, to be her own boss.  One day, while in temple, the thought hit her that she could operate a kosher catering company and do well because the upper-end of the market has been largely ignored by the current competitors.  With this thought in mind, Susan began to do market research.  After speaking with many different people as well as holding three focus groups, she recognized that her idea was viable and started writing this business plan.

Personnel Table

Financial Plan investor-ready personnel plan .">

Key assumptions.

With experience and after doing research we assume the following is true: 

1- there is a need for high quality kosher food in philadelphia 

2 – we will be serving a higher end income population 

3 – we have the knowledge and equipment to give our customers clean and kosher food. 

Revenue by Month

Expenses by month, net profit (or loss) by year, use of funds.

Fressen Catering will incur the following start-up costs:

• Two commercial stoves with ovens.
• Dishwasher.
• Two sets of cookware.
• Two sets of dishware.
• One van with rolling racks built in (a rolling rack is a wheeled rolling cart system that is insulated for both hot and cold food).
• Assorted serving trays and utensils, knives and cutting boards (two each). 
• Desk and chair.
• Computer with printer, CD-RW, Microsoft Office, and QuickBooks Pro. 
• Copier and fax machine.

Please note that the following items which are considered assets to be used for more than a year will be labeled long-term assets and will be depreciated using G.A.A.P. approved straight-line depreciation method.

Sources of Funds

Susan will be contributing 40000. Susan’s  friends and family will be contributing 90,000 to the business

Projected Profit & Loss

Projected Balance Sheet

Projected Cash Flow Statement

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Catering Business Plan: How to Write Catering Business Plan

Writing a catering business plan is the first step to starting a catering business . A business plan makes it easy to map out your catering business ideas and see these ideas become a reality. 

Key Takeaway - The catering business is about proper and adequate preparation. From planning a menu to preparing meals for social events, there are several things to prepare for and take into account.

With a food catering business plan, you can build the perfect manual and guide to run your catering business successfully. It becomes easier to reach out to investors for funding as well. 

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 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.

From the executive summary and company overview to your operational and marketing plan, your business plan must translate the ideology of your business. Do not just copy and paste something you see online.

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.

Your executive summary, usually one page, is the opening section of your business plan. It should make an excellent first impression of your business. The executive summary is a summary of your business plan.

When writing your executive summary, give a quick rundown of your company's income, costs, break-even point predictions, and other financial information. The executive summary comes last after you’ve written different sections of your catering business plan.

Your catering business overview should include details of your company. The company overview is a more practical version of the executive summary. It should describe the client experience, ownership and management components, and business operations.

For instance, you can explain your order management and order fulfillment process. This is an excellent space to mention your plan to buy a catering food truck. You can also note the job opportunities your catering business will create and future expansion plans.

This section is a great place to explain your eCommerce team structure and organogram. Start the section by explaining your role within the company. Then, you can drop a few highlights of team workflows and day-to-day tasks.

If your catering business scale-up plan will require more hands, mention their roles in this section. You can explain how you find to recruit your team members and your projected salary range.

Researching your market is essential. Knowing your niche market , who and where your customers are, and your potential competitors is crucial to the success of your catering business.

It’ll be great to explain consumer behavior. For example, how many events happen in the area every week? How many venues can you partner with? 

Market research will help you know the types of catering businesses that will succeed in your chosen market. It will also help you strategize how to stay ahead of the competition. When writing this section, use graphs and charts to explain your findings.

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.

The business operations portion of your catering business plan contains details regarding customer experience management. You can include your plan for sales and inventory management , restaurant accounting , warehouse management system , and food supply chain management for the items on your menu.

This section should explain the tiny details of your business activities. As a tip, highlight the different management processes of your catering business.

If you plan to specialize in a menu item for specific events, then this is the place to discuss it. For instance, your catering business may focus on cocktail parties or weddings. In this case, your menu item and prices will differ from a catering business that serves office lunches.

You may also serve a specific type of cuisine, such as Mexican or Indian dishes. Ensure you include a sample of your menu and pictures of your meals. Include details about your pricing as well.

Unlike other businesses in the food and beverage industry , customers only require catering services for events and occasions. Therefore, you must be positioned so potential customers will call you first when they have events.

Referrals are a big thing in the catering industry. However, you can leverage the opportunities that the internet has to offer. From owning a catering website to building your online presence on social media, there are various marketing strategies you can adopt.

