55 Catering Business Ideas You Can Start Today [2024]
Interested in starting a catering business in 2024?
We put together 54 of the best catering businesses you can start in today.
For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of other catering businesses to help you see what it really takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a cooking class
Online cooking classes can be a great side hustle for seasoned chefs or cooking enthusiasts looking for a way to earn some extra cash. You can create content and teach your audience how to prepare meals.
Consider creating members-only content to earn more from your cooking class side hustle. Alternatively, you can sell recipes for a small fee as well. To grow your reach, consider offering some free content on your social media pages as a way to build curiosity among potential audiences. You can charge your audiences a subscription fee so they can have exclusive access to your content.
To start cooking classes , choose a niche and follow your passion. Create a website and maintain an active social media presence. Apart from online cooking classes or live sessions you can also offer exclusive offline weekend classes to give your audience a hands-on personal experience.
How much you can make: $100,000/month
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Hipcooks is a 7-location cooking school business that has grown organically to reach $100k/month in revenue, and attracts and retains customers through their communal approach, vibrant online presence, and updated Google and Yelp business pages.
2. Start a natural health product business
A natural health products business covers many products, including foods, supplements, drinks, and weight management products. Typically, natural health products go into the production of drugs.
It is easy to imagine why you would want to start your own natural health products business. First, health and wellness are hot topics right now. Everyone wants to be happy and healthy regardless of background, culture, or economic status. Second, the natural health products industry will exhibit a CAGR of 5.3% and reach over 32 billion in the next few years.
Therefore, the natural health products business can be a profitable venture. To maximize profitability, focus on providing health products that solve the problems experienced by your target customers.
How much you can make: $35,000 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
SuperGreen TONIK's founder developed a greens powder supplement with 38 superfood nutrients, adaptogenic herbs, vitamins, and minerals that achieved $250k in sales in its first year and is looking to hit 7-figures in its second year, thanks to transparency, repeat customers, and focusing on fewer, properly dosed ingredients.
3. Start a coffee cafe business
A coffee shop is a popular spot for customers to enjoy freshly brewed coffee, tea, and light snacks in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
These cafes are typically furnished with comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and a pleasant ambiance that provides a relaxed environment for people to gather, work or unwind.
To succeed in this business, it is essential to offer high-quality coffee, create a pleasant atmosphere, and provide excellent customer service.
With the increasing demand for specialty coffee experiences, starting a coffee cafe can be a lucrative business opportunity that caters to the widespread love for coffee and the need for communal spaces to enjoy it.
How much you can make: $13,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Chicago based Ignite Technology and Innovation-owned Momentum Coffee & Coworking, which focuses on coffee, coworking, community, and event space, rakes in about $17-20k a month in revenue, mostly from online and offline advertising, and just celebrated their first anniversary, with plans to open 2 more locations in Chicago in under-resourced communities.
4. Become a chocolate maker
Rarely do you come across someone who does not love chocolate. That’s good reason to start a chocolate making business!
According to statistics, the global chocolate market size is expected to grow at a CAGR rate of 4.6%.
Starting a chocolate business can yield profits in any part of the world. However, to achieve the high profit margins, you ought to make chocolate with quality ingredients. Then, create a niche with a unique selling proposition.
How much you can make: $12,000/month
Rescue Chocolate is an NYC-based vegan, organic and fair-traded chocolate company that donates profits to animal rescue organizations and has partnered with hundreds of fundraising groups in 8 years.
5. Start a food delivery business
In today’s busy lifestyles and schedules, cooking is no longer a priority to many. People like to order-in food from their nearest restaurants or food joints and enjoy a meal in the comfort of their homes.
The food delivery business is like a courier service through which restaurants deliver food to their customers.
You can offer retail food delivery services to restaurants within your locality if you have a truck. Customers order through a restaurant or grocer’s website, and the owners contact you to deliver.
How much you can make: $14,000 — $1,800,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Food Fleet grew over 160% in just one year and managed over 20 million in sales for its clients, securing multiple contracts with the likes of Sodexo, Levy Restaurants and more, due to its understanding of catering client needs and its advanced turnkey and design services.
6. Start a food truck
Food trucks are a highly profitable business that offers customers a variety of meal options out of a mobile truck. This basically operates inside a large vehicle equipped with kitchen and food products. Starting a food truck is a dream for many people, but it's more challenging than it looks. To make it work, you need the ideal location and menu.
