catering business plan project

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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 Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Catering Business Plan Outline

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

Start Your Catering Plan Here

Catering Business Plan

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

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

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

Next Section: Executive Summary >

Catering Business Plan FAQs

What is a catering business plan.

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

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

What Are the Main Types of Catering Businesses?

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

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

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

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

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

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

What are the Steps To Start a Catering Business?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where Can I Get a Catering Business Plan PDF?

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

Other Helpful Business Plan Templates

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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 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.

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

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

So what are you waiting for? Start planning today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do i write a business plan for catering.

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

What should be included in a catering business plan?

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

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

Where to find business plan writers for your catering business?

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

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

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

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

About the Author

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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Catering business plan

Ready to launch and grow your catering services? Explore this detailed guide and a free template that helps you create an effective catering business plan in 10 easy steps.

Did you know that the catering industry is worth over $72 billion in the US alone? This shows there's a great demand for delicious food and exceptional catering services.

So, now is the perfect time to capitalize on it if cooking is your passion and your friends and family rave about your culinary skills.

But to turn that dream into a reality, you need a clear, actionable plan that navigates all the intricacies of your catering business and makes it a success.

Need help drafting your catering business plan? Worry not!

This catering business plan template will help you get started and guide you to create a detailed business plan for your catering services.

But first, let’s understand what exactly a catering business plan is.

What is a catering business plan?

A catering business plan is a professional document that summarizes all the strategies, financial projections, and operational aspects of a catering venture. 

It also outlines business goals, thorough market analysis, target audience, menu offerings, effective marketing efforts, organizational structure, growth plans, and other essential details of catering services.

Typically, this plan serves as a detailed roadmap for launching and expanding a catering business in the competitive market.  

Why do you need a catering business plan?

Having a catering business plan is essential for setting a strong foundation for your catering services.

Check out key reasons why it's necessary:

Clarifies your business concept

When you start creating a catering business plan, it forces you to think strategically about your business idea, including the goals, target market, logistics, and services.

This will allow you to refine your strategies as well as ensure your catering business is viable and sustainable.

Attracts investors or lenders

If you want to secure funding for starting or growing your catering services, a professional business plan is crucial. This is so because investors or lenders ask for a clear plan that shows your business's potential for success.

Also, they want to know how you earn or intend to earn profits as well as how you plan to repay loans or deliver return on investment (ROI).

Guides your operational planning

A well-crafted business plan serves as a strategic blueprint that helps you navigate the complexities of establishing and running a successful catering business.

Further, it helps you in everything from designing menus and managing staff to sourcing ingredients and coordinating with event planners.

Identifies potential risks

Catering businesses often encounter several risks and challenges, like food safety issues, supply chain disruptions, or event execution problems.

However, with the help of a catering business plan, you can identify these risks earlier and develop contingency plans to mitigate their impact. This will ensure your business's long-term success.

Now that you know the benefits of creating a business plan, it’s time to learn how to write one for your catering services.

How to write a profitable catering business plan?

Are you a seasoned caterer aiming to grow your services, or a newbie willing to establish your catering business and make an impact?

Well, preparing a catering business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your entrepreneurial journey.

Here are the key steps to consider when writing a comprehensive business plan:

1. Executive summary

An executive summary is a brief, concise introduction to your catering business plan that helps make a good impression on readers or potential investors.

Though it's the first section of a catering business plan, consider writing it at the end once you've completed all the key sections. Reason? Because it summarizes the most important points mentioned in your plan.

Here's a list of details that you should include in your executive summary:

• Business concept and mission
• Catering services offered

Target market

• Key success factors
• Marketing and branding approach
• Financial projections

In simple terms, this section provides a high-level overview of your catering services.

So, keep it simple, crisp, and engaging to capture the reader's attention and persuade them to learn more about your business.

Have a look at Savory Celebrations Catering’s executive summary that you can refer to draft your own plan summary:

Business name: Savory Celebrations Catering

Location: Austin, Texas

Savory Celebrations Catering is a full-service catering company based in Austin, Texas, specializing in innovative, farm-to-table cuisine. We offer exceptional catering services to corporate events, weddings, private parties, and other special occasions. We ensure providing locally sourced food with quality service that makes every dish a culinary masterpiece and event a memorable experience.

Mission statement

Our mission is to create memorable dining experiences for our clients and their guests by offering them delicious, beautifully presented food and seamless event coordination. We aim to exceed client expectations every time.

Services offered

Savory Celebrations offers a wide array of catering services and options to meet the unique needs of our clients. It includes:

• Gourmet breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for corporate events
• Comprehensive wedding catering services
• Customized menus and themes for private events
• Specialty menus for dietary needs or preferences

Our primary target market includes corporate clients in Austin’s booming tech sector, engaged couples, and individuals planning private events. We cater to clients who seek high-quality, beautifully presented food and top-tier service, with a focus on creating unique and memorable experiences.

Success factors

Our key success factors are:

• Personalized, attentive customer service
• Fresh, locally sourced ingredients
• Experienced team of chefs and event planners
• Strong local partnerships
• Effective, targeted marketing strategy

Marketing efforts

Our marketing strategy leverages social media, SEO, and local partnerships to build brand awareness and attract clients. We emphasize our commitment to quality and sustainability in all branding efforts.

Financial outlook

In the first year of operation, we project revenues of $450,000, with a growth rate of 10% annually over the next three years. We develop our pricing strategy in such a way that ensures a healthy profit margin while remaining competitive within the Austin market. Currently, we’re seeking $100,000 in funding to cover initial startup costs.

