How to Start a Caterer Business
For a cook setting up alone: certification, where you'll cook, and booking and billing your first events. Growing into a company with staff is covered separately.
This page is for one person going independent: you cook, you quote and you bill. If you're building a catering company with staff and vans, see the separate guide to starting a catering business linked below. Quoting and invoicing details are in the caterer invoicing guide.
The BLS page on chefs and head cooks (In the US, last modified August 27, 2026) says "Some states and localities require chefs and head cooks to have a food handler’s certification." It adds "For more information, contact your state or local licensing board." Whether you can cook at home or need a licensed kitchen is set by your state and local health department, so ask them first.
Sample per-guest invoice for a first small event: a drop-off lunch for 25 guests at 25 × $18.00 = $450.00 plus delivery at 1 × $40.00 comes to $450.00 + $40.00 = $490.00. Use your own figures; these are only an illustration.
Step-by-step startup guide
Follow these steps to launch your caterer business on solid footing.
- 1
Check certification
The BLS page on chefs and head cooks (In the US, last modified August 27, 2026) says "Some states and localities require chefs and head cooks to have a food handler’s certification." Your state or local licensing board can tell you which applies.
- 2
Settle where you'll cook
Ask your local health department whether your kitchen qualifies or whether you need to rent time in a licensed commercial kitchen.
- 3
Get permits and register
The SBA (In the US, SBA, checked October 31, 2026) says "The licenses and permits you need from the state, county, or city will depend on your business activities and business location."
- 4
Get an EIN
The SBA (In the US, SBA, checked October 31, 2026) says "It’s free to apply for an EIN, and you should do it right after you register your business."
- 5
Run a tasting for your first clients
Offer a small tasting menu, settle the guest count and the menu in writing, and confirm the date before you buy ingredients.
- 6
Bill per guest
Put the guest count and per-guest price on one line, and delivery or rentals on their own lines.
Tips for starting your caterer business
- Write down allergies and dietary needs on the order before the event.
- Keep ingredient receipts with each event.
- Plan for self-employment tax on your profit. The IRS (In the US, IRS, last reviewed or updated October 30, 2026) states "The self-employment tax rate is 15.3%."
- Confirm the final guest count a few days ahead and invoice on that number.
How Billed helps you get started
Features to look at as you set up your business.
Customize Estimates
Billed's features page says: "Customize your estimates according to your needs. Add your logo, business info and more in estimates."
Estimate Notes
Billed's features page says: "Add important notes for your clients in estimates."
Payment Receipts
Billed's features page says: "Send payment receipts to your clients after they have paid for your invoices."
Due Dates
Billed's features page says: "Set due dates for payment on your invoices so your clients know when they have to pay you."
Frequently asked questions
More Startup Guides
Bill Your First Event
Create invoices, track payments and keep your clients' details in one place with Billed.
At a glance
| Step | Who decides | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Food handler certification | State or local licensing board | BLS (In the US, last modified August 27, 2026) |
| Kitchen | Local health department | Local pointer |
| Permits | State, county or city | SBA (In the US, SBA, checked October 31, 2026) |
| First invoice | Guests × price, plus delivery | Caterer invoicing guide |
When this isn't for you
If you're hiring a team and running several events a week, use the guide to starting a catering business instead; this page is for one cook working alone.