Starting a catering company?

Buckslayinman26 said:

Hi, everyone
My friend and I are starting a part time gig on the weekends doing some catering and possibly some vending at local events. We just recently ordered a A5 competition smoker with all the bells and whistles on it from custom pits and fabrication in Georgia. I'm a little nervous about it since I live in Wisconsin didn't get to take a trip to look at it just going off of reviews, forums and pics. Its got a great price for our budget. I was just wondering about some advice for starting out, which kind of license we need and all that neat stuff. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks and smoke on!!!

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do even know if you need a NSF smoker or does the other equipment need to be NSF?

You do not need a NSF cooker for catering, although it makes licensing a little easier.

In terms of what you need, first stop will be the health department, they will be the most difficult part of the journey. Find out what requirements they will have for you, and how that will affect your business planning. Then you will need a business license, insurance (not absolutely required, but a good idea) and very likely Serv-safe certification.

I did the same last summer. bought the a1 comp smoker. it was a rather easy process. goto your health dept and asks questions about your area and how you can be a business. they will guide you to the right things. it wasn't costly either. serv safe is a big plus also. im currently having a guy do some additions to the smoker(just things I think can improve it) locks on the doors, adding a door and vent to the charcoal pit, welding a couple things. I have a full time job and I must say I haven't mastered the whole process yet. but slow and steady. its a lot of time and effort but the reward is great knowing you are putting out food people love.