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A home-based catering business can be a lucrative and exciting entry into the world of culinary entrepreneurship. Not only does it offer lower startup costs compared to opening a restaurant, but it also provides you with the freedom to determine your own hours and menu offerings.
If the thought of opening a catering business has crossed your mind in the past, you may have also wondered whether or not you should take a cooking short course before you start your new business venture. The short answer: it isn’t mandatory. However, enrolling in a culinary arts program for a few months does offer a significant set of advantages that will help your catering business get off to a good start. Some of these advantages include:
Gain Fundamental Knowledge and Skills
Taking a cooking short course will give you fundamental knowledge and skills that you need to find success in the kitchen. A culinary short course will teach you the basics of cooking techniques, such as sautéing, roasting, and grilling. You will also learn about food safety, sanitation, and nutrition from experienced professional chefs. This is especially important for a home-based business since you will likely be the head chef of your catering agency. Even if you plan to hire someone else to oversee the culinary side of the business, it’s still important for you, as an owner, to understand how things are supposed to be in the kitchen, allowing you to ensure everything is up to your standards.
Expand Your Culinary Repertoire
By enrolling in a cooking short course, you can elevate your culinary skills and expand your repertoire. You’ll be introduced to cooking techniques (sous vide, broth preparation, etc.) that you may not have known before, allowing you to craft a wider range of dishes that can cater to a diverse set of customers. Similarly, you can expand your mental library of recipes based on the dishes you practice in class
Develop Time Management and Organization Skills
Catering involves a lot of planning, preparation, and coordination. Fortunately, enrolling in a culinary arts program will help you develop all three skills. This is most seen in the practice of mise en place, a basic that you will likely learn on Day 1 of your short course. Additionally, you will learn how to plan and prepare for large events, manage your time effectively, and coordinate with your team to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Learn About Catering Business Operations
A cooking short course may also cover topics related to catering business operations. You will learn about marketing, menu planning, pricing, and managing inventory. This knowledge can help you make informed decisions about your catering business and ensure that you are operating efficiently and profitably.
Whether or not you pursue a culinary arts certificate before opening your catering business is entirely up to you. Just know that with the right training, you can better establish your catering business as a go-to destination for delicious and diverse menus that will have clients come back to you again and again.