How to Start a Catering Business in NYC
Table of Contents
It is not news that a business can only become functional by following the guiding principles or laws stipulated by the authority. So, you can’t just open a food stall unexpectedly, without getting the necessary documents that give you the liberty to do. Even if you’re catering from your kitchen, if it involves engagement with a lot of people that you would make a profit out of, you got no choice. Let’s examine the legal issues you should consider when starting your catering business.
What to consider when starting a catering business
Before you even decide on your Menu list take these legal considerations, to ensure the growth of your catering business is not short-lived.
Business structure
What ownership structure do you want to run your business as? A Limited Liability company, a corporation, a partnership, or a sole proprietor. Of course, all entity types have their merits and demerits, the benefits, the liability protection, and the tax that comes with them, Weigh the options and choose the structure that best suits your business goals. Afterward, apply to register your business New York Division of corporations.
License/Permits
If you are starting a catering business in New York, you must obtain a permit from the appropriate authorities. In New York, event caterers are required to offer food services within the jurisdiction of a food service license or permit. Apply for a permit 21 days before you launch your business. The ‘online Permit Assistance and Licensing ‘ in New York can help generate your license/permit.
Business name
Decide on a name for your business. And when you do, you should also go through the New York State Division of Corporations Database to make sure the name is not already in use. This is important to avoid legal charges for duplicity of a business name that has already been registered as a New York catering company.
Register for EIN
EIN is otherwise known as Employer Identity Number. You can obtain your EIN from the IRS web. This is also imperative to your business operations, as it is a requirement for opening a business checking account, comes in handy for your business taxes, and is a perfect substitute for your social security number
Menu List
Now that you can kickstart your dream business as a caterer in the business of delivering quality food services in the city. You might want to work on what your menu is going to look like. Write down the different dishes you’ve chosen in various sections like desserts, beverages, and side dishes, among others. List the prices right in front of them, taking into consideration factors like; the duration of preparation, the expense of ingredients, and the number of guest’s certain quantity would feed.
Get your Equipment
Won’t the food magically appear on the guest’s table without the equipment needed to cook them tight? So, you should put all the necessary Utensils like dishes, linen, silverware, ingredients, and so on. And can also apply for financial assistance in the form of loans and grants to help you get started, in cases of inadequate finance.
Raise Awareness
Great, you’re all set with the proper permits, documents, and plans I place, it’s time to spread the word and the gospel of mouth-watering delicacies.
Conclusion
Briefly, starting catering operations in New York, or any city for that matter, requires that you get the right foot in the door. You should properly plan your business goals and map out the actions to make time happen. C consulting a business analyst in the food industry can also do your startup catering business a lot of good. Practically will save you from shooting yourself in the leg, which is common among food service companies.
