Catering services in Alaska continue to grow as more and more people turn to professionals to service their special events. Alaska food caterers work with businesses, organizations and individuals to help create memorable events. People hire catering services for everything from casual business luncheons to a lavish black tie weddings and everything in between.

If you are thinking of starting your own Alaska catering business, keep in mind that Alaska catering services are highly seasonal. Summer months are the busy time for caterers when tourists flock to the natural beauty of the Alaska coast and wilderness. Holidays are also a busy time. The rest of the year can be very slow for caterers, particularly as long Alaska winters virtually shut down many areas in the state. Make sure you are prepared financially to survive the long winter months when catering jobs are few and far between.

To start an Alaska catering company, you will need to:

1. Finance your Alaska catering business.
2. Equip your catering business with all the right supplies and equipment.
3. Establish your niche among other Alaska food catering companies.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Secure financing for your Alaska catering company

The good thing about starting an Alaska food catering service is that is requires a fraction of the start-up money that a full service restaurant requires. There are many business resources available for someone looking to start their own catering business in Alaska. Take advantage of free professional advice and go over your business plan and concept with a small business counselor. They can also give you information on licensing, permits, insurance and other employer obligations that are required.

I recommend: The Alaska Small Business Development Center can help you draft and write a business plan, which is essential for any kind of bank financing. The Small Business Administration of Alaska has branches throughout the state and can help connect you with a lender as well as offer advice from other small business professionals in the area.

Stock up on the essentials for your Alaska catering service

Alaska caterers who work out of their home kitchen can start with very little equipment. All you really need are serving dishes and utensils as well as reliable transportation. As your catering company grows, you can add items like linen, China, flatware and other commercial equipment.

I recommend: Encore Restaurant Equipment, LLC, servicing the Seattle and southern Alaska region, carries both new and used catering equipment. If you are located in a more remote section of Alaska, ordering supplies online, through companies such as Ace Mart, may be the easiest option for outfitting your catering company.

Carve a niche among other catering companies in Alaska

Caterers in urban centers of Alaska can (and do) charge higher prices for menus than caterers in more rural areas. It is important to familiarize yourself with the competition in your area. If you live in the Anchorage area, don't worry about what caterers in Fairbanks are charging. Worry about what other Anchorage caterers are charging. You want to make a profit, but you don't want to price yourself out of business.

I recommend: A good place to begin researching your competition is with the local chamber of commerce. Start with the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, the Juneau Chamber of Commerce or the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce where you'll find links to your competitors' sites. Also, keep you eyes open for public catered events where you can see and sample your competitors' work up close and personal.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Alaska food catering companies include restaurants. Don't forget to find out if local restaurants offer off-premise catering services.