To start a food truck business in a particular city, it is mandatory to check what kind of food trucks are already operating, identify a gap, and bring in some new experiences. Then, with the right plan and the right approach, you can be on your way to starting your own food truck empire.
How much you can make: $30,000 — $1,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Food Fleet grew over 160% in just one year and managed over 20 million in sales for its clients, securing multiple contracts with the likes of Sodexo, Levy Restaurants and more, due to its understanding of catering client needs and its advanced turnkey and design services.
7. Start a food blog
Do you love educating people on the importance of keeping healthy food? Starting a food blog can be rewarding and fun.
A healthy food blog can focus on educating website visitors the importance of keeping it healthy food. Besides, you can share recipes for healthy eating and budget-friendly options with the reader. To start, you may hire someone to configure your website and content creator to share insightful information with the audience.
To increase blog interactions, share informative insights with your readers.
How much you can make: $500 — $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
How one food blogger turned his passion into a business that brings in $15k-$20k per month through display advertising, affiliate marketing, and exclusive content, and doubled in revenue every year since going full time in 2018.
8. Start a consulting business
Consulting businesses are booming, more so than ever before, and seeing year-over-year growth. With an accumulated value of about $250B, the global consulting industry is one of the biggest markets within the professional services sector.
If you want to start your own consulting business with valuable insights from industry experts, reading about their entrepreneurial journey will help you decide how you should go about it.
How much you can make: $100 — $1,666,667/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Cybersecurity consulting firm Eden Data, launched in March 2020, scaled to four team members and generated over $45k MRR without large startup costs through their unique Virtual CISO offering, which outsources cybersecurity and compliance needs for a flat monthly price, rather than charging by the hour or for long-term commitments.
9. Start a dessert boxes store
Gifting is a culture that cements how we relate to those close to us. Consumer goods stores have innovated various gifting methods and dessert boxes happen to be one of them.
If you love baking and you have a passion for entrepreneurship, starting a dessert boxes store can be a highly rewarding venture.
Here are some ideas for your inspiration.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Dick At Your Door is an e-commerce shop that grew almost 10x within the last eight months by selling anonymous pranks such as 5 oz chocolate penises, and its founder shares his journey that started as a joke to becoming a professional chocolatier.
10. Start a candy making business
You will need a few essential ingredients and equipment to start a candy-making business. These include sugar, corn syrup, food coloring, flavoring extracts, and tools like a candy thermometer and a silicone candy mold. You will also need a kitchen or workspace to prepare and store candy.
To operate your candy-making business, you must develop various tasty candy recipes. The candy may require trial and error, as well as research on popular flavors and techniques. Once you have a solid selection of recipes, you can start taking orders from customers and creating candy to their specifications.
To market your candy-making business, you can set up an online store or sell your products at local markets and events. You can also consider partnering with local companies, such as coffee shops or gift stores, to sell your candy on their premises.
Starting a candy-making business requires creativity, dedication, and attention to detail. With suitable recipes and marketing strategies, you can turn your love of candy into a successful and sweet business!
How much you can make: $3,000/month
How long does it take to build: 450 days (?)
Brandon Nolte, the co-founder of Stello, a stress diffusing mint company, shares his journey of launching a new company after +8 years and +$10 million in sales in the CBD space, including the challenges and opportunities of product development, branding, and marketing strategies in the CBD industry.
11. Start a backpacking meals business
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
12. Start a transport catering business
Fed up with the mundane catering gigs? Discover the world of transport catering. This business idea focuses on providing delicious, high-quality meals for passengers traveling by trains, buses, and planes.
Setting up a transport catering business involves coordinating with travel companies, designing specialized menus, and ensuring timely delivery of meals. Your aim is to make journeys more enjoyable with excellent food that stands out. Engaging in this niche can set your brand apart in the catering industry.
It's not just about cooking; you'll need to manage logistics, maintain food safety standards, and build relationships with transport companies. The work can be demanding but highly rewarding for those who thrive on organization and creativity. Considering the large volume of daily commuters, the potential market is vast.
This unique avenue offers a blend of culinary arts and logistical planning, making it an intriguing and satisfying venture. Dive in if you're ready for a dynamic and fulfilling career.