2. Company overview

This next section will expand on your executive summary. It's more practical, providing an in-depth understanding of your catering services.

So, while writing the company overview, consider describing your catering business in detail which covers everything from your business name to its future goals.

This will help readers or potential investors better understand your catering business's fundamental aspects and make informed decisions.

For instance, you may include the following information in your company overview section:

• Business legal structure (a sole trader or a limited liability company)
• Core values and vision statement
• Name of owners and partners
• Background history
• Milestones achieved (if any)
• Short-term goals and long-term objectives

Besides that, discuss any laws or regulations that exist around catering businesses. Also, ensure your kitchen meets all of the applicable health & safety guidelines, or that you've applied for any relevant licenses.

3. Catering service and offerings

As the name indicates, this section highlights your various catering options and service offerings. It clearly demonstrates how your catering business will meet client needs and preferences.

So, first, start detailing the types of catering services and options available, along with the pricing level. 

For example: full-service catering, drop-off catering, or event planning.

Also, mention any additional services that might add value, such as equipment rental, on-site chefs, or themed decor.

After that, present the sample menu in detail, including all your top dishes and any seasonal or specialty items. For example:

And don't forget to emphasize your flexibility in personalizing menus that meet specific client needs and dietary preferences. This ensures your menu is customizable for each occasion.

By clearly illustrating your catering services and offerings, you can attract clients and give investors confidence in your business's viability and appeal.

4. Market and customer analysis

A market analysis provides a clear snapshot of the market dynamics and the target audience .

This will help you analyze the specific market niche in which your catering business intends to operate and the demand for catering services in your chosen area.

While writing this section, consider answering these questions:

• How big is the catering services industry? Is it growing or declining?
• What is the growth forecast for the next 5-7 years?
• Who are the top caterers in the market?
• What are the recent trends in the industry?
• Who are your target customers, including their demographics?

Here, you may also discuss the key customer segments, such as corporate clients, wedding parties, private events (birthdays or anniversaries), and community events or social gatherings.

Try to understand each customer's needs and preferences so that you can address them through customized services or offerings.

5. Competitive analysis

This competitive analysis section highlights the direct and indirect competitors in your area. It helps you evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.

Your direct competitors can be other catering businesses. Restaurants, cafes, or supermarkets can be your indirect competitors.

But focus more on direct competition, as they offer similar services to yours.

For each such competitor, analyze how they operate their business as well as identify their strengths, weaknesses, pricing plans, and customer base.

This way, you can identify the potential opportunities to stand out in the local market. For instance, differentiate your business by offering unique menu items, superior service, or competitive pricing.

6. Team and management structure

As a caterer, you might be a small, joined-family team, or a delegation of several managers and team members.

Irrespective of that, operating a large-scale catering service model requires a well-experienced and strong management team to succeed.

So, introduce the catering business owners/partners, managers, main chefs, cooks, and service staff members in this section. Include their responsibilities, experience, and expertise that benefit your business.

After that, describe any advisory board members and illustrate your organizational structure that shows how the key roles are interconnected. 

Here’s an example:

Moreover, mention your staffing requirements and training programs as well as explain how you'll find the talent to fill those roles. 

If required, consider hiring local staff on an event-by-event basis. This will help you keep only a few employees on the payroll, reducing the overhead costs.

7. Marketing and sales strategy

This section highlights all the marketing and sales strategies you've decided to promote your catering services. These strategies will help you attract new customers and retain existing clients.

To plan this section, consider developing effective promotional campaigns while tracking your marketing budget and maximizing revenue.

Here's a list of strategies that you should include in your marketing plan:

• Create a strong online presence through a professional website
• Use active social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter)
• Engage in email marketing campaigns
• Network or partner with venues and event planners
• Distribute flyers to local businesses
• Advertise in newspapers or radio stations
• Participate in community events or social gatherings

In addition to that, describe your sales tactics such as competitive pricing strategies, promotional deals, or special discounts to attract customers and generate more bookings.

Overall, the marketing plan allows you to focus more on building and maintaining your brand identity as well as ensuring a steady flow of clients.

8. Business operations plan

Next, outline the business operations and explain how your catering business will run on a daily basis.

A well-crafted operations plan shows potential investors that you've maintained a solid plan to manage the business effectively and handle its growth.

So, consider including the following details in your operations plan:

• Food preparation processes
• Service delivery and food safety
• Kitchen facilities or equipment 
• Logistic (ingredient sourcing)
• Inventory management

This will help you ensure consistency in food quality and maintain high-quality service, which is necessary for client satisfaction.

9. Financial planning

Developing a comprehensive and realistic financial plan is crucial as it not only helps you forecast revenue and manage cash flows but also offers a clear picture of growth and profitability.

So, in your catering services financial plan, provide a detailed analysis of your financial projections for the next 5-7 years.

Consider including these key financial statements and reports:

• Sales and revenue forecasts
• Operating expenses 

Profit and loss statement

• Cash flow estimates

Balance sheet

Break-even analysis

Further, discuss your funding requirements and summarize sensitivity analyses for the different types of scenarios.

This shows your catering business’s fiscal health and viability, as well as the growth possible in the long run, allowing potential investors to make informed decisions.

For instance, you may consider formulating the key financial projections as shown below:

Cash flow statement

10. Appendix

In the business plan appendix section, you may include any additional information or supporting documents that offer more credibility and detail to your plan. 

Consider adding the following details or documents:

• Resumes of your leadership team
• Food supplier contracts
• Equipment vendors agreements
• Business licenses and permits
• Insurance certificates
• Past financial statements, or tax returns (if applicable)

This section will help readers get a better understanding and necessary information that doesn't fit into the specific sections but can be used as a reference.

