Food Catering Services in Missouri

Connect with a lender to finance your catering businesses in Missouri Even though many small caterers can start their business for the cost of a few serving pieces and some paper goods, expanding a catering business takes money. In order for your catering company to grow and take on larger paying catered events, you may need a larger oven, more storage and cooler space or better transportation. You will also need a well trained staff of employees. A business loan is the quickest way to purchase these necessities.

I recommend:  To help you get that first loan, the counselors at the Missouri Small Business Development Center can help you draft a business plan and help connect you with a lender. The Missouri Small Business Administration is another great resource to help you with the initial start-up or expansion of your catering business, offering advice and counseling from other small business professionals.

Stock up on the right supplies for your Missouri catering company New food Catering Services in Missouri require little equipment to start up. When you are looking at commercial equipment for your catering service, secondhand is a good choice to help stretch your budget. Smallwares, such as plates, flatware and salt and pepper shakers can be bought for pennies on the dollar in good used condition. Bigger pieces of equipment, such as commercial ovens, freezers or coolers are also good deals if bought gently used.

I recommend:  Find new and used equipment through Foodservice Equipment Brokers out of Branson, Missouri. Purchase food and dry goods through Pippin Wholesale Company, which services southwest Missouri.

Find the right market for your Missouri food catering services It is important to understand your local completion when starting any business. You will be competing with established caterers that have name recognition. And don't forget to factor in potential competition from the occasional Missouri restaurant catering company. When you sit down to write your menu, first decide what will set you apart from your competitors.

I recommend:  Know your competition. Surveil the competition. Find them through chamber of commerce websites such as the Northwest Chamber of Commerce, the Liberty Area Chamber of Commerce and the Branson Chamber of Commerce, all of which provide links to area caterers. From there you can visit the caterers' websites to check out their prices, menu and even pictures of their food. If you can't find a website, call the caterer and ask for information on their services. Also try to attend as many catered events as possible to see the competitions' work firsthand.