I hope you get inspired by them!

Why Catering Is A Big Opportunity in 2024

2024 is shaping up to be a great year for starting a catering business. What makes me say this, you ask? 

• There are already projections of more business meetings and corporate events this year.  And if you remember one of my tips for standing out as a catering business, it’s to close plenty of corporate clients. 2024 makes it super possible to succeed in catering.
• There are always weddings here in the Philippines. For example, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the number of people who got married increased from 2019 to 2022. I’m pretty sure the same thing happened in 2023, and will happen in 2024!
• And of course, Filipinos love to party and celebrate special occasions such as baptisms or birthdays. And with celebrations always come food, which means more catering opportunities success—and income!

Those three are more than enough reasons, wouldn’t you agree?

How To Really Succeed In Catering

Are you now really, REALLY encouraged to try your hand at catering this 2024? I hope so, especially if you’ve been dreaming of coming up with a cooking and baking empire for a long time already!

Now, how exactly do you go about it? Sure, I gave you seven tips to get started on a catering business… but I feel like the best way to really find out is to check out some of the best caterers in the Philippines!

I did a quick search, found this list, and this list, and found some commonalities of what makes them great, according to the lists:

• Delicious food of different cuisines 
• Great service
• Beautiful setups
• An overall amazing experience

But here’s the thing: knowing what makes a great caterer and actually implementing these things are two different sides of the coin.

Besides, even if you know, how can you be sure that you can apply the knowledge and actually achieve catering greatness?

Well, that’s where Catering 101 of The Bailiwick Academy comes in!

Succeed in Catering in 2024 With Catering 101

Our Catering 101 course is like a training camp for caterers, perfect for enthusiastic home cooks like you.

You’ll pick up skills to make your catering business really stand out. This includes learning effective marketing, creating a memorable menu, and setting the right prices to ensure good profits.

We’ll show you how to smoothly handle tough situations and demanding customers. Plus, you’ll learn ways to make such a great impression that your customers will be eager to return.

This course is filled with tips and tricks from some of the Philippines’ top caterers and chefs.

By the end of it, you’ll be ready to handle big events, lead a great team, and have the know-how to expand your catering business.

Who will be teaching Catering 101?

We were on the lookout for caterers who could help us make this class really comprehensive… and we’re lucky that we already have onboard Chef Him Uy De Baron! 

Chef Him is hailed as one of the biggest names in the culinary world, Chef Him runs various restaurants all over the Philippines and is one of the instructors inside The Bailiwick Academy since 2022.

Check out the preview of this class here:

But it’s not just Chef Him. Meet the others:

• Beejay Tantoco, who runs his family catering business Tantoco’s Catering (established in 1994) where they close government accounts, serve celebrities, and entered popular food markets like Mercato and Bancheto.
• Chef Kalel Chan, a corporate chef of Raintree Restaurants which operates 10 restaurants — Farmer’s table, Saboten, Cha Cha’s Boracay, The Coconut Club, Izakaya Sensu, My Country House, Jones All Day, and so much more. He’s famous for The Original Ube Champorado!
• Aileen Ferrer, a Bailiwicker, our community manager of the TBA Student Lounge, and a businesswoman who runs “Unwrapped – Flowers, Hampers and Events” — a flourishing floral and event styling company that works with corporate clients, weddings, and various events.
• Michelle Lazaro, another Bailiwicker who runs Balai Calamba, a catering business based in Laguna. She also owns two commercial kitchens strategically located in Las Piñas and Laguna. She has catered for corporate events of Hyundai, Chery, and Foton.
• We also have a mystery chef! He has been in the food business for almost 20 years. His experience includes working for Nestle as a Regional Chef Consultant, running a Catering Business since 2004, and starting a new food business last 2022. You’ll find out who he is when you join the program!

How Catering 101 Will Go

Catering 101 starts on January 28, 2024, and will be broken up into six strategic modules to help you succeed in catering.