Download the catering business plan template

Ready to kickstart your catering business plan writing? But need some extra help? Look no further; here's our free catering business plan template pdf to help you get started.

It’s an investor-friendly business plan template specifically designed for catering services. It comes with a detailed guide and practical examples that will assist you in writing your own catering business plan.

Now, you've got a clear idea of all the key sections of a catering business plan and how to draft them. So, it should be much easier for you to create a detailed plan.

However, if you have any doubts about presenting your plan or need further assistance, consider using an AI business plan creator . It helps you draft an actionable catering business plan more effectively and quickly.

So, wait no longer; start your catering planning today!

Get Your Business Plan Ready In Minutes

Answer a few questions, and AI will generate a detailed business plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get funding for your catering business?

There are multiple options to get funding for your catering business, such as:

• Personal savings
• Loans from family & friends
• Traditional bank loans
• Small Business Administration (SBA) loans
• Private investors or venture capitalists
• Crowdfunding platforms ( Kickstarter or Indiegogo )

What's the importance of a marketing strategy in a catering business plan?

Marketing strategies play an important role in a catering business plan as they help you:

• Describe how you'll attract and retain clients.
• Identify your target market and ideal customers.
• Outline your branding strategies and sales process
• Detail your pricing plan and promotional tactics
• Communicate the unique value of your services

In short, a well-crafted marketing strategy not only helps you reach potential clients but also supports your business's sustainable growth.

How long should the catering business plan be?

A catering business plan should be detailed yet concise, typically 15-30 pages that cover all the essential elements like business strategy, market research, financial projections, and operational plans.

However, the length of a business plan primarily depends on the purpose and the type of business plan you're writing.

As the founder and CEO of Upmetrics, Vinay Kevadiya has over 12 years of experience in business planning. He provides valuable insights to help entrepreneurs build and manage successful business plans.

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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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BUSINESS STRATEGIES

How to create a catering business plan

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

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

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

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

Executive summary

Company and domain names

Market analysis and research

Operations plan

Marketing and advertising plan

Financial plan

01. Executive summary

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

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

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

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

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

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

02. Company and domain names

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

Be inspired: Catering business name ideas

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

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

03. Market analysis and research

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

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

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

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

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

04. Operations plan

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

Key elements to consider in your operations plan:

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

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

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

05. Marketing and advertising plan

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

Consider the following when creating your marketing and advertising plan:

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

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

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

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

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

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

06. Financial plan

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

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

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

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

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

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

Catering business plan examples

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

Example 1: full-service catering business

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

Company name and domain name

Company name: ABC Catering Company

Domain name: abccateringcompany.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Example 2: corporate catering business

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

Company name: XYZ Corporate Catering

Domain name: xyzcorporatecatering.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Catering Business Plan: How to Make a Catering Business Plan

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

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

Catering Business Plan

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

How to Make a Catering Business Plan

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

1. Write an Executive Summary

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

2. Create a Company Overview

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

3. Develop Services and Menu Offerings

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

4. Design Branded Graphics

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

5. Conduct an Industry Analysis

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

6. Conduct a Customer Analysis

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

7. Analyze Your Competition

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

8. Develop a Marketing Plan

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

9. Create a Business Operations/Operations Plan

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

10. Build Your Team and Management Structure

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

11. Forecast Your Sales and Operating Expenses

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

12. Create a Financial Plan

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

13. Prepare an Appendix

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

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

Catering Business Plan Example

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

I. Executive Summary

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

II. Company Overview

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

III. Services and Menu

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

IV. Branded Graphics

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

V. Industry Analysis

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

VI. Customer Analysis

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

VII. Competitive Analysis

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

VIII. Marketing Plan

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

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

IX. Business Operations/Operations Plan

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

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

X. Team and Management

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

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

XI. Sales Forecasts and Operating Expenses

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

XII. Financial Plan

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

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

XIII. Appendix

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Catering Business Plan

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

What Is Included In a Catering Business?

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

How Profitable Is a Catering Business?

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

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

Why Do You Need a Business Plan?

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

Start Your Catering Plan Today

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

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

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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: 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.

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Catering Business Plan Template

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What You Get

• A compelling & detailed pre-written Catering business plan template in WORD
• A full and automatic Catering financial plan model in EXCEL you can easily customize
• Text tailored to the Catering business
• The ability to paste advanced charts and tables within a click
• No accounting or specialized financial knowledge needed
• A truly cost-effective solution that saves you time and money

Catering Business Plan Package Description

Our Catering business plan package comes with a pre-written business plan in Word and automatic financial plan in Excel tailored to the catering business. All you need to do is easily customize the templates in just a few hours according to your project’s needs and then you’ll end up with a solid investor-grade Catering business plan ideal to show to prospective investors. Save time and money by taking advantage of our ready-made catering business plan package. Check below the full details of the package’s content.

Catering Business Plan Document in Word

Our ready-made Catering business plan template is in Word format and includes 24 pages. The document is divided into multiple sections. Each section contains the essential points that are necessary to effectively present your Catering project. Each section and sub-section offer you a sample text that you can easily customize to make your business plan unique. Below is a small excerpt from your pre-written Catering business plan in Word.

Automatic Catering Financial Plan in Excel

Our pre-populated automatic financial model is in Excel format and includes multiples worksheets. You can easily edit the model’s inputs including changing costs and revenue assumptions to generate pro-forma financial forecasts including P&L, Cash flows and Balance Sheets. Below is a small extract from your automatic Catering financial plan in Excel.