You can list your catering business on marketplace online directories for event planners. Whatever your marketing strategy is, explain it clearly in this section.

Opening a catering business is not as expensive as starting a brick and mortar restaurant business . However, it is essential to discuss your financial projections and eCommerce accounting strategies if you plan to get a loan from the best banks .

You can give a five-year financial projection for your catering business. In financial projections, you must account for both fixed and variable costs.

Fixed costs include the following:

• Catering insurance
• Rent or lease payments
• Equipment costs
• Legal costs
• Fees and permits

Variable costs include the following:

• Costs of restaurant supplies such as wholesale meat , wholesale diary , wholesale produce , and wholesale seafood
• Delivery van costs
• Advertising and marketing
• Salaries and wages

6 Action Plan for Catering Business

• Choose a Format

There are various ways to write a catering business plan. Presenting your business plan will determine whether the reader will be captivated upon opening the document. 

Here’s a format you can use:

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

Research is crucial to succeeding in any food service business. A simple survey will clear up. Will you operate at home? What events will you cater? Will you specialize in a particular type of food? 

Conducting research will also help you know the type of regulations you must comply with and the catering business license you need to operate your business. Ask questions from residents and check online for more information.

• Decide on Your Brand

Yes, there are a lot of catering business ideas. However, you must choose your specialty to be able to create a unique selling proposition for your brand. 

Do you want to specialize in weddings? Will you serve corporate events only? Deciding on this will determine your business operations, branding, and restaurant management system .

• Be Aggressive With Marketing

Marketing is something you should not get tired of doing. There are a lot of catering businesses in the U.S., and some restaurants are diversifying into offering catering services now. 

While the market opportunity is enormous, the competition in the industry is fierce. Therefore, having solid marketing and advertising plan is crucial to the growth of your business.

• Create Your Menu

Creating your menu is essential. First, decide your menu items and prices. Be realistic when setting your price. Consider the cost of obtaining the item at a wholesale vs retail price and the overall overhead costs to run your business.

• Try Software Automation

Restaurant technologies can streamline your business operations. For instance, payment processing software can help you accept payments online and make it easier for customers to pay via credit card on your website.

POS systems and catering management software will help you automate your catering operations. Invoice management software is another tool that will help your business accounting workflow.

Wholesale distribution management software and warehouse inventory management software will optimize your inventory management processes. In addition, you can manage supplier relationships with vendor management software.

Frequently Asked Questions About Catering Business Plan

Starting a catering business requires adequate preparation. A catering business plan will help you plan and serve as a manual to run your business successfully. Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about business plan for catering businesses.

What Skills are Needed for Catering?

A caterer needs the following skills:

• Planning menus for events
• Preparing food and beverages 
• Presenting and handling food and beverages
• Monitoring events
• Selecting and setting up event venues
• Managing inventory and wholesale supplies
• Creating packing slip for shipments

Do Caterers Set Up Tables?

Yes . Full-service catering businesses are responsible for setting up tables.

What Questions Should a Caterer Ask a Client?

A caterer should ask a client the following questions:

• What type of event are you planning?
• When will the event hold?
• Where would you like the event to be held?
• How long would you like the event to run?
• Why are you planning this event?
• Do you have an event theme in mind?
• What is your total budget or your budget per person?

Serve in Style

Having a catering business plan will make it easy to grow catering business . Applying for a business loan or getting investors interested in your business is also easier. Keep your sections clear and straight to the point when preparing your catering business plan.

You may need to prepare an elevator pitch when presenting to investors. Pitch your business confidently, project your passion for the industry, and keep it simple.

Catering Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business ideas » Food Industry » Catering » Business Plan

Do you want to start a catering company and need to write a business plan? If YES, here is a sample catering business plan template & feasibility report.

You see, planning to cater for guests doesn’t come easy. It is one thing to plan for a party or want to host some guests in the comfort of your home; and it is yet another to have them well catered for . This is where adequate organization and projections come to fore.

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This means that if you were planning for a party for instance, you have got to be sure about the number of guests you are expecting, the type of food that appeals to them, as well as how you intend going about the preparation. Indeed having to go through all these steps, might be a bit tasking, however, good news is that there are folks who can take away the burden.

You will need to do plenty of research work, so as to arrive at the best of templates that can help guide you through the type of business that you are into. Below is a sample catering business plan template which you can use to get started with your own business plan.