Week 1: Laying the Foundations For a Successful Catering Success

This week, you’ll dive into the essentials of starting a catering business. This includes understanding the market, the diverse roles in catering, and what initial capital you’ll need. You’ll also learn about building a strong team, crucial for a successful operation.

• Discover the catering market opportunities, especially in the Philippine context.
• Learn directly from industry experts about starting a catering business, covering everything from capital needs to logistics.
• Understand the various roles you’ll play, from chef to business strategist.
• Get a detailed breakdown of initial capital requirements for budget planning.
• Learn how to assemble a strong team, including roles like event managers and chefs.
• Gain real-world insights from successful caterers on launching and growing your business in the Philippines.
• Balance your passion for food with the skills needed for running a successful business.

Week #2: Crafting a Unique Brand that Makes Sales and Marketing Simple

Week 2 focuses on branding, sales, and marketing in the catering industry. You’ll learn how to differentiate your business in a competitive market and make an impact.

• Understand the different catering types and their unique needs.
• Learn how to evaluate your competition and identify your unique selling points.
• Gain insights from real-life examples on effective brand positioning.
• Learn how to engage potential clients with compelling sales pitches.
• Create a targeted marketing plan and schedule.
• Learn the steps for testing your business concept before a full-scale launch.
• Understand the importance of maintaining good relationships in corporate catering.

Week #3: Create Irresistible Menus and Aesthetically-Pleasing Meals Like a Catering Pro

In Week 3, you’ll delve into menu planning and food presentation, learning how to create menus that are both delicious and practical for catering.

• Explore various menu styles and learn how to select the best for different events.
• Learn recipe selection that’s both tasty and catering-friendly.
• Understand the challenges of catering food, including logistics and quality maintenance.
• Acquire skills in food presentation to enhance event dining experiences.
• Learn essential food safety practices.
• Manage supplies effectively and build strong supplier relationships.
• Get advice on setting up an efficient off-site kitchen.

Week #4: Costing and Pricing Best Practices to Maximize Profits

This week is all about the financial side of catering, focusing on recipe costing, pricing strategies, and understanding overhead costs.

• Learn to cost recipes accurately and understand their financial impact.
• Develop effective pricing strategies that reflect your service’s value.
• Understand the overhead costs involved in catering.
• Design profitable and appealing menus.
• Develop financial management skills for long-term success.
• Balance cost-effectiveness with high-quality offerings.
• Adapt pricing strategies to market dynamics and customer expectations.

Week #5: Master the Essentials of Booking, Service, and Crisis Management

The fifth week covers the practical aspects of managing catering events, from booking to service standards and crisis management.

• Learn the comprehensive process of booking events.
• Master creating a BEO for outlining event details.
• Develop a culture of excellent service in your team.
• Handle crises and difficult clients professionally.
• Follow up with clients post-event for feedback and repeat business.
• Use successful events as marketing tools while respecting client privacy.

Week #6: The Essentials of Table Styling for Every Occasion

In the final week, you’ll learn the art of table styling, ensuring your setups are as memorable as your food.

• Learn to set up buffet and dining tables for various events.
• Choose the right serving and dinnerware to enhance the dining experience.
• Discover flower arrangement tips for stunning table displays.
• Customize table setups for different themes.
• Receive step-by-step instructions for flawless table presentations.

By the end of these six weeks, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of starting and running a successful catering business, equipped with practical skills and insider knowledge!

How To Enroll In Catering 101

It’s easy! All you have to do is sign up at The Bailiwick Academy then go over to the Catering 101 Page. Enroll, and then make sure to block off January 28, 2024, as that’s the first day of class!

Final Thoughts About How To Succeed in Catering in 2024

Looking ahead to 2024, it’s clear that there’s a big chance for success in the catering business. With more companies holding events, lots of weddings, and Filipinos loving big celebrations, there’s plenty of work for caterers.

To really do well in catering, you need to mix your love for cooking with smart business skills. That’s where our Catering 101 course at The Bailiwick Academy comes in. It teaches you everything from understanding what customers want to making your catering stand out, to handling money matters.