The Benefits of Creating a Business Plan for your Catering Business

• A business plan is a crucial document that can help your catering business clarify its concept, target market, and value proposition. It can also help you understand the needs and preferences of your target customers, and determine how you can meet those needs better than the competition.
• If you need outside financing, a business plan and financial plan can be key in convincing investors to fund your catering business. The financial plan should include detailed projections that show how you plan to generate revenue and achieve profitability, including information on start-up costs, pricing strategy, and marketing budget.
• A business plan and financial plan serve as a roadmap for your catering business, allowing you to track your progress and make adjustments as needed. By regularly reviewing and updating these documents, you can stay on track and identify potential financial risks or opportunities.
• A financial plan is an important tool for managing the financial aspects of your catering business. It provides a clear overview of income and expenses and helps you create a budget that aligns with your business goals. It can also help you make informed financial decisions by identifying potential risks and opportunities.
• A business plan can also help your catering business attract and retain top talent. By outlining your business goals, values, and culture, you can attract employees who are aligned with your vision and mission. A well-written catering business plan can also help you communicate your goals and expectations to your team, keeping them motivated and engaged.

This Ready-Made Catering Business Plan is For

• Entrepreneurs wishing to start a Catering business
• Aspiring Catering business owners who want to create a business plan fast & easy
• F&B entrepreneurs who wish to pitch their project to investors
• F&B professionals who wish to better understand the potential of the opportunity

Immediate Delivery by Email

• Once you complete the order, you will receive an email with links to download your documents
• Your order will contain the full pre-written business plan in Word
• Your order will contain the full customizable financial model in Excel

Your Catering Business Plan Content

Executive Summary:  Our Catering business plan template starts with a compelling Executive Summary. This key section is very important as it summarizes in 1 page your Catering concept. It will introduce your business model, the key people behind the project as well as the unique selling proposition offered by your Catering concept. This section will also mention how market conditions and consumer trends are favorable for launching your project.

The Problem Opportunity:  Next, your ready-made Catering business plan will list a number of problems experienced by your prospects in your target market and will show how this presents a unique opportunity for your Catering business. These can include issues such as lack of quality Catering companies in a certain location, undifferentiated offerings by current actors in the market…etc.

The Solution:  This section explains how your Catering company will take advantage of the current problems in the market and will detail your innovative solutions.

Mission & Vision:  Your mission will explain in a couple of sentences your Catering company’s business ethos. In other words, it will summarize your unique value proposition and will explain how you are different than the competition. Your vision will explain the long-term plans for your Catering concept. Are you planning to start with one branch today and expand to a multi-branch business model? Are you looking to transform your Catering business into a franchise model?…etc.

Business Model:  This section details your Catering concept using the business model canvas method. In a visually appealing table, we will detail your Catering company’s key partners, activities, resources, value proposition, customer segments, customer relationship plan, marketing channels, cost structure and revenue streams.

Products & Services:  Next, we will talk in detail about your various products and services. We will describe your various menu options and catering services as well as provide information about your pricing.

Market Analysis:  This important section describes the various market statistics and consumer trends in the catering industry and explains how they support your own Catering concept. The purpose of this section is to show that the market conditions are favorable for launching your new Catering project.

General Market Trends:  In this sub-section of the market analysis, we will discuss the latest general market trends in the Catering industry. We will look at the global industry size, growth rate, growth diving factors and consumer trends.

Local Market Trends:  This sub-section explains the local market trends that are relevant to your specific Catering business.

Target Customers:  In this section, we will describe your various customer profiles by providing information about their demographics, behavior and purchasing habits.

Competitive Analysis:  We will analyze key competitors active in your target market and provide insights about their strengths and weaknesses.

Competitive Advantages:  After looking at the competitive landscape, we will then show how your Catering business is differentiating itself from the competition through a number of key advantages.

SWOT Analysis:  This section features a 4-quadrant table with explanations about how your Catering intends to leverage its key strengths, mitigate weaknesses, capture opportunities and thwart any future threats.

Marketing Plan : This chapter provides detailed information about your go-to-market strategy. It includes a detailed action plan to help you build brand awareness and generate sales.

Branding & Awareness:  We will describe in this sub-section your choice of key marketing channels to build branding and awareness.

Customer Acquisition:  We will describe in this sub-section your choice of key marketing channels to acquire customers and increase sales.

Operating Plan:  This chapter provides information about your Catering company’s opening hours, internal processes and describes the interactions between various key departments and teams.

Management Team:  It is very important to present the key people behind your Catering project and thus we have dedicated a section for this very purpose. It is also important to talk here about the founder’s vision, his past education and professional experience.

Hiring Plan:  No business can succeed without having on board the right team. This section lists all the key positions you plan to hire with information about their salaries and expected start dates.

Key Milestones:  To be able to launch and execute your Catering project, you need to follow a set of actionable tasks with target deadlines. This section serves this purpose.

Financial Plan:  Without a robust financial plan, your Catering business plan would be an incomplete document. This important section provides crucial information about your pro-forma financial projections and shows that you have really done your homework. The data mentioned in this and the following sections will be provided by the dynamic Excel financial model accompanying your Catering business plan.

Projected Revenue:  This module shows your Catering company’s revenue projections over the next three years.

Projected Profit and Loss:  This module shows your Catering company’s income statement (also called profit and loss statement) over the next three years. Your income statement includes detailed projections about your sales and expenses and shows how your Catering company’s revenue is converted into a net profit.

Projected Cash Flows:  This module shows your Catering company’s cash flow projections over the next three years. The first year of operation is even detailed on a monthly basis. Your cash flow statement will detail the various cash inflows your Catering business will generate from its day to day operations and from funding sources, as well as the various cash outflows required to pay for operating expenses and business investments.