How much you can make: $20,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Nationwide Auto Transportation ships approximately 4,000 vehicles per month and has served more than 50,000 customers, offering custom services such as help for clients who cannot find suitable carriers for their vehicle.
13. Start a wedding cake bakery
How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)
14. Start a donuts kiosk
With the busy lifestyle, donut kiosks have become a favorite place for a quick and convenient way to grab snacks and coffee. Located near train and bus stations, donut kiosks have become a staple of many people’s morning routines.
Thus, starting a donut store can be a great business idea. Create a good business idea for your donut store and find a good business location, preferably in areas where there is high foot traffic. Equip the establishment with everything you need to make delicious donuts.
15. Start a seafood sales business
Starting a frozen food business specializing in seafood is a fantastic business venture.
The global demand for aquatic foods will double in the next few years.
Finfish, pelagic fish, cods, salmonids, crabs, shrimp, krill, prawns, and lobster are among the highly in-demand sea foods.
To start your frozen fish products business, conduct market research to understand the current industry trends. Focus on how each vendor performs and find out the highly in-demand products.
Then, decide to source your frozen seafood from suppliers, or you will do the food processing. Analyze the costs of both options to determine the most optimal. Finally, apply for the food handling permits and licenses, and begin marketing your frozen goods business.
How much you can make: $300,000/month
Cameron's Seafood, the largest Maryland seafood company in the world, has leveraged an existing family-owned seafood business to ship Maryland Crabs and crab cakes to customers in all 50 states, making over $200,000 in July 2018 with an expected $2.4 million in first-year revenue without venture capital.
16. Start an ushering service business
Need a streamlined way to keep events organized and guests happy? Consider starting an ushering service business. This business revolves around providing skilled ushers to manage seating, crowd control, and guest assistance at events like weddings, concerts, and corporate gatherings.
Your primary role will be assembling a team of reliable, well-trained ushers who can ensure events run smoothly. This means you'll need to invest in hiring and training staff, as well as develop a system for scheduling and client communication.
With the right approach, this business can attract a range of clients, from event planners to venue operators. The demand for professional and courteous staff to manage event logistics is evergreen, making it a promising venture for anyone who enjoys the buzz of live events.
By focusing on service excellence and reliability, you can build a reputation that turns occasional bookings into ongoing contracts.
How much you can make: $7,800,000/month
MasterClass founder, David Rogier, built a platform offering online courses taught by world-class experts, experiencing rapid growth with top-tier SEO strategies and a revenue of $93.6M/year since starting in 2015.
17. Start a cruise ship catering business
Catering high-quality meals on the open sea offers a unique and profitable business opportunity. A cruise ship catering business involves providing gourmet dining experiences to passengers aboard cruise liners.
In this industry, you will collaborate with cruise companies to develop diverse, enticing menus. Your responsibilities encompass food preparation, coordinating logistics for seamless food delivery, and ensuring adherence to health and safety regulations.
The allure of this venture lies in its blend of culinary creativity and the thrill of travel. By addressing the specific needs of cruise operators and their guests, you can carve out a niche market that rewards exceptional service and innovation.
Starting this business demands an understanding of large-scale catering, effective supply chain management, and the ability to adapt to the constraints of a ship's kitchen. However, the promise of setting sail with satisfied customers makes the hard work worthwhile.
How much you can make: $500/month
How long does it take to build: 360 days (?)
Marine Digital is a deep-tech company that aims to make modern instruments of decarbonization available for the mass market and has made massive progress in performance digital twin cost reduction (10 times lower than the average market cost), providing opportunities for non-giant marine companies to use it, with 3 pilots earning about €60k.
18. Start a lunch catering business
Tired of the daily grind at your desk? Step into the vibrant world of a lunch catering business. Imagine crafting delicious, healthy meals for busy professionals and making their day a bit easier.
A lunch catering business involves preparing and delivering meals to offices, events, and gatherings. It's a fantastic opportunity to turn your culinary skills into a profitable venture. You'll spend your mornings cooking in your own kitchen, and your afternoons delivering tasty lunches.
There's a growing demand for convenient, high-quality food options during work hours. Businesses are constantly looking for reliable caterers to provide fresh meals for their employees. With the right marketing and network, you can tap into this market and scale your business.
Starting a lunch catering business combines creativity, kitchen skills, and a bit of hustle. If you're passionate about food and eager to make a mark, this could be the perfect venture for you.