You’ll learn from experts like Chef Him Uy De Baron, who know all about making great food and running a successful business. They’ll share their secrets on how to make your catering unforgettable and how to handle any tough situations that come up.

Don’t miss this opportunity to turn your passion into a profitable venture! Become one of the Bailiwickers trained by successful food business owners on how to launch a catering business in 2024. 

Join Catering 101 today. See you inside!

— 

Keep coming back to The Bailiwick Academy blog for more baking and cooking tips, kitchen tricks, and much more!

The post How To Succeed in Catering in 2024 appeared first on Online Baking and Cooking Classes - The Bailiwick Academy.

Keep on reading as I walk you through these key processes to get your home-based catering business off the ground.

1st Step For Starting A Catering Business: Conduct Thorough Market Research

The first step in starting your catering business is to really get to know your market. This includes doing the following:

• Figuring out who would want your catering services and what kind of food they like. Are people in your area into fancy wedding banquets, or do they prefer casual birthday parties, or is there a demand for vegan and/or gluten-free menus? 
• Think about the prices people are willing to pay and what times of the year get really busy with events. This part of the job might involve some online research, talking to people, and maybe even checking out different types of events to see what’s popular. Getting this step right sets you up to create a business that really fits into your community and stands out from the competition.

Understanding what people around you want and what other catering businesses are offering (or not offering) can help you find your own special spot in the catering world.

What happens if you skip market research?

Not doing market research when you start your catering business is like trying to hit a target while blindfolded. This means you might make a menu that doesn’t fit what people in your area are looking for. For example, you could end up offering fancy, expensive dishes in a place where people prefer simple, affordable food, or the other way around.

Also, you might set your prices too high and scare customers away, or too low and not make enough money. Plus, you could miss out on finding a special service or dish that nobody else is offering to any potential client. In short, skipping market research can lead to making bad choices for your business, wasting time and money, and having a hard time getting and keeping customers.

2nd Step For Starting A Catering Business: Develop a Solid Business Plan

After you’ve got a good handle on the market, the next big step is to make a solid business plan. Make sure it includes the following:

• How much you’ll charge for your services, who you want to cater to (like weddings, parties, or corporate events), and how you’ll let people know about your business.
• How much it’ll cost to start your business, keep it running, and make a profit.

Having a clear business plan helps you stay focused and organized. Plus, if you ever need to make business loans or get investors, it’s ideal to have a plan that shows how making an investment in you is a good idea!

What if you start running your business without a plan?

Sure, you can start your catering business without a plan, but there’s a good chance things won’t turn out right. Without a business plan, you might experience these:

• Spending money too fast
• Finding yourself in situations where you’re not prepared, like a big event that you don’t have enough staff or supplies for.
• A hard time tracking goals and progress—you might not know if you’re making enough money to cover your costs or if you’re charging the right prices. 

In short, without a plan as a basis or something to fall back on, you’re going to make things riskier and stressful for yourself.

3rd Step For Starting A Catering Business: Get the Necessary Licensing and Permits

This particular step is important because you want to be a legitimate and legal business entity, even if you’re just operating out of your own kitchen space. That means making sure you have all the right licenses and permits. Depending on where you live, you’ll need different kinds of permits, like a food handler’s license, a health department permit, and maybe a general business license. 

Getting these licenses might seem like a lot of paperwork and maybe a bit of a hassle, especially when you just want to start a catering business in the Philippines, but trust me. It’s worth it for your own peace of mind and for customers to trust that they’re eating food that’s safe and prepared in a clean environment.

What are the consequences of skipping this step?

If you don’t go through the proper steps and channels, you could get into legal trouble, which can mean fines or even having to shut down your business. Additionally, operating without the necessary permits can damage your reputation. If word gets out that you’re not properly licensed, it can be really hard to build trust with potential clients and make it difficult for your catering operation to grow and succeed.