Projected Balance Sheet : This module shows your Catering company’s balance sheet projections over the next three years. The balance sheet will provide a summary of your Catering project’s short term and long-term assets in addition to your short term and long-term liabilities and capital.

Profitability Analysis:  In this section, we will provide information about your gross margin, net margin and discuss the profitability of your Catering business.

Funding Requirement:  This module states the amount of funding your need to be able to comfortably launch your Catering business. It also describes the planned allocation of the funds between Opex and Capex.

Conclusion : Finally, we will conclude your business plan by recapitulating the key points that make your Catering project compelling and reiterate the rationale behind your business opportunity.

Catering Business Plan Excerpt

Catering Financial Plan Excerpt

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• Speed & Convenience:  Once you complete your order, you will receive the Catering business plan directly in your mailbox. Since it is already pre-written with fully customizable financials, you will only need to spend a couple of hours to edit it and adapt it to your own Catering project.
• High Quality:  Your Catering business plan has been written by our professional team of business plan writers and experts from the F&B industry. You will receive a professional Catering business plan template ideal for presenting to potential investors or banks.
• Low-Cost:  Our pre-written Catering business plan template is the most cost-effective solution in case you need to build a solid and professional Catering business plan. We are confident you will save hundreds if not thousands of dollars by ordering our premium business plan compared to hiring a consultant or subscribing to complicated and expensive software.

If you have any question regarding our ready-made Catering business plan package,  do not hesitate to contact us , we are here to help.

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Catering Business Plan Template

Published Nov.11, 2016

Updated Apr.22, 2024

By: Brandi Marcene

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Table of Content

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

Tips for Succeeding in Writing a Mobile Catering Business Plan

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

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

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

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

Assist in Decision Making

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

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

Proper Management of Funds

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

Fosters Transparency and Management

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

Facilitate Setting of Sales Targets

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

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

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

Catering business plan for starting your own building firm

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

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

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

Executive Summary

2.1 the business.

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

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

2.2 Management

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

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

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

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

2.3 Customers

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

2.4 Target of the Company

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

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

Company Summary

3.1 company owner.

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

3.2 Why the Business is being started

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

3.3 How the Business will be started

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Plated Sit-down catering

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

• Buffet Catering

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

• Cocktail Reception

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

• Snacks & Drinks For Production Sets

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

• Hospital Catering

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

Marketing Analysis of Catering Business

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

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

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5.1 Market Trends

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

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

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

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

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

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

Business plan for investors

5.1.1 residential community.

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

5.1.2 Corporates & Film Producers

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

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

5.1.3 Hospitals

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

5.3 Business Target

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

• To maintain an average rating above 4.75 on our website

5.4 Product Pricing

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

Marketing Strategy

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

6.1 Competitive Analysis

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

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

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

6.2 Sales Strategy

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

6.3 Sales Monthly

6.4 Sales Yearly

6.5 Sales Forecast

Personnel plan

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

7.1 Company Staff

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

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

7.2 Average Salary of Employees

Financial Plan

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

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

8.1 Important Assumptions

8.2 Brake-even Analysis

8.3 Projected Profit and Loss

8.3.1 Profit Monthly

8.3.2 Profit Yearly

8.3.3 Gross Margin Monthly

8.3.4 Gross Margin Yearly

8.4 Projected Cash Flow

8.5 Projected Balance Sheet

8.6 Business Ratios

Download Catering Company Business Plan Sample in pdf

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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.

Poor Economic Outlook and Lack of Security Undermine Kabardino-Balkaria’s Governor

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Travel Tips to Kabardino-Balkaria: More than Mt. Elbrus!

If you’ve traveled to the North Caucasus before, there is a good chance you’ve already been to Kabardino-Balkaria, and you didn’t even know it!  Kabardino-Balkaria lies in the center of the North Caucasus region, is home to Mt. Elbrus, but more than that is a treasure chest of travel possibilities.  Here is our guide to traveling through the republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, or 9 travel tips to this beautiful land:

1. How do I get there?

Kabardino-Balkaria hosts a large number of both foreign and Russian travelers every year, and has an improving infrastructure able to handle the incoming masses.  Let’s start with the obvious.  You might be a mountain climber or skier coming to enjoy the slopes of Mt. Elbrus.  That means you’re likely arriving on an airplane to Russia.  Here are your travel options:

A. Plane – We advise you fly into the Mineralni Vodi (MRV) airport in the Stavropol Region, which is about 45 minutes from the border of Kabardino-Balkaria.  MRV is the largest airport in the North Caucasus, and has daily direct flights to and from all 3 airpots in Moscow (SVO, DME, and VKO), direct flights from St. Petersburg, and several international flight routes as well, including from Istanbul, Dubai, Greece, Tel Aviv, and Bishkek.  The MRV airport has a growing infrastructure and is the most obvious choice to fly into if going to Elbrus.  From MRV, it’s a 2 hr. drive to Nalchik, and a 3.5 hr. drive to Mt. Elbrus.

That being said, the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, Nalchik (NAL), also has a small regional airport with a daily flight to/from Moscow as well as weekly flights to Istanbul. As is to be expected in most smaller, regional airports around Russia, the service standard at a small airport like this will be minimal.  As a result, we recommend you flying in and out of MRV if able.  It’s a 2 hr. drive to Elbrus from Nalchik.  You can also fly into other regional airports which are 2 hrs. from Nalchik, such as OGZ in North Ossetia (Vladikavkaz) or IGT in Ingushetia (Magas).