A Sample Catering Service Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

Have you ever wondered how difficult it really gets for people who host parties to cope when they have to cook all the meals that the guests get to eat? Without a doubt, it is quite a difficult task to accomplish this, especially if the number of guests attending the event is much.

As such, if the host attempts to personally cook the meals for her guests; particularly when the number is on the high side, chances are that they may likely breakdown due to fatigue. It is for this reason that caterers are in hot demand.

There is hardly any country in the world where one may not find caterers who are into full – time catering businesses. Professional caterers do not only cater for big organizations, government agencies, institutions and parties, but they can also be contacted to handle home catering services for people who can the luxury.

This means that people who host a huge number of visitors per time in their houses can relax and allow the burden of cooking to be taken off them.

In the united states of America alone, there are well over 10,000 registered catering businesses that employ about 150,000 people ( both contract and full time employees ), and most of them are thriving pretty well in the business because there are loads of business opportunities available to caterers in the United States of America, as well as in other parts of the world.

The United States of America’s Catering Industry generates well over 7 Billion US Dollars annually through events such as; weddings, holiday parties, corporate functions ( Annual General Meetings and Anniversary et al), funerals and birthday parties amongst others, and the figure is still on the increase.

Catering business is considered to be amongst the delicate industries, this is because they are involved in cooking food for consumption for a large number of guests per time. It is the reason why this business is subjected to regular inspection by relevant health officials from different local health departments.

As one who runs a catering business in the United States of America, you are expected by law to comply with the laid down rules and regulations for the industry.

There is ample room for any entrepreneur who is interested in running a catering business in the United States of America to start in any capacity and still maximize profit in the business. You can start by catering for 20 people or less, conversely, you can as well start your catering business by catering for a large crowd.

The bottom line is that catering business is known to be a very lucrative business in all parts of the world, and not just in the United States of America.

2. Executive Summary

Appealing Delight® Catering Services Company is a catering business that will be based in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Our intention of starting a catering business in Chicago is to deliver the best quality catering services at an affordable price to a wide range of customers.

Our services will involve catering for parties, outdoor events, weddings, holiday parties, birthday parties, corporate events, picnics, anniversaries and special events et al.

Work will always be on going when it comes to working with our clients to give them the best. We have perfected our plans on how to execute that. At Appealing Delight® Catering Services Company, we are going to take pride in working with our clients to deliver high quality and nutritious meals and excellent services while working with their budget. Our customers don’t need to break the bank to get the best of foods and services from us.

As part of our plans to make our customers our number one priority, we have perfected plans to work with our clients to provide customized services based on their budget. We will be involved in delivery services for our clients, rentals services, event management and consultancy services.

At Appealing Delight® Catering Services Company, we will go the extra mile to give our esteemed customers value for their money irrespective of the size of their budget. As such, we do not intend to turn any one down, because of the meager amount of cash they may have.

Appealing Delight® Catering Services Company is own and managed by Mrs. Sharon Miller, a notable and award winning cook in the United States of America. She will be bringing her experience to fore, to help Appealing Delight® Catering Services Company grow to become the number one choice in the whole of Chicago and environs and also a one – stop – shop when it is about catering services.

3. Our Products and Services

At Appealing Delight® Catering Services, we will be involved in cooking both local foods and intercontinental foods for our clients. Our intention is not to restrict our services to only cooking of foods, but we are also going to be involved in spreading our tentacles to cover all aspects of the ideal catering business.

In as much as cooking meals will be our number one priority as a catering business, we will also be involved in event management, rental services, consultancy and trainings. Here are some of the products and services we will be offering our clients;

• Corporate Catering
• Wedding Catering
• Holiday Catering
• Breakfast Catering
• Picnic Catering
• Box Lunch Catering
• Cocktail Party Catering
• Pig Roast Catering
• BBQ Catering
• Canteen Management
• Event Management
• Sales of Cakes
• Rental Services
• Consultancy Services

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• To become the number one catering service provider in the whole of Chicago, Illinois.
• To establish a standard catering business that will meet all the catering needs (cooking, event planning , rentals, trainings and consultancy services) of people in Chicago and neighboring states.

Our Business Structure

Our catering business will be structured in such a way to accommodate all the aspects of our business offering. We are setting up a catering business that will not only be involved in cooking and serving foods on behalf of our clients, but a business that will also be involved in rental services ( renting of cooking wares, table cloths, tables, chairs, marquee tents et al ), consultancy services and trainings ( run a catering school ).

