Starting a catering business can be an exhilarating experience if you’ve ever desired to do something with food, organization, and service! Whether you’re thinking of catering for weddings, corporate events, or small gatherings, there is so much flexibility, creativity, and potential in the catering industry. Of course, like any business, planning, registration, and operational details all must be carefully considered.
This blog explains how to start a catering business in India step by step including licensing, budgeting, staffing, and marketing essentials.
Introduction
The demand for quality food services at events, offices, and private functions has grown rapidly across India. A catering business allows you to tap into this growing market while building a venture around something many people are passionate about food.
Unlike running a restaurant, catering gives you the flexibility to work per event, control operating costs, and scale based on demand. But it is not just about cooking; running a successful catering business involves planning, hygiene compliance, equipment, customer management, and legal paperwork.
Step-by-Step Guide to Start a Catering Business in India
Whether you are an experienced chef or a home cook with business aspirations, this guide will walk you through how to launch and grow your catering business.
Step 1. Choose Your Catering Niche
Before anything else, define what type of catering you want to offer. The market is wide but specialization helps you target the right clients and stand out.
Some common types –
- Wedding Catering – High-volume, elaborate menus
- Corporate Catering – Packed meals, buffets, or daily office lunches
- Party Catering – Birthdays, anniversaries, private functions
- Event/Conference Catering – Snacks and beverages for business events
- Institutional Catering – Schools, hostels, or hospitals
Start small and focused. You can always expand later based on demand and capability.
Step 2. Prepare a Business Plan
Every business needs a roadmap. Your catering business plan should include –
- Initial investment required
- Target audience and area
- Menu offerings and pricing
- Operating costs (rent, ingredients, labor)
- Projected revenue and break-even timeline
- Sourcing and delivery model
- Equipment list (ovens, containers, serving gear)
A simple business plan helps you stay organized and focused, especially if you are applying for loans or attracting partners.
Step 3. Register Your Business
To operate legally and build credibility, register your catering venture.
- Choose a structure – Sole proprietorship (ideal for small setups), partnership firm, or private limited company
- Get a Trade License from your local municipal corporation
- Apply for GST registration if your turnover exceeds Rs 20 lakh (Rs 10 lakh for some states) or if you supply to businesses
- Obtain an FSSAI license – Mandatory for any food business
- Register under the Shops and Establishments Act
- Think about registering your brand/trade name to legally protect it
These registrations are essential for confidence and compliance if you plan to supply food on a regular basis or to institutions.
Step 4. Get FSSAI License (Compulsory)
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license is a must for any food-related business, including catering. It ensures you follow hygiene and food safety standards.
You can apply online at https://foscos.fssai.gov.in
Types of licenses –
- Basic – for turnover up to Rs 12 lakh
- State – for turnover Rs 12 lakh to Rs 20 crore
- Central – for large-scale or interstate catering
You will need documents like ID proof, kitchen address, layout plan, list of food items, and a food safety management plan.
Step 5. Set Up a Kitchen
You can either –
- Start from home (if allowed under local rules and for small orders)
- Rent a commercial kitchen space
- Use a cloud kitchen model
Ensure your kitchen has basic equipment like burners, ovens, prep tables, and fridges. It should ensure hygiene standards (tiles, ventilation, waste disposal) and be large enough for your anticipated order volume and compliant with fire and safety standards
Use good quality utensils, servers, packaging and storage containers.
Step 6. Build Your Menu and Pricing
Create a practical menu based on your skills, ingredient availability, and market demand. Start with a focused menu, test it with smaller orders, and improve based on feedback.
Keep your pricing clear and transparent –
- Consider portion sizes, ingredients, labor, and overheads
- Offer custom packages for different group sizes
- Include transportation and service staff costs in larger packages
Also, plan for vegetarian, vegan, or special diet options if there is demand.
Step 7. Hire Staff (if needed)
For small operations, you may start solo or with a helper. As orders grow, hire Cooks/chefs, Kitchen assistants, Servers or delivery personnel, Cleaners and Event coordinators (for larger setups).
Always train your staff in hygiene, customer service, and event handling.
Step 8. Plan Logistics and Delivery
Efficient delivery is critical in catering. Based on your business model –
- Use your own delivery staff or tie up with delivery services
- Invest in insulated boxes or carriers to maintain food quality
- Be clear about delivery time slots and handling instructions
For on-site catering, plan transport for staff, tables, chafing dishes, etc.
Step 9. Market Your Catering Business
Promotion is key to getting your first few clients.
- Create a Google Business profile
- Build a simple website or Instagram page with a menu and photos
- List on food service platforms or wedding/party directories
- Ask for referrals and offer discounts for early clients
- Provide tasting samples for local event planners or corporations
A professional name, logo, and clean branding go a long way.
Step 10. Focus on Quality and Feedback
In catering, word-of-mouth is everything. Your food must taste good, arrive on time, and be presented well. Always –
- Deliver exactly what is promised
- Be punctual and professional
- Collect feedback and improve based on it
- Maintain cleanliness and use fresh ingredients
Even one good event can bring you multiple clients if your service stands out.
Conclusion
Starting a catering business in India is a great way to turn your passion for cooking into a profitable venture, especially if you are organized, consistent, and customer-focused. From legal setup and licenses to building a menu and managing events, it takes effort and planning, but the returns can be both financial and fulfilling.
Start small, build a reputation, and let your food speak for itself. With the right systems in place, your catering business can evolve into a steady, scalable venture that serves everything from small gatherings to corporate events.
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