Catering business advice

[lilv]

Hi, I`m in the very early stages of starting a small catering business and have a meeting next week with a British Legion Club, the caterers they used have ended their contract. I am new to all this and just wondered if anyone had any hints and tips on what to expect from the meeting, what types of events take place at Legion clubs, any questions I should ask etc. I have a fair idea but would welcome any advice.

Thank you!

[coccinelle]

I'd say they'd do anything from buffet meals to sit down dinners. They'll probably expect you to say what YOU can provide and at what price. You might ask them what they've been used to and see if you can match their price.

[mrrobbo15]

dont reveal your prices etc untill they reveal if they are charging you a 'rent'

and that you have exclusise catering rights... you must be careful of private partries bringing there own food in.

are you providing food for dart/pool teams ?
if you have a party, will you have access to the club at any time? eg if your doing a hot meal, you mayb need to start cooking b4 the club is open, and need the steward to open up early for you.

and does the steward sell rolls/crisps/confectionary? all things you may be wanting to sell if your doing food every evening

my parents ran a leigon club for 27 years

[puddicat]

Be careful lil these people are like the mafia nasty!!!

[Eve]

Check about possible outside events as well as places like that can be used for other meetings, one of my former workplaces used to have senior staff meetings in a similar kind of club and we'd have a tea put on.

I guess things like Weightwatchers but with food, conferences, meetings, seminars etc...

Do they hire out for parties and similar functions?

A good and versatile and economical buffet selection is good for that eg rolls, sandwiches, crisps, sausage rolls etc...

You would need to be flexible to tailor to individual needs eg a kids party up to a tea dance or even wake to a professional meeting.

[lilv]

Thank you everyone, loads of great advice there. I`m thinking this might be abit beyond me, I`ve done most types of catering many times before, except sit down dinners, but I will go along and find out exactly what the situation is. This has come out of the blue and I was really only planning to do outside catering for parties/offices etc, but maybe it`s too good an opportunity to miss. Never look a gift horse in the mouth and all that...especially when you might end up with it`s head in your bed! lol Thanks again.

[woozer]

You might try and find out why the previous caterer didnt want to continue the contract could save you some heartache

[Epiclaire]

Checking...