How much you can make: $300,000 — $1,800,000/month
MustHaveMenus is a cloud-based design and print service for restaurants that allows them to quickly create professional menus and marketing materials in just a few clicks, using templates and an easy-to-use editor, making it a one-stop-shop for all their design needs.
19. Start a tv show program
The television show program business idea involves creating and producing original television shows for networks or streaming platforms. This business requires a lot of creativity, and a strong understanding of the entertainment industry and what types of shows will appeal to audiences.
To start this business, you must have a team of creative professionals, including writers, directors, producers, and actors. You will also need a budget for production costs, including equipment, locations, and salaries. Marketing and promotion will also be essential to ensure that your show gets noticed by the right people.
For success in the business, staying up-to-date on industry trends and what types of shows are popular will be essential. It will also be crucial to have strong relationships with networks or streaming platforms and to be able to pitch your show effectively. Continuously working on new ideas and developing a strong brand will also be crucial to success in this business.
20. Start a welfare catering business
21. Start a snack food kiosk
A snack kiosk is a small to medium-sized booth for holding, preparing, and selling confectionery, quick-service food, and beverages. If you plan to start a snack food kiosk, identify a strategic location with high traffic.
Selling high-quality snack foods will help you attract more customers and retain them.
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
22. Start a barbecue stand business
A recent market report showed that the global barbeque grill market size is approximately $5 Billion. The report is a testament that barbeque has a wide appeal across the globe. Therefore, starting a BBQ stand can be a great business venture.
Luckily, you do not have to pay rent to start a BBQ stand. You can venture into the street food business by putting up a BBQ stand on busy streets.
23. Start a youtube channel
For anyone looking to start a successful YouTube channel, there are plenty of YouTube channel success stories that can be used as inspiration and encouragement. In addition, YouTube has an established monetization system and boasts incredible popularity, making it a potential platform for revenue generation.
In this article, we'll look at different approaches you can use to help promote your channel and grow your viewers. While there's no quick and easy way to success, you can take these tips to build your own YouTube Channel Success story. If you love content creation, you can capitalize on YouTube's popularity to earn extra income.
If you want to join the Youtube partner program to monetize your channel, you will need to reach a minimum of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the previous 12 months.
How much you can make: $800 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Learn how this entrepreneurial couple made $5-7k a month by helping others find legitimate work from home jobs and creative ways to make money online through their blog and YouTube channel, as well as offering two flagship products designed to help beginner freelancers and new bloggers accelerate growth.
24. Start a street food vendor business
25. Start a seafood grilling stand
Do you love seafood? Seafood outlets range from casual to affordable to upscale establishments that cater to the affluent consumer. Owning a seafood grilling restaurant or joint can be fun and a lucrative business opportunity. However, it also comes with challenges as you have to find quality seafood.
To start a seafood grilling joint, pick the type of seafood you want to start grilling. You can determine the best seafood for your business by researching what customers around you prefer most. Then, set up the seafood grilling restaurant within a high-traffic street, so you maximize customer reach.
26. Start an organic food store
Organic food stores stock fresh or processed food produced through organic farming methods. Healthy food restaurants and health-conscious individuals are some target customers regarding healthy organic food.
If you plan to start an organic food store, focus on providing the customers freshest, organically grown produce. Starting an organic food store is a great way to make money while helping the environment. Organic food stores are becoming increasingly popular, especially with people who want to eat healthily but don't have time to cook. If you're looking for a business idea that will allow you to make money and help people simultaneously, starting an organic food store could be the perfect fit for you!
Organic food stores are so popular because they offer fresh produce that has not been treated with chemicals or pesticides, which means they're much safer than the produce found at your local grocery store.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $62,000/month
How long does it take to build: 1 days (?)
Denver-based founder Andrea Slinde built her own organic food start-up, Golden Root, which sells trendy Turmeric Latte Mix online and now in 50 coffee shops nationwide, with an average monthly revenue of $4K, a long term objective of expanding into traditional grocery sales, and uses Shopify, Recharge, Mailchimp, Shipstation, and QuickBooks to manage e-commerce and finances.
