Guide to Catering in Arizona

If you like to work with food and people, catering in Arizona may be the perfect career move. The ideal caterer is someone who genuinely enjoys being creative with food and who likes to entertain.  Anyone thinking of opening their own food catering company in Arizona should be organized, reliable and not afraid of hard work.

Arizona has one of the fastest growing populations in the United States, and the demand for catering companies in Arizona has never been higher. Areas like Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa and Flagstaff have seen population booms in the past decade. Thanks to year-round sunshine and warm temperatures, Arizona has become a winter haven for many people. All these people mean potential business for catering in Arizona. Some of the things you’ll need to do as prepare to start your Arizona catering company include:

1. Identifying a niche so that you can differentiate your services from other catering companies in AZ.

2. Developing a budget and, if necessary, find financing for your Arizona catering company.

3. Equipping your catering company with the appropriate tools of the trade.

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

Make your Arizona catering company stand out from the competition

Remember the saying "Jack of all trades, master of none?" It definitely applies to the catering industry. In Arizona, where restaurants and caterers abound, it is important to have your own niche that sets you apart from competing catering businesses. Focusing your menu and services on your strengths is the first step. Offer a menu full of your signature dishes. Don't offer things you can't cook just because the competition does. A reconnaissance mission to find out about other Arizona catering companies is a must. Not only will it help you create a unique concept, it will help you stay within the price range of other companies that cater in Arizona.

I recommend: Find a list of caterers in the greater Phoenix-Scottsdale area at the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce. If you are located in northern Arizona, check out the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce for local catering companies. Once you have the contact information for your potential competitors, visit their websites to check out menus and pricing, or contact the company directly to request information on event catering. If opportunities arise, attend events that are being catered by potential competitors so you can sample their fare.

Find financing for your Arizona catering company

The good thing about starting your own catering company is that it is a relatively small investment to start up. For a few hundred dollars you can buy serving platters and cover the cost of food for your first couple of gigs. However, most catering companies that want to expand their services need to invest in some big-ticket items, like commercial equipment or a van for transportation. That means obtaining some type of financing, usually a bank loan.

I recommend: Start your search for financing with the Small Business Administration of Arizona. The SBA can help you write a business plan and help connect you with a lender. Another great starting place for starting your own catering company is the Arizona Small Business Development Network. Iit offers counseling and advice from other small business professionals.

Stock up on equipment for your food catering company in Arizona

If you are a brand new caterer working out of your home kitchen the main pieces of equipment that you need are serving dishes and utensils, along with bins and crates for transportation. As your catering company grows, you can add big-ticket items such as commercial stoves and coolers, linens, china and flatware.

I recommend: To help start building up your catering equipment, visit A United in Phoenix. It offers all sorts of small wares, such as chaffing dishes, serving utensils and other tablewares. For bigger items, like commercial stoves, refrigerators and storage, visit Arizona Restaurant Supply, located in Marana.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Network with other event planners, such as DJs, bartender and photographers when you are catering a party. Introduce yourself and swap business cards with other professionals. It is a good way to help get the word out about your Arizona catering company.

The official source of Catering in Arizona is the Catering in Arizona page at Business.com