B.  Car/Public Transport – If you have a car, are using a taxi, or are hitch-hiking your way to Kabardino-Balkaria, the region is accessible by a variety of roads and vehicles.  A major Russian federal highway E50 runs through Pyatigorsk into Kabardino-Balkaria, and can take you towards Mt. Elbrus, Nalchik, and deeper into the North Caucasus.  There are daily mini-buses, or “marshrutkas”, that travel to Nalchik from Pyatigorsk, Vladikavkaz, Grozny, and Magas, if you’re coming from a neighboring republic.  From the main Nalchik bus station, there is a marshrutka that goes to Terskol (i.e. Mt. Elbrus) daily around 12:30 pm; for that matter,  marshrutkas run daily into every valley of this beautiful republic.  For the seasoned international traveler, you can drive from the country of Georgia up the famed “Georgian Military Highway” through the heart of the Caucasus Mountains, cross the border into Russia at the “Verkhni Lars” border stop, and be in Nalchik in about 2.5 hours as well. 

Anyone traveling on their own should download the “Yandex” taxi app, which is Russia’s version of Uber, and has a very user-friendly app with affordable prices.  In smaller villages/towns where Yandex’s service doesn’t reach, just ask a local and they’ll direct you to a friend or relative who can taxi you where you need to go!

C.  Train – Kabardino-Balkaria is also very accessible by the famous cross-country Russian train system if that’s your preferred method of travel.  Almost all trains to the North Caucasus pass through Mineralni Vodi in the Stavropol region to the north, so make sure wherever you are coming from, Mineralni Vodi is one of the stops.  Despite Nalchik having a train station, the city is about 45 minutes from the main railway route that runs diagonal through the North Caucasus, and as a result it’s a bit convoluted to get a train directly to Nalchik.  That being said, the town Prokhladni is a regular stop on trains going to/coming from Baku, Makhachkala, Grozny, Nazran, and Vladikavkaz, so you can always hop off there and find your way by public transport or taxi.

2.  What are the best places to stay?

This list could get exhaustive, fast. 🙂  Let’s first look at an overview of the republic’s geography, followed by hotel recommendations:

A. Nalchik – This is the capital city of Kabardino-Balkaria, with a population of around 250,000.  Nalchik is growing and new, modern hotels are being built regularly.  Here are some of our recommendations:

-Modern and comfortable:  Azimut , Butik Otel

-Budget with less frills:  Hotel Rossia , Korona

You could comfortably spend a week in Nalchik, while doing day trips into Kabardino-Balkaria’s beautiful mountain valleys.

B.  Baksan Valley – This is the most traveled road in Kabardino-Balkaria, the road to Mt. Elbrus.  If you have questions about its safety because of travel warnings, please see our detailed blog here of the drive to erase any doubts or fears.  Needless to say, because of the draw of Mt. Elbrus, there are a huge variety of lodging options at the end of this valley, from 4-star to mid-range to budget to hostel.  Here are just a few we’ll recommend from our experience:

-Modern and comfortable 4-star-ish:  Azau Star , Kristall 139

-Budget with less frills 3-star-ish:   Laguna , Povorot

If you’re a mountain climber with your sites set on the summit of Elbrus, you’ll have to spend at least 3-4 nights at Elbrus’s famous base camp at 13,000 feet.  The “barrel huts” are not easy to book directly with, and we highly recommend you do your climb (and hence, have your bookings handled) through a trusted climbing company.  Here are two shelters at base camp we recommend:

-Modern and comfortable:  Leaprus

-Budget with less frills:  Heart of Elbrus Lodge

If you’re interested in climbing Mt. Elbrus and staying in these barrel huts, click  here  to see our climbing itineraries, pricing, and group dates.

C.  Chegem Valley – Chegem Valley is the adjacent valley to Elbrus’s Baksan Valley, and is famous for its beautiful waterfalls as well as being Russia’s top paragliding location.  The “ Paradrome ” has modest accommodations for those wanting to get to know this beautiful valley for a longer period of time.

D.  Upper Balkaria, or Cherek Valley – This is another beautiful mountain gorge not too far from Nalchik.  There is an authentic lodging complex in Upper Balkaria called Tau-El, with amazing local food for meals as well.

E.  Border Zone lodging – Several of Kabardino-Balkaria’s mountain gorges run into the border zone with neighboring country Georgia, i.e. an area that foreigners cannot enter without a special permit from the local government (often taking 2 months to receive).  There is a famous mountaineering lodge in Bezengi Valley, where several generations of Russian mountain climbers have honed their craft in the Caucasus Mountains.  Perpendicular to Baksan Valley (about 25 minutes from the base of Mt. Elbrus) is Adyr-Suu Valley, where there is a lodge for back-country skiers to stay, while trying their hands (and feet!) on the untouched snow of that valley.  Both these valleys require border permits for foreigners, but are possible to access for the more adventurous!

3.  Top cities to visit?

Most locals would agree that Nalchik is the main city of significance to visit in Kabardino-Balkaria, but let’s be honest, even more would say, “Just go to the mountains!”  Tirnauz is the capital of the Elbrus district, and is an interesting town to spend some time in, with its unique location in the mountains and place in Soviet history as a once-booming mining town.  The main thing to consider in visiting Nalchik and other cities in the lowlands, is the chance to experience Kabardian culture and food.  Whereas the deeper you go into the valleys, the more you’ll encounter Balkar culture and food.

