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Catering/Personal Chef

A caterer using a small commercial kitchen

Working as a caterer or personal chef requires excellent cooking skills. A caterer works during events cooking food for the guests. Caterers usually have weeks, if not months, to plan the event menu.

 
On the other hand, a personal chef usually works full or part-time in a home or business.

What You Will Need to Get Started
   How Much Can I Make?
  
  • A degree or formal training in culinary arts is not necessary, but can be helpful. If you are interested in cooking school there are many to choose from. Start looking for the right school here:  
2.      Cooking Schools
3.      Culinary Ed
  • In order to cook food for other people as a profession, you will need a food service or preparation permit.  Apply for the permit with your local government.
  • You should talk with a lawyer about setting up a legal business entity, such as an LLC, S-Corp, Inc., etc.  You should also have a lawyer review your contracts.
  • If you are catering, you will need a kitchen you are comfortable working in. Make sure your kitchen is fully stocked with utensils, pots, pans, etc. You can order catering supplies online.
  • As a caterer, you will be making food and setting up the event.  Sometimes, you will have to setup the tables, chairs, silverware, centerpieces, and more.
  • If you want to start catering, you should network with venues in your area that hold events (banquet halls, convention center, etc). See if they are willing to refer clients to you. Many times, these places will have ad boards where you can advertise your services.
  • To get business as a Personal Chef, you can start by cooking private dinners for your friends and family.  Holidays, such as Valentine’s Day, are the perfect opportunity to get lots of business.
  • To build a reputation for yourself, you can sell dinners to your neighbors, church members, friends, etc. This will give people an opportunity to taste your food.

 

  • The amount that a caterer charges will vary greatly depending on the location, size of the party, and items on the menu. Most caterers charge per person. For example, if you cook for 50 people and charge $20 per person, you will make $1,000. Items can also be priced per piece. Check to see what caterers in your area are charging and set your prices to compete with theirs.
  • Most personal chefs working full time for one client can make anywhere from $30,000 to $60,000 per year. This is a wide range and will change depending on your location, skills, and years of experience.

 

 

 

3
Average: 3 (1 vote)
Your rating: None
There's no greater challenge the being a catering company director. So many moving pieces, so many people depended upon you to make them happy. It's insanely difficult. First step, making sure you have the appropriate catering supplies company - from there, it's all about project management.
Posted by josephwicker on Feb. 27, 2012 12:32 pm.
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