So, in setting up the structure for Appealing Delight Catering Company, our business structure will be slightly different from what is obtainable in an ideal catering business that majors in cooking and serving foods on behalf of their clients.

We are going to run a full-fledged office in Chicago, a place where people can come in and make inquiries. In view of the above, we have made provision for the following position in our organization;

• Chief Executive Officer

Cooking Assistants

• Admin and Personnel Manager
• Front Desk Officer
• Sales and Marketing Officer

Servers (Contract Staff)

• Cleaners / Dish Washers

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer – CEO:

• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Creating, communicating, and implementing the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for the day to day running of the business
• Responsible for handling high profiled clients and deals
• Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Responsible for recruitment
• Responsible for the payment of salaries
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization
• Reports to the board

Bakery Manager:

• Responsible for managing the daily activities in the restaurant
• Ensures that the bakery facility is in tip top shape and conducive enough to welcome customers
• Interfaces with third – party providers (vendors)
• Reports to the Chief Executive Officer
• Attends to Customers complains and enquiries
• Prepares budget and reports for the organization
• Any other duty as assigned by the CEO

Chief Chef:

• Responsible for preparing different meals as requested by our clients
• Makes lists and budget for cooking supplies
• Oversees the entire coking process
• Responsible for training new cooks
• Makes sure that quality is maintained at all times
• Assists the chief chef in the kitchen
• Runs errands for the chief chef
• Responsible for purchasing food ingredients for the organization
• Ensures that the kitchen is kept clean at all times
• Ensures that all kitchen wares are kept at their proper position after use.
• Any other duty as assigned by the Chief Chef

Admin / Personnel Manager

• Receives payments on behalf of the restaurant
• Handles all HR concerns for the organization
• Supervises employees during events
• Issues receipt to customers
• Prepares financial report at the end of every working week
• Handles all financial transaction on behalf of the company
• Interfaces with our bankers
• Responsible for payment of tax, levies and utility bills
• Any other duty as assigned by the CEO / restaurant manager

Sales and Marketing Officer:

• Sources for clients for the company
• Responsible for promoting the company’s image
• Responsible for creating marketing and sales strategies, etc.
• Represents the organization in some strategic business meetings
• Any other duty as assigned by the Chief Operating Officer / Bakery manager
• Delivers customers’ orders promptly
• Runs errand for the organization
• Transports employees and goods to and fro event venues
• Assists in setting up cooking and serving stands during events
• Any other duty as assigned by the personnel manager
• Take orders from guests
• Serves guest during events / parties
• Assists in cleaning dishes after events / parties
• Assists in the movement of cooking utensils, plates, spoons and other relevant wares

Cleaners / Dish Washers:

• Responsible for cleaning the office facility and kitchen at all times
• Ensure that toiletries and supplies don’t run out of stock
• Responsible for washing dishes before and after events
• Cleans both the interior and exterior of the building

6. SWOT Analysis

We are quite aware that is a stiffer competition when it comes to the catering trade in Chicago, which is why we decided to take our time to perfect our strategies before launching out. Our goal is to become a leading all – round catering services company in the whole of Chicago and the only way to achieve that is to out – perform our competitors. In order to outperform our competitors in Chicago, we hired a business consultant to help us conduct SWOT analysis .

In view of that, we were able to take stock of our strengths, our weakness, our opportunities and also the threats that we are likely going to be exposed to in establishing our catering business in Chicago, IL. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Delicious Delight® Catering Services.

We are a complete catering business that does not offer outdoor catering services alone, but offer consultancy services, rental services and trainings. The truth is that, people will prefer to engage a client that can provide them with all they would need to make their events a memory one.

It means that the need to sign different contracts with different providers (vendors) will not arise once they engage our services. Another positive for us is that we will be working with the best of caterers in the US; they are going to be guest lecturers in our Catering School and our CEO is an award winning caterer in Chicago who is widely celebrated.

Our weakness could be the challenge of hiring and keeping the best cooks / chefs in our payroll since most of them may want to work for themselves. This challenge applies to almost all catering business owners . Yet another weakness is that we are new in Chicago, IL.

• Opportunities

When it comes to catering services, the opportunities that are available cannot be quantified. Any entrepreneur can start his or her own outdoor catering business anywhere in the world and still make huge returns on his or her investment.

At Appealing Delight Catering Company, we take pride in the fact that we are one of the few catering services companies in Chicago that offer a wide range of related catering services; hence we are likely going to maximize the opportunities available for catering business in Chicago, IL.