4.  Best local foods to try?

There are 3 types of food that come to mind, when spending time in Kabardino-Balkaria:

A. Khychiny – This is one of the staple national dishes of the Balkar people, and what you’ll inevitably be served if guests of local Balkars.  It’s a thin buttery flat bread, sometimes cooked with fillings of cottage cheese, fresh greens, or potatoes.  It is often slathered in butter, but wow is that some tasty greasy goodness! 🙂

B.  Shashlik – Shashlik is a MUST for any visit anywhere in the North Caucasus!  Most people would agree that it’s the national food of the entire region.  Shashlik is meat shish kabobs; while pork and turkey can be found in some parts of the Caucasus, lamb or chicken are the preferred shashlik meats of choice in Kabardino-Balkaria. 

C.  Soup – No matter where you are in Russia, you’re sure to find a local soup that people love.  Kabardino-Balkaria is no different.  Especially in the winter months in the mountain valleys, there’s nothing better than to come inside from the cold weather and warm your body up to a bowl of hearty Caucasus soup.  Whether Georgian kharcho or local Balkar lakhman, make sure to try your hand at one of these soups with a side of fresh baked bread/lavash!

5.  Top Hole-In-The-Wall restaurants:

Of course, for a republic of this size, we’re bound to leave at least a few great local joints off our list, but here are a few to get you started. ***Note:  Restaurants in the North Caucasus are much better known for their food than their service, so prepare for tasty food, but manage your expectations about service:

-Elbrus – Kogutai Restaurant at Mt. Cheget – While this isn’t a hole-in-the-wall restaurant per se, it’s one of many to choose from in the Cheget tourist village, and we have found them to provide consistently good food and service.  Kogutai has a nice interior, and maybe most important, an English-language menu with good pictures. 🙂  There also is a nice outdoor patio with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.

-Nalchik #1 – Tameris Restaurant – This is a cafe with a relaxed atmosphere in the capital Nalchik.  Local tour company Elbrus Elevation has taken foreign groups there on multiple occasions and always had good experiences.  Address is ul. Kuliyeva 3. 

-Nalchik #2 – Cafe-Bar Oasis – You have to know where this restaurant is to find it, but once inside, you won’t regret it!  There is a unique cafeteria-style ordering process, that includes several dishes being cooked on the spot once ordered.  You can sample local Kabardian dishes here.  The seating area is very modern and a pleasant atmosphere to have a meal in.  Address is ul. Kuliyeva 2. 

-Upper Balkaria – Tau-El Restaurant – This is the restaurant part of the Tau-El Tourist Complex in Upper Balkaria.  Whether spending the night or just passing through, make sure to stop here for a meal!

6.  Must-See Sites

This republic is so chock full of “must-see” destinations, it’s impossible to narrow the list down.  Here are just a few suggestions to get you started: (***Mt. Elbrus is a no-brainer and we’re assuming that’s on your list)

A. El-Tyubu and Paradrome – This is an amazing area towards the end of Chegem Valley.  Many tourists visit the famous Chegem Waterfalls and don’t drive any further down this gorge, which really is a shame.  El-Tyubu is a picturesque Balkar village with several historical sites to see, including some ancient mausoleums.  The real gem of the area, though, is the Paradrome , which is Russia’s premier paragliding destination.  The combination of the scenic surrounding mountains and constant winds produces almost daily conditions to sail through the beautiful Caucasus sky.  Highly recommend!

B.  Upper Balkaria – Also known as Cherek Valley, the entire drive to the actual village of Upper Balkaria is one big destination.  First, you can spend time at the 3 consecutive “ Blue Lakes ”, one of which is one of Russia’s deepest lakes with an underground spring.  Then, the drive itself becomes an adventure, as you pass by steep rock walls with a huge drop-off on the other side.  If you’re able to walk this part of the road, that is a bonus!  Once you’ve made your way through the valley walls, the region opens up into a beautiful panoramic view.  Many years ago, there were multiple villages in this region, but they’ve since been condensed into one main village.  You can see some of the ancient Balkar towers that their ancestors used to live in as well.

C.  Djili-Suu – Although hard to pronounce and not easy to get to, Djili-Suu is one of those places in the North Caucasus that people rave about that you “have to” visit.  It’s actually on the North side of Mt. Elbrus, and more accessible from the Mineral Waters region (2 hrs. from Kislovodsk).  The base camp for Elbrus climbers summiting the mountain from the North side is at Djili-Suu.  This area is famous in Russia for its numerous natural healing springs, as well as unique climate conditions that make for beneficial, long holidays for seeking a respite from their daily grind.  There are wide swaths of land available for camping, with probably the most unrivaled views of Mt. Elbrus in the North Caucasus.  Make sure to check this out!

7.  Off-the-beaten path destinations

A. King’s Waterfalls (Tsarskie), or Gedmisht – Probably the valley in Kabardino-Balkaria with the least amount of hype is the Malka Valley, which is the northernmost valley and mainly runs through the Kabardian lowlands.  At the point where the villages end, though (Khabas), the asphalt turns into dirt and the hills start to rise, culminating with the incredible King’s Waterfalls, or as one friend put it, Avatar Waterfalls.  These stunning waterfalls are best visited in the early summer, when everything is lush green and the water flow is strong, with many streams of water flowing down the earth’s surface.  The different colors are incredible and it’s hard to look away.  Once you’ve enjoyed the waterfalls, enjoy a meal of shashlik at one of the nearby lunch huts.  Having an off-road vehicle is ideal to visit these falls, but worth the time and effort!