4th Step For Starting A Catering Business: Create a Memorable Brand and Marketing Strategy

A good marketing strategy gets your name out there and brings in customers. Do the following to accomplish this:

• Think about what makes your cooking or your service special and use that to build your brand. 
• Your brand is what makes you different from all the other catering companies out there, so make sure it’s memorable—come up with a catchy name, a logo, and even a unique color scheme.
• Don’t just stop at having a brand—you need to let people know about it via a marketing strategy. You can use social media, like Facebook or Instagram, to show off your food and tell people about your services. 
• You could also make a website, hand out flyers at events, or team up with local event planners. 

What if you don’t take the time to make a brand and strategize your marketing?

If you don’t invest time in building your brand or your marketing strategy, you’ll struggle to stand out in the competitive catering industry, making it hard to attract and retain customers. Without a way to spread the word about your services, many potential clients won’t even know your business exists. This lack of visibility can lead to fewer bookings and limited growth opportunities. 

5th Step For Starting A Catering Business: Plan Your Menu Carefully

Since you are running a food business, it’s super important to think about what types of food you’re going to offer. Here are some things to keep in mind.

• Your menu is like your business card—it shows off what you can do. Make sure it has a good mix of different kinds of dishes so you can please all sorts of customers. 
• As mentioned above, include things for people who might be vegetarian, or who don’t eat gluten, so everyone has something they can enjoy. 
• Think about how much the ingredients cost and how long each dish takes to make. You want a menu that’s not just tasty but also doesn’t cost too much to make or take too long to prepare.

Can’t I just offer whatever food people look for?

There’s always the temptation to offer a wide range of foods that people are looking for, but it’s not always the best idea. Why?

• If you try to make too many different kinds of food, you might need lots of different ingredients and a lot of time to prepare everything. You’ll end up overexerting yourself which can affect the quality of your service and your food.
• As Chef Joey Prats says in this feature, it’s better to focus on a few things. This way, you can make sure the quality is always top-notch, and you won’t get overwhelmed. Plus, having a speciality can make your catering business stand out from others.

6th Step For Starting A Catering Business: Invest in Quality Equipment and Supplies

The sixth step is to make sure you have the right tools and supplies for your catering operations. This means:

• Getting things like reliable stoves, sharp knives, and sturdy pots, pans, and chafing dishes. 
• Think about what you need for serving the food, like trays, dishes, and utensils. 
• Note that it’s worth spending a bit more on these because they’ll help you cook better and faster, and they’ll last longer.
• Find some trustworthy suppliers who can give you fresh and high-quality ingredients. Having good supplies means your food will taste better, and that’s what will make your customers happy. 

Can’t I save up by just spending on less-than-quality equipment?

You might think you’re saving money upfront by buying cheaper, lower-quality equipment, but it can actually cost you more in the long run: 

• Low-quality equipment often breaks down more easily and doesn’t perform as well.
• You might end up with food that’s not cooked properly or you could face delays in your service as your business grows. 
• This can disappoint your customers and hurt your business’s reputation. 
• You’ll also likely have to replace or repair cheap equipment more often, which adds up over time. 

Investing in good-quality equipment is a smarter move because it’s more reliable, lasts longer, and helps you maintain a high standard of service.

7th Step For Starting A Catering Business: Hire and Train a Skilled Team

If you want your catering business to last, you’ll have to admit to yourself that you’ll need a team. Even if you’re great at cooking, you can’t do everything alone, especially as more orders come in. You’ll need chefs, servers, and maybe even a person to help with cleaning or deliveries. 

Look for people who are not only good at their jobs but also friendly and professional because they represent your business. Once you’ve got your team, it’s important to train them well. Make sure they know how to prepare and serve food the way you want, and that they understand the importance of customer service.

Is hiring and training a team really necessary?

Like I said earlier, you can’t do everything yourself. A well-trained team can make a huge difference in how smoothly your events go and how happy your customers are. They can help you handle bigger jobs and make sure everything runs on time. 

Plus, having a team allows you to focus on the parts of the business where you excel, like creating menus or networking with clients, while they handle the day-to-day tasks. It also means you can take on more events and grow your business faster. 

Final Thoughts

Starting a catering business, especially from home, is an exciting journey filled with opportunities and challenges. But by following these seven steps, you’ll be well on your way to launching a successful catering business in 2024.