There are a couple of first class catering services companies in Chicago IL, and they are a huge threat to us. They pose a threat to us because they are already established, and their brand is well accepted. Also, most of them can boast of a have huge clientele base.

Our competitors are able to develop expensive new marketing and sales campaigns and that will mean that we will have to struggle to catch – up.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

There is hardly any organization or individual who intends organizing any party or event that will not engage the services of caterers. One of the high points of parties, weddings and events generally is the time for refreshments with foods.

Most people who attend parties look forward to when food is served, that is to tell you that a party will not be complete if there is nothing to eat and drink.

It is the norm for most corporate organizations to also give out the management of their canteens to vendors (caterers) because they know that it will be a distraction if they decided to handle it themselves. This is one of the major areas catering companies leverage on in building their businesses to generate steady income.

Outdoor catering services is supposed to be the core offering of catering businesses, but outdoor events don’t happen every day these days. As a matter of fact, caterers compete for the available weddings and parties that are organized during the weekends because weekends and holidays appear to be the busiest periods for catering business.

In order to compete with the big wigs in the catering industry in Chicago, we have decided to create a niche, which is why we want to run an all – round catering business; a catering business that is not just restricted to cooking and serving of foods, but a catering business that will offer rental services, consultancy services, as well as run a standard, government approved / licensed catering school in Chicago IL. Appealing Delight® Catering Company will adopt the following marketing and sales strategies;

• Introduce our business by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to all the corporate organizations in Illinois
• Neighborhood, door to door and mouth to ear mode of adverts to introduce our business in our community
• Engage in road shows ( make some open air noise) to introduce our business
• Create different packages for different category of clients in order to work with their budgets and still deliver quality foods and services
• Encourage and reward referral marketing.
• Leverage on the internet to promote our business
• Start a TV show in line with our business goal and objectives
• Sponsor relevant community events, such as cooking competitions and cooking reality shows on TV et al.

8. Our Target Market

No doubt, the target market for catering businesses cut across people of all walks of life and organizations. The need to celebrate and call for a party will always arise and it is not restricted to only a group of people or organization, it cuts across people of all walks of life.

Yes, our catering services is within the reach of everybody and we intend serving available clients, but in order to effectively make plans and take actions towards meeting our sales and marketing goals, we have been able to pencil down the category of people and organizations that will be our main target market. Below is a list of the people and organizations that we have specifically designed our products and services for;

• Families (Homes)
• Schools (boarding house and campus et al)
• Wedding Ceremonies
• Event Planners
• Sport Centers
• Corporate Organizations
• Aspiring Entrepreneurs (Those who want to learn how to cook and run their own catering businesses)
• Managers of public facilities
• Carnival Organizers
• Caterers ( for our consultancy services and perhaps renting of our catering wares)

Our Competitive Advantage

Appealing Delight® Catering Services is coming into the catering industry knowing completely well that there are other competent and well established catering companies in Chicago. However, we have decided to critically study the industry and have realized that in order to have a competitive advantage over our competitors; we must do what they are not doing.

In view of the above stated fact, we have decided to offer a wide range of catering services that will meet the needs of a wide range of clientele base. We want to be the one stop shop when it comes to catering services in the whole of Illinois.

Our clients should be able to sign just one contract with us and we will deliver nearly all they would need to make their events a memorable one. This is the competitive advantage that we are bringing to the market in Chicago, IL.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Appealing Delight® Catering Services Company is established with the aim of maximizing the catering business, hence our service offerings. With the nature with which we intend building our business, we are not going to lack continuous inflow of cash.

There are several sources of income for our business and we will ensure that we do all we can to maximize them. Below are the sources of revenue generation for Delicious Delight® Catering Services Company;

• Offering outdoor catering services to a wide range of clients
• Engage in Party rental services (renting of catering wares, chairs, tables and tents et al.)
• Manage Canteens for corporate organizations.
• Running a top notch government approved catering school in Chicago, Illinois
• Offering consultancy services in line with our business offerings

10. Sales Forecast

It is important to state that our sales forecast is based on the data gathered during our feasibility studies and also some of the assumptions readily available on the field.