B.  One-seater chair lift at Elbrus – As the infrastructure at Mt. Elbrus has modernized, some of the more “authentic” experiences have gone to the way-side.  This is one experience still available, though!  From the 2nd (11,000 ft.) to 3rd level (12,500 ft.) of Mt. Elbrus (whether skiing, going to base camp, or just touring), there is a single-seater chair lift for 100 rubles each way (less than $2).  This is an amazing experience if you have the time.  It’s 8-10 minutes each way, and a surreal experience of the majestic Caucasus mountain range surrounding you, skiers silently passing you by underneath, and in general enjoying the silent expanse of nature all around.  The chair lifts are from the Soviet times and so it feels like something from a different era.  For mountain climbers, the newer group cable car gives better access to most of base camp, but several huts are pretty close to this chair lift, so it still may be a good option for you.

C.  Abandoned Mines above Tirnauz – Tirnauz is about 1 hr. from Mt. Elbrus, and a town everyone drives through to and from the mountain.  Although today it looks old and half-abandoned, it was a booming mining town in the 20th century.  About a 45-minute drive above the city with an off-road vehicle, you can see the remains of the mining operations.  Learning about this history combined with the breath-taking views of the Baksan Valley and even into Georgia, you’ll wonder why more people aren’t visiting this place.  This is a great spot to see eagles soaring in the sky, as well as admire the Soviet city plan of Tirnauz from above.

8.  What do I need border zone passes to visit?

In Russia, any area within 5-10 km of a neighboring country, without a clearly delineated border (i.e. in the mountains) is considered a special border zone, and patrolled by Russian border guards.  This area IS accessible to all Russian citizens with their passports, but is NOT legally accessible to foreign citizens UNLESS you have a special permit from the FSB (Federal Security Bureau).  These permits are accessible, either through a tour operator or local friend, but require you to submit your application 45-60 days in advance.

Areas in Kabardino-Balkaria that are worth a visit if you have a border zone pass:

A.  Bezengi Wall – This is at the end of the Bezengi Valley, and holds a place of lore among Russian mountain climbers.  Many mountain guides go through training in this valley.  Five of the Caucasus Mountain’ range’s highest seven peaks are a part of the Bezengi Wall, so you can imagine the draw it has for climbers. There are great areas for trekking and camping in this area. 

B.  Adyr-Suu Gorge – This remote valley runs perpendicular to Baksan Valley and is about 25 minutes from the base of Mt. Elbrus.  It’s marked at the entrance by a relic of the past, a car lift from Soviet days that auto-cranks your car (and you) about 50 meters up the mountain.  After 45-60 minutes of driving on gravel road, the gorge opens up into a flat valley with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains.  The Adyr-Suu Alpine Lodge is at the end of this valley and where back-country skiers base out of during the acclimatization phase of their Mt. Elbrus ski tours.  This is truly a place where you can experience untouched powder!

C.  Mt. Cheget (Elbrus) – Cheget is a neighboring mountain to Mt. Elbrus and where many climbers will acclimatize, both at its base and while doing some hikes.  It also is famous in Russia for its free-ride terrain for more experienced skiers.  Standard access to the chair lifts and mountain are available to all (i.e. mountain climbers don’t need to worry about accidentally crossing into the zone), but anyone wanting to summit the peak of Cheget OR visit the beautiful Cheget Lake needs a border permit. 

Foreigners violating the border zone areas is considered a serious offense in Russia; make sure to do your due diligence if wanting to visit one of these areas!  We highly recommend using a local tour operator and always traveling with a local person if visiting one of these areas.

9.  Any cultural “do’s” or “don’t’s” to be aware of

Kabardino-Balkaria is a fascinating republic with a combination of traditional and modern society.  The more you interact with local people, the more you’ll see a mixture of Muslim faith, post-Soviet mentality, and ancient local traditions all wrapped together.   

Kabardians mainly live in the lowlands (Nalchik, Baksan, and lowland villages), while Balkars primarily live in the mountain valleys (Elbrus, Chegem, Upper Balkaria, etc.).  There is a large population of Russians in the region as well.  Foreigners visit every area of the region regularly, and so local people are used to and will welcome your presence.

Come with an open mind to learn about these peoples, their traditions, and their land.  You won’t regret your trip to Kabardino-Balkaria!

***Want to learn more?  Here are several self-published resources from the podcast “ CaucasTalk ” related to Kabardino-Balkaria:

– Travel Tips to Kabardino-Balkaria (audio version of this blog)

– History of Mt. Elbrus (Part 1)

– History of Mt. Elbrus (Part 2)

– Interview with Local Elbrus guide

– Climbing Elbrus: Interview with American guide

– Who are the Kabardians? (Part 1)

– Who are the Kabardians? (Part 2)

– Skiing in the North Caucasus (Elbrus and more)

READY TO EXPERIENCE KABARDINO-BALKARIA FOR YOURSELF?

Where to find us.

• +1 704-810-4296
• [email protected]
• 1578 Pine Creek Rd., Gastonia, NC 28056

Travel Information

• We no longer offer travel services to Russia. See Caucasus Quest Tours for new destinations
• Is it Safe to Travel to the Caucasus in 2024?
• Climbing Kazbek & Kilimanjaro: Comparing two 5,000+ meter peaks
• How to Train to climb Mt. Kazbek in Georgia

Our Elbrus Climbing Tours

• Climb Elbrus South Route
• Climb Elbrus North Route
• Climb Elbrus & The Capitals
• Climb Elbrus & The Caucasus

Russia Cultural Tours

• Capitals of Russia
• Lake Baikal on Ice
• Delightful Dagestan
• Heart of the Caucasus

ALL Travel Services to Russia and Mt. Elbrus have been indefinitely suspended as of Feb. 2022.

Explore our new tour branch Caucasus Quest to climb Mt. Kazbek (5,054 meters) in Georgia or for immersive cultural touring experiences in Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.