Starting A Catering Business

1.If you are the type of person who has a flair for entertaining and feeding people, why not turn those skills into a business opportunity?

2.Catering businesses are becoming increasingly popular in South Africa based on the fact that they are simple to set up and can be highly profitable.

3.Life events are inevitable: whether is a wedding, birthday, corporate event or funerals,catering and food service is the heart and soul of any function.

So what are the ingredients you need to to get into the catering business market? We have put together some tips and advice to help you on your catering and food service business journey.

1.Conduct Market research

2.Find your speciality

3.Choose your menu and services offered

4.Find an appropriate location

5.Purchase catering equipment and food service products

6.Find a safe place to store your equipment and goods and where you can operate from

7.Hiring and training of staff

8.Advertising and Marketing

9.Maintenance and service of equipment

The equipment you require depends entirely on the size of production of your catering and food service business. You may also need to take into consideration energy use and consumption and efficiency.

Food Preparation

Boiling Tables

These are strong, sturdy stand cookers which connect to a gas cylinder. They are suitable for large scale cooking as they are suitable for a large variety of pot sizes. They are available in 1,2,3,4 burners, with the option of low or high pressure burners.

Gas Cylinder

Gas Cylinders are vital for large scale cooking. Gas cooking is faster, cheaper and best suitable for bulk cooking.You may require a few to get started, depending on the equipment you purchase and your production rate.

Fryers

A deep fat fryer is essential to any catering business. One is able to deep fry large quantities of chips, vetkoek, doughnuts, savouries, the list is quite endless. Since each fryer has a thermostat, controlled temperature will ensure even frying and cooking, much faster whilst ensuring it is done in the safest possible way. Our fryers are available in:

Table Models:

1 x5 litre- Single Gas /Electric

2x 5litre- Double Gas/Electric

Floor Models

1x20 litre - Single Gas/Electric

2x10 litre or 2 x 20 litre - Double Gas/Electric

Potato Peelers

These are perfect for large scale potato peeling. Peeling potatoes is a task that leaves blisters on hands, takes up precious time and use of extra labour. An electric potato peeler will cut your preparation time and ensure less wastage and consistent results each time. These super peelers can peel from 8kg potatoes in under 5 minutes! They're available in different capacities,starting from 8kg.

Vegetable choppers and dicers

These are specialized machines which chop your vegetables in record time, available in manual and electric. Electric vegetable choppers and dicers are both fast and efficient. These use a sharp blade to precisely chop and dice your vegetables, chips, cheese and fruit to desired sizes and thicknesses.

Potato Chip Cutters

These are small machines which uses a blade to cut your potatoes into perfectly formed fries. They are also available in electric or manual types.Your potatoes need to be peeled and soaked prior to use. These are more suitable for smaller scale food production.

Food Service

Tents

Tents are the core of a hiring business. Caterquip offers you tents suitable for all occasions.

-A stretch tent is versatile and can be pitched and pulled over any space, leaving an elegant and whimsical atmosphere,suitable for smaller events.

-Frame Tents are free standing tents with no center poles or ropes, making it is ideal for storage. Frame tents are spacious and is ideal for sit down or buffet style events and are a good lasting option for all functions. Frame tents are also available as a clear(see through) tent. This makes it ideal for a night occasion, under the stars or for a beautiful view on a sunny day.

-Pegand pole tents are supported by pegs, side and centre poles (which are hammered into the ground) , and are the main types of tents that have been used traditionally for many years. They are made of heavy duty PVC and are spaciousand can accommodate a large number of guests.

-Pagoda tents are a freestanding tent that has a pyramid type roof. The are extremely versatile and can be joined together. They are suitable for smaller type events.

You can choose tents to invest in based on your budget, hosting capacity and business needs.

Uniform

In the Hospitality Industry, waitron and chef uniform is very important. During food preparation and service, you require hair nets, gloves, aprons to ensure health and safety standards are met. Waitron uniform is important as it leaves an impression of professionalism. They will require special black aprons during service of food and drinks.

Tables

Tables Are indispensable to a catering and food service business. Tressel Tables and Round tables may be utilized, based on the function. Rectangular folding tables are essential for serving food buffet style, or setting up place settings for a function. Round tables are better suited for formal occasions to seat guests,such as a wedding reception.

Chairs

The types of chairs used will depend on the function. Black plastic chairs are the most popular for use in all functions, with chair covers being used to enhance their appearance .For special occasions, people feel obligated to spend more and investing in Tiffany, Wimbledon and Phoenix chairs (which are the latest inevent fashion) and can make your event stand out from the rest, whilst being profitable.

TableCloths, Runners, Chair Covers, Draping and Centerpieces

Your choice of decor will depend on your customers choice of colour scheme, the event itself and your service style.Choose from our range of table cloths,runners and chair covers, draping and centerpieces to wow your guests. The decor and set up at a function has to be as tasteful as the food served. Photos of your exquisite decorations can be added to your portfolio and used to market and promote your business.

Water Boiler/ Urns

These are basically large kettles that both boil water and keep them hot for an extended period of time. They are important for functions as it saves time and makes access to boiling water during a function or during food preparation much easier. They are available in a variety of sizes:10 litre,20 litre, 30 and 40 litre, depending on your needs.

Chafing Dishes

Chafing Dishes are one of the most utilized service equipment item. They keep your cooked food warm during service, especially buffet service. They work with special gel burners which keep food warm, and will need to be replaced when it's finished. They're also available in electric where an element is used and you are able to set a desired temperature.

Bain Marie

This is a special food warmer that uses hot water to keep your food warm. Bain Maries ensure even warming of food and keeps food warm for longer. It is a great investment for long functions, such as cocktail events where food is required to be warm for a longer period.

Crockery

White dinner plates, soup plates, side plates, cups and sauces are your standard in the catering industry. Under plates elevates your place settings and make for a more elegant look. If you are hosting an A'La Carte event (food is served to guests at their tables), you require serving bowls and platters for each dish served. A buffet style service will require all crockery to be displayed at theserving station. It is important to match your menu to the crockery required for an event.

Cutlery

Correct silverware is important when setting a table. Forks, knives, spoons and dishing spoons are some of the basic silverware you require. You may also need soup spoons, fish knives and forks, steak knives, depending on the menu being served.Correct sterilisation and storage of cutlery is important to ensure that it remains in good condition for longer.

Glassware

Drinks are served at every special occasion. Glass jugs and Hi Ball glasses are your most common beverage service requirements. If you are serving alcoholic beverages, wine, champagne, cocktail, beer and whiskey glasses may be required.Correct cleaning and proper storage is required for glassware.

Mobility Crates

To safely move your crockery, cutlery and glassware to the event venue and for correct storage, you need mobility crates. These will minimize unnecessary damage to your crockery and cutlery.

To View Our Amazing Range Of Catering Equipment Click Here.