This sales projection is based on our business offerings which involve outdoor catering services, rental services, event management, canteen management, our catering school and consultancy services et al. On the Average, we look forward to;

• Handle about 4 Outdoor Catering Events in a Month
• Secure contract to manage 5 canteens for corporate organizations within the first 3 months of launching the business
• Sell a minimum of 20 Standard Cakes in a Month
• Manage a minimum of 2 Events a Month
• Consult for a minimum of 4 clients in a month
• Train a minimum of 50 caterers within the first 6 months of launching the catering school
• Rent our catering wares / party stuffs to a minimum of 4 clients per month

N.B-: Please note that we could not put a specific amount to the projection above because the prices may differ for different services and for different clients. Part of our business strategy is to work within the budget of our clients as stated earlier.

Also, to deliver quality catering services hence it will be difficult to project what we are likely going to make from such deals. But, the bottom line is that we are definitely going to make reasonable profits from any business deal that we execute.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

Appealing Delight Catering Services Company intends to become the number one catering services company in the whole of Chicago and the only way for us to achieve this is to engage in guerilla marketing. Our plan is to ensure that we get our own fair of the existing market in Illinois.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited based on their vast experience in the industry and they will be trained on a regular basis, so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall goal of the organization.

Our goal is to become a one-size-fits- all kind of service people when it comes to catering services in Chicago, Illinois and its environs. This is why we must explore all the marketing tactics available to us if indeed we want to fulfill our mandate. In nut a shell, we will explore the following marketing and sales strategies to promote our catering business;

• Direct Marketing
• Marketing via Our Sponsored TV Programs and Community Based Events
• Erect Our Billboards in Strategic locations around the city
• Online Marketing (via our official website, social media platforms and blog et al)
• Referral Marketing
• Promotion of our products during our training sessions in our catering school

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We have been able to work with our consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market. First and foremost, we want our brand to visible and well communicated which is why we have created a logo with attractive colors.

All our publicity materials and jingles are done by some of the best hands in the industry. We have created a budget to take care of our publicity and advertising need and here are the platforms we intend making use of to promote and advertise our business;

• Place adverts on both print and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community programs
• Sponsor relevant TV shows
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook ,Twitter, LinkedIn, Badoo, Google+ et al
• Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations
• Engage in road shows from time to time
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in targeted areas from time to time

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Launching a new business is not an easy task especially if you are launching a business / idea that is not entirely new from what is obtainable in the location you intend launching it. So, part of our strategy for entering the market is to leverage on pricing to gain a good percentage of the available market.

Of course we will attract clients by offering quality catering services for rock – bottom price. A price that probably will be the lowest in the industry.

Although prices for our catering services and other related services will be lower than what is obtainable in the industry, but it wouldn’t remain so for a long time. As a matter of fact, we intend jacking up the prices gradually until it falls at par with what is obtainable in the industry. We aim to achieve this within a year of launching the business.

• Payment Options

Our payment policy is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different people prefer different payment options as it suits them. Here are the payment options that we will make available to our clients;

• Payment by cash
• Payment via Point of Sale (POS) Machine
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via
• Payment via Mobile money

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will help us achieve our plans without any itches.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

• The Total Fee for Registering the Business in Florida: $750.
• The budget for Liability insurance , permits and license: $5,000
• The Amount needed to acquire a suitable Facility with storage space for 6 months in Chicago, Illinois (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive): $70,000.
• The Cost for the purchase of furniture and gadgets (fridges, TVs, Sound System, tables and chairs et al): $15,000
• The Cost for Catering Equipment (Standard commercial oven, Industrial Gas Cooker, Baking Sheets and Racks, Mixers, Work Tables, Sinks, Slicers, Scales, Cake decorating Tools, Ingredient Bins and kitchen utensils et al) : $15,000
• The Cost of Launching a Website: $600
• The cost for our opening party: $5,000
• Additional Expenditure ( Business cards , Signage, Adverts and Promotions et al): $5,000

Going by the report from our research and feasibility studies, we will need an average $150,000 to set a catering business in Chicago, IL.

One good thing about catering business and perhaps other related services that we render, is that you are definitely going to make profits from any business deal that you handle. You are expected to submit quotations that will be enough to cover your expenses and profits as well.

Generating Funding / Startup Capital for Delicious Delight® Catering Services Company

• The CEO Mrs. Sharon Miller will generate 40 percent of the start – up capital from her personal savings
• She will source for soft loans from family members and friends
• Her bankers are willing to give her loan facility to the tune of 80,000 US Dollars

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

Our CEO Sharon Miller has plans to implement succession plans hence the introduction of her daughter Ms. Stacy Miller to join her in building the business from the scratch . She has made plans to train her on the job and also attend training courses. Ms. Stacy Miller will be understudying her mother with the sole aim of taking over the business once she retires.

