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Your event catering company checklist, item by item
Q: Before I open an event catering company, what paperwork may I need?
A: Good news: an event catering company is a well-trodden road, and we know its signposts. Each item below MAY apply to you, and we find out which ones do. It also lists the personal license or trade license of the person doing the work, because a business license alone does not cover that.
1. Business license: A business license for an event catering company MAY ask about the commercial kitchen you use, the types of events you serve, your delivery vehicles and how many staff you hire.
2. Sales tax permit: A sales tax permit MAY be needed because prepared meals are taxable, and rentals, service charges and delivery fees on a catering invoice may be treated the same way.
3. Professional or trade license: Food protection manager certificate: At least one person in charge of food preparation may need a manager-level food safety certification obtained by passing an accredited exam.
4. Food establishment permit: Cooking and serving food at events MAY require a food permit linked to an approved kitchen.
5. Alcohol service permit: Serving drinks at an event MAY require an alcohol permit or a licensed bartender.
6. Kitchen inspection: The kitchen is normally inspected for hot and cold storage, cleanable surfaces and handwashing before the permit is released.
7. Event contract template: A sample catering contract with headcount, deposit and cancellation terms may be requested.
8. Employer registration: Once people are on the payroll, you MAY also need an employer ID, a withholding account and workers' compensation coverage.
9. Company papers: A DBA, an LLC or a tax ID number MAY make sense for your event catering company, and we prepare all of these documents on this site, so everything can be ordered in one place.
Need two licenses? Pay our service fee once. Order the business license and, if a home occupation permit or another license is also required, we obtain both under that single service fee. The govt's own annual tax and application fees are separate and are not included; finding and filling out the applications is what we do.
Why people love this line of work
Trays of roasted vegetables, golden pastries and wine-red sauces bring people together, and a successful event leaves guests talking about your food.
Opening day, imagined
Picture Marguerite sliding pans of lemon chicken into a warming cabinet at Thyme & Tide Catering, the permit taped to the pass.
The reason owners form an LLC
A guest blames a buffet platter for an upset stomach and sues, and an LLC keeps the claim away from your home and savings.
The numbers behind it
Business code (NAICS): 722320 (Caterers). This page lists 9 paperwork items for an event catering company, and each one is marked as something you MAY need, since we confirm which apply.
Tip: Write a contract with every client showing headcount, menu and cancellation terms, and get a deposit.
Plan for fifty guests and get seventy, all vegetarian.
Ready when you are: start your order and we will find out what applies to your event catering company, fill out the applications and keep the paperwork moving. |