27. Start a bread bakery
You’ve heard the term “breadwinner”, but did you know there is a growing market to bake bread, which could potentially make you a “breadmaker?” If you love baking but want to make extra money, consider a bread making business. The industry is flourishing and has tons of growing potential. On average, the typical U.S. resident consumes 37.4 pounds of bread annually. It is a small scale manufacturing business that can be started with little investment & from the comfort of your home.
How much you can make: $30,000/month
Learn how Maurizio Leo turned a passion for sourdough bread into a successful business, with nearly 100,000 email subscribers and an impressive 72 percent open rate, generating an average of $30K per month and $360K per year in revenue.
28. Start an airline catering business
29. Start a food equipment business
30. Start a wedding catering business
Want to be part of someone's unforgettable day while building a thriving business? Think about starting a wedding catering venture.
Wedding catering involves creating and serving food and beverages for wedding events. From elegant appetizers to multi-course dinners, it’s about delivering memorable culinary experiences.
The demand for unique, high-quality wedding catering services is growing, offering ample opportunities for those passionate about food and hospitality. Though it requires careful planning, expert culinary skills, and attention to detail, the rewards are significant—both financially and emotionally.
If you have a knack for organization and a love for cooking, this could be your chance to turn a refined skill set into a flourishing business. Build a reputation by consistently delivering impressive meals and exceptional service on one of the most important days in a couple's life.
How much you can make: $20,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
Elegante Catering founder, Nestor Nidome, details his journey from failed DJ business to a $20k/month catering company, emphasizing the importance of online marketing and customer feedback as key contributors to his success.
31. Start a catering radio program business
Want to offer something fresh in the airwaves? Consider starting a catering radio program business. This concept involves creating and broadcasting a specialized radio show that focuses on various aspects of the catering industry, from kitchen tips to interviews with renowned chefs, and everything in between.
You'll dive into the world of radio, curating engaging content that can provide useful insights for catering professionals and food enthusiasts alike. It’s not just about talking; you'll need to research trending topics, coordinate guest appearances, and ensure high-quality production. The challenge lies in consistently delivering captivating content that holds listeners' attention.
With a steady demand for food-related content, a catering radio program can carve out its niche, becoming a go-to resource in the industry. If you’re passionate about food and have a knack for storytelling, this business could set you apart in the broadcasting world.
How much you can make: $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
A case study about Growthink, a business planning and capital raising company that has helped over 1 million entrepreneurs, discusses the founder's journey from side hustle to expanding product offerings, attracting customers through content creation and search engine marketing, and using AI to streamline operations and develop an AI business plan generator.
32. Start a health catering business
33. Start a vegan ice cream
Vegan ice cream is made using plant-based products. Free of animal-based products, vegan ice cream is healthy food.
Experts expect the demand for vegan ice cream to grow across the globe. Thus, starting your vegan-ice cream business can be a profitable business venture.
To start a vegan ice cream business, access the demand for your product and write a business plan. Then, contact your state's health department for a food handling license and permits before starting any business operations.
34. Start a robot cafeteria business
35. Start an industrial catering business
36. Start a catering training school business
Do you see a future in culinary arts and education? Consider starting a catering training school business. This venture centers around offering specialized courses that teach aspiring caterers everything from menu planning to event coordination.
Imagine providing hands-on training, workshops, and even certification programs that equip students with the skills they need to succeed in the catering industry. The operational side involves creating a comprehensive curriculum, hiring industry-experienced instructors, and arranging practical training sessions.
The demand for professional catering services is ever-growing, driven by events ranging from corporate meetings to weddings. By starting a catering training school, you'll be tapping into a market that values expertise and professionalism. If you have a passion for both food and teaching, this business idea combines the best of both worlds, making it a compelling option to explore.
37. Start a cocktail bar business
A cocktail bar specializes in serving a variety of mixed drinks, which are commonly known as cocktails.
These establishments are designed to provide a comfortable and social environment where customers can enjoy high-quality drinks prepared by skilled bartenders.
Cocktail bars usually offer a diverse menu of cocktails, ranging from classic favorites such as martinis and mojitos to creative and innovative concoctions.
The ambiance is critical, with stylish decor, mood lighting, and sometimes live music, to create a space where patrons can relax and socialize.
Successful cocktail bars prioritize using top-quality ingredients, delivering excellent customer service, and creating a vibrant atmosphere to ensure their guests have a memorable and enjoyable experience.
