When you are a caterer, it's important to find catering supplies. Finding the necessary items at the proper price and adequate quality can be a challenge. Thankfully, we have many options and it's getting easier all the time. With the proper research, your problem can easily be solved.
Caters need a lot of supplies to perform their job effectively. This is a unique business and requires some special items that no other entrepreneur will ever need. Additionally, the work space will change based on the job. One day you might be serving a luncheon for a group of business men on a high floor in an office building. Another day you might be serving a multi-course dinner for a wedding. You could be planning an outdoor event at a local park for a group of seniors.
Being flexible and versatile is all part of this service. While adapting to the ever changing settings, you also need to provide excellent food. This food needs to be kept at the proper temperature, whether hot or cold. The food needs to be presented well and look delicious. You want to make their mouth water before they even touch it.
The supplies you need are broken into many segments. First, you need the general business items. For example, business cards, invoice slips, and everything you see in a basic office from paper clips to a computer. Presenting yourself as a professional caterer is not possible without a home base office. Other supplies include a fax machine, business phone line, and be sure to hire someone to put up a website. You can't do business today without a solid presence on the internet. Many potential customers will look for you there. You should also hire a graphic designer to create a catchy logo. Keep in mind that this logo will represent you for years and you need to love it. Also, be sure the logo looks OK in black and white as well as in full color.
Food is the heart of your business. Do your homework and find the best places in your town to secure your food requirements. You will need a good butcher who can supply you with good meat at a great price. Be sure to inquire about quantity discounts. Do you have a farmers market in your area? Visit and make some friends. Available fruit and vegetables will vary by season and it's very important that you learn how the rotation works. You will also need a backup plan for securing out of season items. The vendors may have some ideas for you. Spices and seasonings are also detrimental. You can't make great dishes without the proper spice. Invest in great flavors.
Next you will need preparation items. Obviously, this will vary by job requirement. Ever caterer requires good pots and pans, sharp knifes, bowls for mixing, measuring cups and spoons, and storage containers. Invest in a quality, electric mixer. Most caterers are also very skilled at baking. Be sure to buy some high quality baking pans for this reason. It's so very important that you have a well equipped kitchen.
The proper transporting and serving items is just as vital. After you have crafted the meal, you need to load it into whatever vessel you will use to bring it to the site. Some of those containers might double as a serving dish or you might have to use a separate display pan. You may need to reheat the food onsite. It's important to plan for this. Often you need butane heaters to keep the food warm. Access to ice is important for the beverages. Sometimes you need to keep food cool and ice is the only way to do this. Be sure to inquire about ice before you arrive since transporting it for a long way can be difficult or impossible. Be sure to include serving items if the site requires it. They may be relying on you to bring plates, napkins, and utensils. Be sure to have those conversations and you are on the same page with your client. It would be very embarrassing to show up with great food and no way for the guests to eat it.
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