If you are thinking about starting a catering business, there are a few basic things you’ll need. These include dishwashing and ice machines, tables and serving trays, countertop warmers and display cases, and chafing dishes.
Tables
If you’re considering a catering business, there are a few basic items that you’ll want to have on hand. These can be purchased or rented in bulk. It’s a good idea to keep a few folding tables on hand, so you’re prepared for those last-minute requests.
While you’re at it, you may also want to consider a small refrigerator for keeping food cool. You’ll also need to purchase some janitorial supplies.
One of the best ways to display your menu is to display it on a nice, decorative platter. This makes the food look more appealing and will also help your guests find what they’re looking for.
Another essential piece of equipment is the beverage dispenser. A beverage dispenser is perfect for serving drinks, and insulated ones maintain a consistent temperature throughout the event.
For instance, you can buy a single tier catering table in many different finishes, or rent one from a vendor. Some companies even offer bulk discounts for regular customers with a catering license.
Other helpful items to have on hand include a variety of tableware, including the requisite dinner plates and salad plates. These are ideal for lunches and smaller dishes, while the large ones are best for main courses.
If you’re planning on offering full service catering, you’ll probably need a few of the above items, including a commercial induction range, chafing dishes, and food pans. Plus, you’ll likely need some commercial mixers and utensils for preparing the food.
Serving trays
Serving trays are a staple piece of equipment for a catering business. They help keep food hot and fresh while providing a clean look. These trays come in various sizes and designs.
If you’re planning a large, elaborate event, you’ll want to invest in a number of serving trays. You should also consider buying an insulated beverage dispenser, which will help maintain a consistent temperature while you serve beverages.
Depending on your business model, you may need other types of supplies. For instance, you can purchase a full-service catering package, which includes plates, utensils, and serving dishes. However, you’ll need to find a local wholesale club to buy these items.
If you’re a caterer, you’ll need to know how to cook a wide variety of foods. For instance, you’ll need to purchase commercial ovens and mixers if you’re preparing meals in a client’s home. In addition, you’ll need to stock up on hand sanitizer and tin foil to prevent food from catching on fire.
Aside from the equipment you’ll need to operate your business, you’ll need to plan for transportation. If you’re a full-service caterer, you’ll need a van or truck to carry your equipment to and from events.
You’ll also need trash bags. The right number will keep your tables and decorations tidy. It’s also a good idea to keep a few disposable containers on hand for leftovers.
Lastly, you’ll need to find a place to store your supplies. This may be a permanent storefront or a rental space.
Dishwashing equipment
Having the right equipment is important. If you have no idea what is a pass through dishwasher, check out MVO Catering solutions and save yourself tons of effort and time from washing dishes. Not only should it be functional but also aesthetically pleasing. A kitchen with enough room to work in and out of is a must. A portable kitchen can keep food warm until it’s time to serve. This is an important aspect of starting a catering business.
Aside from the kitchen, you’ll also need a decent insurance plan. To make sure you aren’t left on the hook you can opt for an indemnification package. The last thing you want is to be robbed of your hard earned money. Fortunately, most insurance companies are pretty tolerant of these types of situations. You should also be aware of the fine print before signing on the dotted line. There is one big caveat: you could end up paying more than your small business budget allows.
Aside from a nifty little machine, you’ll need a reliable crew with a commercial driver’s license. Thankfully, most insurance companies will provide you with a free or low cost one-time consultation to ensure you have nothing to worry about. With a little planning you can start a catering company that’ll be around for a long time. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to create a catering guide.
Ice machines
If you are in the food service business, then you know that you need ice machines. These devices can produce flaked or nugget shaped ice. Whether you are running a restaurant, hotel, or hospital, you need to have enough ice to keep your beverages cold and fresh.
To calculate how much ice you need to make, you should first consider the number of guests you expect each day. A restaurant that serves 250 people per day will need 450 pounds of ice.
Several factors influence ice machine output. Most ice makers will shut off automatically when the height reaches a pre-determined level.
Several ice makers offer internal storage spaces. Some of these include bins. Others are self-contained dispensers. You can also find models that use water filtration to help remove scale and chloramine.
One of the most important factors in choosing the right ice machine is the amount of ice you will need to meet your needs. There are several types of ice machines and they all vary in size and production.
While a commercial ice maker can be a costly piece of equipment, it is one of the most important. Proper maintenance and cleaning will help to ensure a long lifespan.
When you buy a new ice machine, you need to be sure it meets all health code requirements. Many ice machines are designed with this in mind. They are manufactured to meet a certain number of cubic feet of ice production per hour. This means that you will not overproduce the ice.
Countertop warmers and display cases
For a variety of foodservice businesses, countertop warmers and display cases help keep dishes warm and tasty. They also enhance the serving line and increase visibility of menus. With a wide range of features and sizes to choose from, there is a display case to suit your needs.
A countertop pastry display case keeps baked goods fresh and prevents contamination. These units are ideal for coffee shops, bakeries, and other establishments where a clean environment is essential. The cases are closed to prevent countless hands from touching the baked items.
Countertop food warmers use indirect wet heating to maintain the temperature of a large number of pans. They are available in round or rectangular shapes and can hold full-sized pans or fractional pans. Some units even come with undershelves to store serving utensils.
Display warmers are usually multi-shelved and provide an attractive presentation of menus. Many models feature rolltop lids to keep contaminants off the food. Other models have sneeze guards and top lights to enhance visibility.
Hot food merchandisers are another popular option. This equipment offers the best way to present pre-plated foods and boxed-to-go orders. It can be used to display a variety of pre-packaged food items from pizzas to hot dogs. Depending on your restaurant’s needs, you can choose between a countertop unit or a floor-standing model.
Food warming shelves are an economical and convenient solution for holding hot foods. Available in a wide range of widths and finishes, these units will enhance your visibility and help you maximize customer traffic.
Chafing dishes
If you want to run a catering business, you need to have the right equipment. One of the most essential pieces of equipment is a chafing dish. It is an important piece of catering equipment because it keeps food warm. This helps keep it from drying out, and it also prevents it from getting too hot. Chafing dishes come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and materials. You can find a chafing dish in stainless steel, matte or shiny finishes, or gold or brass trim.
You will also need to have serving trays, serving spoons, and serving spatulas. These trays are useful for carrying plates to the table. They can be designed in a variety of styles, and some are even made for holding large bouquets.
There are also special units for soups, coffee, or other drinks. Some are even covered, so insects and other animals won’t be able to get to your food.
Most chafers are stainless steel. But you can find them in different colors, including copper and gold, as well as satin or chrome finishes. And there are several styles, such as oval, square, and round.
A full-sized chafing dish has an 8-quart capacity. While half-sized chafing dishes have a 4- to 5-quart capacity. Smaller serving trays are used for quick grab-and-go items.
You will also need a lighter. Lighters are often forgotten, but they are crucial for lighting your chafing dishes.