Of course, I’d want to help make you even more successful. That’s why you should watch for my next blog post, where I’ll talk about simple hacks to get more business and referrals as a startup catering business. These tips will be invaluable in expanding your client base and enhancing your brand’s reach.

Stay tuned! And while you’re here, don’t forget to sign up at The Bailiwick Academy to access courses that will inspire and expand your future catering menu options!

— 
Keep coming back to The Bailiwick Academy blog for more baking and cooking tips, kitchen tricks, and much more!

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Well, I’m not going to lie to you; it can be very scary to think about, but it’s also totally possible! And in this blog, we’re going to explore the idea of starting a catering business from home. 

Let’s dive in and find out how you can make this home-based catering business happen!

Who is a home-based catering business for?

If you have a passion for cooking and enjoy making others feel welcome, then starting a catering business from your home might be the perfect fit for you. This business model is especially great for stay-at-home parents who are looking to balance family life with a fulfilling career, aspiring chefs eager to showcase their culinary talents, or anyone wanting to move away from the regular 9-to-5 routine in favor of something more personally rewarding. 

Keep in mind, though, that it takes a good dose of discipline, strong organizational skills, and a touch of creativity to truly stand out in the busy catering market. But if you’re up for the challenge, this could be an exciting and fulfilling path for you!

Catering Business From Home: More Than Just Being A Good Cook

Starting a catering business takes a lot more than just being good at making tasty food. Here’s a look at some things you need to consider when starting out to make your home-based catering business a success.

Know Who You Want To Serve

First things first, you need to figure out who wants to eat your food. Do you want to cook for birthday parties, weddings, and other special occasions, or small get-togethers and celebrations that call for food? Knowing your wanted target market helps you decide what kind of food to make and how to advertise your business.

Learn The Business Side

When you decide to run a home business, you won’t just be a home cook. You’ll have to think of yourself now as an actual business owner, like a restaurant owner or a food truck owner. You’ll now have to think about your menu, your menu pricing, how to keep track of your money, and different marketing strategies to let people know about your business. 

Stay Safe And Legal

With this business model, making sure your food is safe to eat is super important. You’ll need to know and follow the rules about food safety and maybe get your kitchen checked out by the health department and get the necessary health permit. This keeps you and your customers safe.

Oh and of course, you’ll have to get a business license to keep things legal.

The Work Catering Business At Home Entails

Now that we’ve gotten some of the planning out of the way, the next step is looking at some aspects of the day-to-day work it entails. In no particular order, here are some to keep in mind.

Menu Planning, Food Preparation, and Presentation

A significant part of your day will be spent on menu planning. This can get complicated because you’ll have to create a cohesive menu that appeals to your clients, fits their event theme, and works within their budget. And once the menu is set, there’s the food preparation, which involves sourcing fresh ingredients, prepping them, and ensuring each dish is cooked to perfection. 

Let’s not forget presentation—the way the food looks on the plate is just as important as how it tastes. This requires a creative eye and attention to detail.

Customer Service and Marketing

Customer service is key in the catering world. You’ll be communicating with clients, understanding their needs, and ensuring their satisfaction. This could mean answering emails, taking calls, and sometimes dealing with last-minute changes or special requests.

Marketing is another crucial aspect. You will have to manage your business’s social media profiles, update your website, and create content like blogs or videos to engage potential clients. 

Networking, both online and in person, is also part of marketing. Building relationships with Getting to know people who can help your business is a big deal. This could be event planners, other businesses that can help you, or customers who can do word-of-mouth marketing for you to make other people patronize your services and give you more opportunities. 

Administrative Tasks

Administrative tasks include everything from managing bookings and invoices to keeping track of expenses and ensuring you’re compliant with any local business regulations. Good organizational skills are essential here to keep everything running smoothly.

