Guide to Catering in Nevada

If you enjoy both working with food and working with people in a creative manner, then catering in Nevada may be the ideal career path for you. Owners of Nevada catering services enjoy the freedom of being their own boss, while doing a job that is flexible and creative. You should have an eye for detail, as well as great organizational and communication skills to be a good caterer.

With a growing tourist population, Nevada is becoming a top place for catered events such as weddings and conventions. However, starting catering in Nevada takes planning, patience and a lot of hard work. Before you begin printing off catering menus or booking events, there are several areas you need to think about first in order to start your own catering services, including:

1. Securing financing for your catering services.
2. Equipping your Nevada catering business with the right supplies and tools of the trade.
3. Finding a niche for your Nevada catering company.

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

Secure funding for your Nevada catering services company

In order to get bigger and better paying clients and help your catering services in Nevada expand beyond your home kitchen, you will most likely need some type of financing. A small business loan will enable you to purchase commercial equipment, supplies and transportation.

I recommend: The Nevada Small Business Development Center can help you with writing a business plan and offers free business counseling for entrepreneurs. Once you have your business plan ready, the Nevada Small Business Administration can help connect you with a lender. It can also help answer questions about necessary insurance, licensing and permits that all licensed caterers in Nevada need.

Outfit your catering business with all the right equipment and supplies

New caterers need certain equipment to start with, including chaffing dishes, serving utensils, platters and storage bins. As your catering operation expands, you can add to your inventory. Many caterers carry outfit their business with everything from tables, chairs and linen to commercial kitchens.

I recommend: Both L & M Food Service out of Laughlin, NV, and State Restaurant Equipment, Co. out of Las Vegas both provide quality catering equipment for both new and seasoned caterers.

Find a market among other caterers in Nevada

There are many Nevada caterers already in business, with name recognition and an established customer base. Therefore, it is essential that you know exactly what your competition offers and what their average price range is. Your catering services should offer a unique menu, but one that is still in the right price range for your area.

I recommend: Scope out other Las Vegas caterers using the list of caterers on the Las Vegas Weddings site. Outside of Las Vegas, you can look for caterer information through local chambers of commerce, including the Henderson Chamber of Commerce. Once you have the contact information for your competitors, visit their websites to see their menus, services and price range. You can also contact a company directly if you can't find what you are looking for on their website. Keep you eyes open for public catered events where you can see your competitions work up close and personal. This will give you a chance to try their food and also hear what other people think of them.

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

• Never underestimate the power of word-of-mouth. When you are catering in Las Vegas, Nevada, or elsewhere in the state, network with other event service providers such as DJs, bartenders and photographers. Introduce yourself, and swap business cards with other professionals. It is a good way to help get the word out about your catering business Nevada.

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