Texas catering companies offer an exciting career for people who enjoy working with food and have a keen eye for detail. The ideal caterer is someone who not only enjoys the creativity of working with food, but also likes working with people. Keep in mind that owning a Texas catering company is not all fun. It requires dedication, organization and hard work.

Texas, with its several urban hubs and large population, is an ideal place to carve out a niche in the catering business. Places like Houston, Dallas, El Paso and Austin are all thriving metro areas, offering potential business for a new catering business in Texas.

Before you start passing out menus for your catering business, you must first do the following:

1. Secure financing for your Texas catering company.
2. Purchase equipment for your catering company in Texas.
3. Make your business stand out from all the other catering companies in TX by identifying a specific niche that needs to be filled.
   

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

Apply for a loan to help establish and expand your catering business in Texas

Even though many small caterers can start their business for the cost of a few serving platters and some paper plates, expanding a catering business takes money. In order to grow as a business and take on larger paying catered events, you may need a larger oven, more storage or more cooler space. Transportation is also another big concern for catering companies looking to grow. A business loan is the quickest way to purchase the big items you business needs to expand.

I recommend: To help you get that first loan, the counselors at the Texas State University Small Business Development Center can walk you through the steps of drafting a business plan and help connect you with a lender. The Texas 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.

Purchase equipment for your catering businesses in Texas

Most new caterers can get by with some good serving platters and utensils as their main pieces of equipment to begin with. As your catering service in Texas expands, you can add larger ticket items, such as commercial stoves and coolers. You may also decide to offer linens, China, flatware and other table service items.

I recommend: Texas Restaurant Supply out of Dallas and A-Tex Restaurant Supply in San Angelo, Texas both offer large and small catering equipment. They also carry used equipment, ideal for a new caterer on a tight budget.

Be the best Texas catering company in the Lone Star State

Catering in Texas offers a lot of competition for a new business. Established catering companies in Texas have name recognition and a customer base from which to draw. As the new kid on the block, you must decide right from the start how your food catering company in Texas will stand out from the crowd. Business is a battlefield. You wouldn't enter a battle without knowing your opponent. Look at your competitors' menus, the services they offer and what fees they charge. If you can't find any information on competitors online, call and request information directly. Also keep an eye out for catered events hosted by the competition. Finagle an invitation and sample their work first hand.

I recommend: Find out what the other catering companies in your area are offering, so you can plan your menu accordingly. If everyone is offering authentic Texas barbecue, how is your's going to be different (and better)? Find a list of caterers throughout Texas from local chambers of commerce websites, including the Houston Chamber of Commerce, the Dallas Chamber of Commerce and the El Paso Chamber of Commerce.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Catering in Texas is ripe with networking opportunities. Never underestimate the power of word of mouth through other event workers. DJs, photographers, wait staff as well as anyone else you work with while catering an event all provide a chance to network and get the word out about your business. Introduce yourself, and swap business cards.