Physical and Mental Demands

It’s important to acknowledge that catering can be physically demanding. You’ll be on your feet for extended periods, sometimes lifting heavy pots or standing over a hot stove for hours. It’s not just a physical challenge but a mental one as well. Each event comes with its own set of intricacies – from special dietary needs to ensuring the timing of each course is spot on.

Planning Your Time

Catering can get busy, especially when you have a lot of orders. You need to be good at planning. This means knowing when to shop for ingredients and to restock your pantry, when to start cooking, and how to get everything ready without rushing at the last minute.

Being Ready for Anything

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Maybe you need to change a menu quickly, some of your food handlers called in sick, an event planner is not being cooperative, or you’ll need to handle a difficult client at an event. Being able to think on your feet and solve problems fast is a big part of catering.

Work Hard AND Smart

Based on the above, we can conclude that like any home-based businesses, a catering business out of your home will take a LOT of work. But that doesn’t mean you have to do it all—that won’t be an efficient use of your time.  Let’s see some ways you can make home catering easier for you.

Make Friends with Efficiency

Think of your kitchen as your command center. Organize it so everything you need is right at your fingertips. Plan your menus to make the most of your ingredients and time to make everything flow smoothly.

Embrace Technology

Think of technology as a helpful friend who’s always there when you need them. Use apps for keeping track of ingredients, social media to show off your delicious dishes, and online tools for all the behind-the-scenes business stuff.

Love Numbers

You may not really like math, but keeping an eye on your finances can actually be fun (really!). Think of it as the scorecard of your business – it tells you how well you’re playing the game. Grow to love numbers, and you’ll be able to set prices that make sense as well as know where your money’s really going. 

Ask For Help When You Need It

Remember, even superheroes have sidekicks. As your business grows, it’s okay to delegate and get help. Maybe it’s someone to serve as an extra pair of hands in the kitchen or someone to do social media for you. It frees you up to focus on what you do best: making amazing food.

Factors To Consider For Running A Food Business Out Of Your Home Successfully

Once you’ve got your home catering business going, the next step is to keep it successful for years to come. Here are some easy-to-follow tips to help you do just that:

Update Your Home Catering Business Plan Regularly

Think of your business plan like a garden – it needs regular care to grow. As things change in your business and the world around you, update your plans. This might mean trying new types of events or changing how you manage your money.

Keep Your Customers Happy

Happy customers are the key to a successful business. Always try to make their experience with you something special. Pay attention to the little things, listen to their needs, and try to give them more than they expect. They’ll likely tell their friends about you, which can bring in more business.

Keep Up with Trends

Stay in the loop with what’s new in catering and food. This could be new food trends, ways of serving, or even tech tools that make your job easier. Being one step ahead can make your business stand out.

Learn and Grow

Keep learning new things about cooking and running a business. You might take a class, go to a workshop, or join a group of other caterers. Growing your skills keeps your business fresh and exciting.

Build a Great Team

If your business gets busy, you might need to hire some help. Take the time to train them well so they understand how you like things done. A good team can help you take on bigger jobs and do even more.

Check Your Prices

Every now and then, take a look at your prices. Make sure they’re fair for your customers but also that you’re making enough money. As things change, like the cost of food, you might need to adjust your prices.

Be Smart with Money

Keep a close eye on your money. Make sure you’re not spending too much and save some for slower times. Being careful with money helps your business stay strong.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your home catering business going strong for a long time.

Final Thoughts About Having A Catering Business Out Of Your Home

So, can you run a catering business from home? The short answer is yes! You just have to be ready to do the work and keep at it. 

Now, you might be thinking, “This sounds like a lot of work, and maybe it’s a bit too much to handle.” Don’t worry, I’ve got your back! 

In our next blog post, we’re going to cover “The 7 Crucial Steps to Starting a Thriving Catering Business in 2024.” These are going to be super helpful. Just focus on them, and you’ll greatly increase your chances of making your business a hit! 

Stay tuned! And in the meantime, sign up at The Bailiwick Academy and start browsing our courses for ideas on what you can add to your future catering menu!

— 
Keep coming back to The Bailiwick Academy blog for more baking and cooking tips, kitchen tricks, and much more!

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