As part of the plans to sustain the business and also to expand the business, we will continue to invest in the training of our employees and also continue to explore new opportunities to generate income for the business. We are certain that if we get things right and we work hard; we are likely going to triple our income in the second year of our operations.

Check List / Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check: Completed
• Business Registration: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Securing Point of Sales (POS) Machines: Completed
• Opening Mobile Money Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Renting of Facility and Construction of our Commercial Kitchen: In Progress
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating capital from family members and friends: Completed
• Application for Loan: In Progress
• writing of business plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: In Progress
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the Needed furniture, electronic appliances and catering equipment: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
• Preparation of our catalogue and price list: Completed
• Creating Awareness for the business both online and in the neighborhood: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
• Kitchen Approval by Inspectors from Local Health Office: Done
• Opening party / launching party: In Progress
• Compilation of our list of products and detailed recipe : Completed
• Arrangement for trainers and training facility: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with vendors – suppliers of all our needed food ingredients: Completed
• Purchase of delivery vans: Completed.

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The University of Chicago The Law School

Innovation clinic—significant achievements for 2023-24.

The Innovation Clinic continued its track record of success during the 2023-2024 school year, facing unprecedented demand for our pro bono services as our reputation for providing high caliber transactional and regulatory representation spread. The overwhelming number of assistance requests we received from the University of Chicago, City of Chicago, and even national startup and venture capital communities enabled our students to cherry-pick the most interesting, pedagogically valuable assignments offered to them. Our focus on serving startups, rather than all small- to medium-sized businesses, and our specialization in the needs and considerations that these companies have, which differ substantially from the needs of more traditional small businesses, has proven to be a strong differentiator for the program both in terms of business development and prospective and current student interest, as has our further focus on tackling idiosyncratic, complex regulatory challenges for first-of-their kind startups. We are also beginning to enjoy more long-term relationships with clients who repeatedly engage us for multiple projects over the course of a year or more as their legal needs develop.

This year’s twelve students completed over twenty projects and represented clients in a very broad range of industries: mental health and wellbeing, content creation, medical education, biotech and drug discovery, chemistry, food and beverage, art, personal finance, renewable energy, fintech, consumer products and services, artificial intelligence (“AI”), and others. The matters that the students handled gave them an unparalleled view into the emerging companies and venture capital space, at a level of complexity and agency that most junior lawyers will not experience until several years into their careers.

Representative Engagements

While the Innovation Clinic’s engagements are highly confidential and cannot be described in detail, a high-level description of a representative sample of projects undertaken by the Innovation Clinic this year includes:

Transactional/Commercial Work

• A previous client developing a symptom-tracking wellness app for chronic disease sufferers engaged the Innovation Clinic again, this time to restructure its cap table by moving one founder’s interest in the company to a foreign holding company and subjecting the holding company to appropriate protections in favor of the startup.
• Another client with whom the Innovation Clinic had already worked several times engaged us for several new projects, including (1) restructuring their cap table and issuing equity to an additional, new founder, (2) drafting several different forms of license agreements that the company could use when generating content for the platform, covering situations in which the company would license existing content from other providers, jointly develop new content together with contractors or specialists that would then be jointly owned by all creators, or commission contractors to make content solely owned by the company, (3) drafting simple agreements for future equity (“Safes”) for the company to use in its seed stage fundraising round, and (4) drafting terms of service and a privacy policy for the platform.
• Yet another repeat client, an internet platform that supports independent artists by creating short films featuring the artists to promote their work and facilitates sales of the artists’ art through its platform, retained us this year to draft a form of independent contractor agreement that could be used when the company hires artists to be featured in content that the company’s Fortune 500 brand partners commission from the company, and to create capsule art collections that could be sold by these Fortune 500 brand partners in conjunction with the content promotion.
• We worked with a platform using AI to accelerate the Investigational New Drug (IND) approval and application process to draft a form of license agreement for use with its customers and an NDA for prospective investors.
• A novel personal finance platform for young, high-earning individuals engaged the Innovation Clinic to form an entity for the platform, including helping the founders to negotiate a deal among them with respect to roles and equity, terms that the equity would be subject to, and other post-incorporation matters, as well as to draft terms of service and a privacy policy for the platform.
• Students also formed an entity for a biotech therapeutics company founded by University of Chicago faculty members and an AI-powered legal billing management platform founded by University of Chicago students.
• A founder the Innovation Clinic had represented in connection with one venture engaged us on behalf of his other venture team to draft an equity incentive plan for the company as well as other required implementing documentation. His venture with which we previously worked also engaged us this year to draft Safes to be used with over twenty investors in a seed financing round.

