If you enjoy working with people, creating delicious foods and being your own boss, then a career in Massachusetts catering may be right for you. Starting your own catering business can be done right out of your home kitchen. Thanks to Massachusetts' small size, a caterer working out of the Boston area can provide services almost anywhere in the state.
Catering in Massachusetts covers a wide array of events, from simple business luncheons to elegant cocktail parties and political conventions. There is also a growing demand for catering among businesses and corporations. Employee picnics, fundraisers and meetings are all potential catering gigs. To help you get started with your own catering business, consider the following:
1. Finances: Know how to get that start-up loan for your Massachusetts catering company.
2. Legalities: Not just anyone can serve food to the public. A caterer needs to be licensed and hold special permits. As the owner of a Massachusetts catering company, you will also be responsible for paying taxes, wages, and carrying insurance.
3. Equipment: You may not need a fully outfitted commercial kitchen just yet. But there are certain pieces of equipment that are a must for any Massachusetts catering company.
4. Marketing: You need to let the public know about your Massachusetts catering business and the various services you offer.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Find financing for your catering businesses in Massachusetts
Luckily start up costs are pretty cheap for a home-based catering company compared to other new businesses. Before you go to the bank for a loan, you will need to have a thorough business plan that outlines why you are the perfect person to start a catering business and how you are going to turn a profit.
I recommend: Speak with the counselors of the
Massachusetts Small Business Development Center. They can walk you thorough the process of writing a business plan as well as connect you with a local
Small Business Administration, where you can apply for a start-up loan.
Get your food catering company in Massachusetts started on legal ground
The first thing you need to open your own catering company is a license from your city's or town's health department. If you plan to serve liquor, you will need to apply for a separate license. Next you will need a business identification number. This is sort of like a Social Security number for a business.
I recommend: The
Massachusetts Health Officers Association lists contact information for all city and town public health boards in Massachusetts to apply for your retail food license. The
Alcoholic Beverages Control Commissions spells out the steps to obtain a liquor license if you need one. The
state of Massachusetts has step-by-step guidance on establshing a legal Massachusetts catering company, including tax information, insurance requirements and employer obligations.
Purchase the right equipment for food catering in Massachusetts
The most basic equipment for new catering companies in Massachusetts include serving trays, utensils and a way to transport food to the event. Beyond this a catering company can invest in insulated containers called Cambros that warm and cool, commercial ovens and coolers, chaffing dishes, linen, and China.
I recommend: CBS Bar & Restaurant Supply, out of Franklin MA carries an extensive line of new and used restaurant and catering equipment.
Westinghouse Restaurant Supply, located right in Boston is another used and new restaurant equipment vendor.
Get the word out about your catering services in Massachusetts
There are many catering companies in MA, so you need to make sure that potential customers know about yours. Marketing your catering company ranges from handing out business cards at events to newspaper and radio ads. Listing your catering services with your local chamber or commerce's, as well as with industry specific websites is a great (and inexpensive) way for people to find your business.
I recommend: Purchase business cards, menu designs and other paper goods from
O'Brien & Company or
Moody & Regan Printers, both local Massachusetts printing companies.
Newslink includes links to all of the general and specialty newspapers in Massachusetts so you can find display advertising contact information.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Many Massachusetts catering companies have their own websites. These provide a great way to do reconnaissance on your competition. See how your own menu, fees and services compare to the other caterers in your area.
- Join your local chamber of commerce. Many people searching for a local business start with the chamber website. Link your catering website to the Chamber of commerce's site.
The official source of Catering in Massachusetts is
the Catering in Massachusetts page at Business.com
Related Resources from Business.com
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