Starting a new catering business is an exciting prospect, filled with potential and hopes of success. However, there are also a myriad of details that need to be attended to before the business is able to be truly successful.
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Below are just a few of the things that need to be done in order to be successful:
Register with the local health services
The government states that any new catering business that opens must register with the health service authority that are run by the local government within 28 days of opening.
The reason why this rule exists is to ensure that the standards of health and safety that are set to protect the consumer remain enforced, and that every business is able to be checked for compliance with the health code.
Additional registrations that might need to be made include a liquor license or a self-employment form.
Maintain strong food health standards
There are many different standards that need to be followed in order for food to be kept safe to serve. Cold foods must be kept below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and hot foods must be kept above 140 degrees Fahrenheit in order to not develop bacterial growth.
All employees should wash their hands before handling foods. Knives and other utensils should never be cross-contaminated. Develop a solid plan that can easily be explained to every employee to ensure compliance across the board.
Be careful with menus
Menus for catering must describe the food accurately, including any information about whether or not there are allergens in the food, if a dish contains meat, and if a dish is “homemade” or “fresh.” All of the descriptions must be correct, or else a person will be misled.
Any pictures included on the menu must accurately depict what the food is going to look like within the boundaries of what natural food looks like, as opposed to food that has been styled.
Make sure the equipment is up to the job
Making sure you have all the equipment cleaned and available for a big party is essential. You can’t cater to anyone if you don’t have the equipment. Also, make sure the area that you are preparing the food is adequate for the undertaking.
This involves checking the ceiling to make sure that it is not crumbling and liable to fall into the food, that all of the windows are able to be opened and accessed in the case that a fire breaks out, and that the floors are easy to clean.
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Set up a waste removal system
Setting up a schedule for when trashcans should be emptied will prevent trash from building up and becoming a health hazard. It is also important to have a designated place in which waste can be stored.
A clean kitchen is the sign of a good cook, and an organized kitchen is the sign of a great food service company.
Starting any business can be a little bit daunting but starting you own catering business can bring on a whole different set of issues. Make sure you have checked all these points and you at least have the basics down before starting.
With these helpful tips, your new catering business will be well on its way to serving up some great dishes in style and class.
Meghan Belnap
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