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expansion, not the other way around and spending $50,000-$100,000 improving someone else's property did not fit into that model. If we were going to build a commercial kitchen, we wanted it to come with us wherever we went.

Enter our mobile gourmet kitchen. We designed and built a fully Health Department approved gourmet kitchen that can rival the set-up of many top restaurants. Not only can we cook on-site at large special events, our unit will plug in anywhere that has a 220 outlet and will perform our day-to-day tasks with ease. It has it's own generator that can run for 36 hours on a tank of gas; it's own fresh and waste water tanks, as well as all the bells and whistles.

We have since rented an industrial space that can house not only our trailer, but all of our supplies and decorations.

WHAT TO DO?

Before you pour your heart and soul into a catering company, plan for what type of catering you would like to do. When we first began, we did whatever came our way. Corporate lunches, special events, festivals, and weddings. As time went by, we became far more specialized.

Here are just a few of the many options available:

Weddings:

Needless to say, we no longer do weddings. As much glamor and perceived income they appear to generate, in many cases, the pitfalls and challenges far outweigh the rewards. Although we live near a large metropolis, our little burg is fairly - how do I say it - "thrifty". The cost of an average wedding in the United States is $28,800 with the reception taking up close to 50% of that total. In our area, our average wedding budget is between $5,000-$10,000 with a guest list averaging around 150. That leaves very little for the reception.
Weddings require a great deal of time, planning, staff and patience. Unless you are in a very exclusive area and you are blessed with wealthy connections, you may want to look at other income options.

Festivals and Special Venues:

These options can be extremely fun and lucrative. Most areas sponsor festivals or fairs that center around local unique offerings - such as the Oyster Festival in Maryland or the Garlic Festival in California. If you produce a local specialty, participating in these events can be rewarding. Although you have a great deal of competition from other vendors, you also have a steady target market. As long as your offering is good and you have the stamina to work straight through the weekend, then you have a viable option.

Other great avenues are special venues such as; Motocross Events, Sport Leagues, Horse Shows, Craft Fairs, Antique Marts, etc., etc. Every area has their special event that draws the crowds. Obviously, the attendance fees will vary depending on the popularity of the event. Always start small and work your way up.

Corporate:

Nowadays there is a substantial business in daily breakfast, lunch and snack service to corporate offices, as well as to doctor's offices. If you prefer to have a more steady income with regular business hours, this is something to look into.

As with anything else, you may end up doing a combination of many different things. Try to discover what your core business will be and spread out from there.

LET'S GET GOING!

Here's a little checklist for you to research before you plunk out a single dime:

1. What are your local Health Department regulations?
2. What are your proposed location's zoning regulations?
3. Do you have any other boards or associations that could limit your operation?
4. What type of catering would you like to do?
5. How many hours a week would you like to work?
6. How much help do you have?
7. Where will you get the funding?
8. What is your target market?
9. What is your competition?
10. Do you have a business plan?

Good luck!

Learn more about this author, Cece Maddlone.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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