More information regarding other types of transactional projects that we typically take on can be found here .

Regulatory Research and Advice

• A team of Innovation Clinic students invested a substantial portion of our regulatory time this year performing highly detailed and complicated research into public utilities laws of several states to advise a groundbreaking renewable energy technology company as to how its product might be regulated in these states and its clearest path to market. This project involved a review of not only the relevant state statutes but also an analysis of the interplay between state and federal statutes as it relates to public utilities law, the administrative codes of the relevant state executive branch agencies, and binding and non-binding administrative orders, decisions and guidance from such agencies in other contexts that could shed light on how such states would regulate this never-before-seen product that their laws clearly never contemplated could exist. The highly varied approach to utilities regulation in all states examined led to a nuanced set of analysis and recommendations for the client.
• In another significant research project, a separate team of Innovation Clinic students undertook a comprehensive review of all settlement orders and court decisions related to actions brought by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for violations of the prohibition on unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts and practices under the Consumer Financial Protection Act, as well as selected relevant settlement orders, court decisions, and other formal and informal guidance documents related to actions brought by the Federal Trade Commission for violations of the prohibition on unfair or deceptive acts or practices under Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, to assemble a playbook for a fintech company regarding compliance. This playbook, which distilled very complicated, voluminous legal decisions and concepts into a series of bullet points with clear, easy-to-follow rules and best practices, designed to be distributed to non-lawyers in many different facets of this business, covered all aspects of operations that could subject a company like this one to liability under the laws examined, including with respect to asset purchase transactions, marketing and consumer onboarding, usage of certain terms of art in advertising, disclosure requirements, fee structures, communications with customers, legal documentation requirements, customer service and support, debt collection practices, arrangements with third parties who act on the company’s behalf, and more.

Miscellaneous

• Last year’s students built upon the Innovation Clinic’s progress in shaping the rules promulgated by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) pursuant to the Corporate Transparency Act to create a client alert summarizing the final rule, its impact on startups, and what startups need to know in order to comply. When FinCEN issued additional guidance with respect to that final rule and changed portions of the final rule including timelines for compliance, this year’s students updated the alert, then distributed it to current and former clients to notify them of the need to comply. The final bulletin is available here .
• In furtherance of that work, additional Innovation Clinic students this year analyzed the impact of the final rule not just on the Innovation Clinic’s clients but also its impact on the Innovation Clinic, and how the Innovation Clinic should change its practices to ensure compliance and minimize risk to the Innovation Clinic. This also involved putting together a comprehensive filing guide for companies that are ready to file their certificates of incorporation to show them procedurally how to do so and explain the choices they must make during the filing process, so that the Innovation Clinic would not be involved in directing or controlling the filings and thus would not be considered a “company applicant” on any client’s Corporate Transparency Act filings with FinCEN.
• The Innovation Clinic also began producing thought leadership pieces regarding AI, leveraging our distinct and uniquely University of Chicago expertise in structuring early-stage companies and analyzing complex regulatory issues with a law and economics lens to add our voice to those speaking on this important topic. One student wrote about whether non-profits are really the most desirable form of entity for mitigating risks associated with AI development, and another team of students prepared an analysis of the EU’s AI Act, comparing it to the Executive Order on AI from President Biden, and recommended a path forward for an AI regulatory environment in the United States. Both pieces can be found here , with more to come!

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Business Project OOO (Russia)

Business Project OOO is a company based in Russia, with its head office in Klin. The enterprise operates in the Special Food Services industry. The company was established on April 10, 2007. It currently has a total number of 1 (2022) employees.

Headquarters Klin Gorod, Ploshtad Sovetskaya, Dom 18A, Etazh 1, Pomeshtenie Restoran Klin; Moscow Oblast; Postal Code: 141601

Contact Details: Purchase the Business Project OOO report to view the information.

Website: http://sushi-premium.ru

EMIS company profiles are part of a larger information service which combines company, industry and country data and analysis for over 145 emerging markets.

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