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
38. Start a homemade gourmet food business
Turning your culinary talents into a business can be both rewarding and profitable. Starting a homemade gourmet food business allows you to share your passion for cooking with others while creating a steady income stream.
The concept is simple: craft high-quality, gourmet meals or specialty food products in your home kitchen and sell them to a targeted market. This business thrives on authenticity, fresh ingredients, and exceptional flavors, setting you apart from mass-produced food options.
You'll need to manage tasks like sourcing premium ingredients, adhering to health regulations, and finding your niche market—be it busy professionals, health-conscious eaters, or food enthusiasts. The appeal lies in offering something truly special and homemade.
If you're dedicated and willing to invest the effort, a homemade gourmet food business can not only satisfy culinary cravings but also create a loyal customer base that appreciates the unique value of your offerings.
How much you can make: $5,400/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How Brett Lindenberg built a profitable food entrepreneurship blog, FoodTruckEmpire.com, from his apartment in Minnesota that now gets over 300,000 monthly page views and has an email subscriber list of over 35,000, grossing $5,400 monthly in 2018, by conducting over 100 interviews with food entrepreneurs and offering an online Food Truck Academy class to prepare aspiring entrepreneurs for the real challenges of starting a successful food business.
39. Start a gourmet cookie making business
40. Start a social event catering business
Does the idea of mixing culinary artistry with social dynamics appeal to you? Consider starting a social event catering business.
In essence, this venture involves providing food and beverage services for social gatherings ranging from weddings and parties to corporate events and more. You’ll create tailored menus, ensure high-quality preparation, and manage the logistics of serving guests.
The allure of this business lies in its variety and potential for creativity. Each event offers a unique challenge and the opportunity to flex your culinary muscles. Moreover, it’s a field ripe for those who excel in organizational skills and customer relations.
If you’re passionate about food and enjoy orchestrating memorable experiences, a social event catering business might be your ideal entrepreneurial pursuit. With dedication and a keen sense of detail, the effort you put in can lead to a rewarding and multifaceted career.
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
41. Start a special event catering business
Do you have a knack for creating memorable experiences and a passion for cooking? Consider starting a special event catering business. This venture revolves around providing exquisite dining experiences tailored to celebrations like weddings, corporate events, and private parties.
You'll be responsible for planning and executing menus that delight guests, managing the logistics of food preparation and presentation, and ensuring everything runs smoothly on the day of the event. Beyond culinary skills, this business demands strong organizational abilities and excellent customer service.
To captivate clients, you'll need to market your unique offerings and build a portfolio showcasing your best work. Word-of-mouth and positive reviews will play a significant role in growing your client base. If you thrive under pressure and love to see people enjoy your food, special event catering could be a fulfilling and lucrative business opportunity.
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
42. Start an online cooking business
If you love to cook and want to start a business online, there are several opportunities that you can explore. Here are a couple of different approaches you can take:
- Sell your recipes online
- Become an influencer or blogger
- Conduct online cooking classes/courses
Here are some benefits of starting an online cooking business:
- You can have flexible working hours
- You can start the business from your home
- It requires a small investment
- Cooking business is a rewarding work
How much you can make: $17,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,550 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
How co-founders of Crowded Kitchen, a plant-based recipe website and creative content business, grew their social media following to nearly 200k and became a leader in the plant-based recipe space, while also offering photography and recipe development services to major food and beverage brands.
43. Start an Instagram food channel business
Instagram is a visual platform, hence a good choice for setting up a food channel. An Instagram food channel brings together a community of food lovers, providing them with a program for interacting and discussing different foods.
Setting up an Instagram food channel allows you to build a community of foodies. As they engage on different topics, there is a huge chance of growing your channel. Ultimately, you can earn good money through the Instagram food channel.
44. Start a hotel catering business
Looking to dive into the hospitality industry without owning a hotel? Consider starting a hotel catering business.
In simple terms, you would provide tailored food and beverage services to various hotels, enhancing their guest experience without them needing an in-house kitchen team.
By offering customizable menu options for different events—such as weddings, conferences, and private dinners—you can cater to the specific needs of each hotel. This flexibility makes your service valuable and attractive.
Running a hotel catering business involves managing suppliers, hiring skilled chefs, and ensuring impeccable service, but the rewards could be substantial. Imagine establishing partnerships with luxurious hotels and consistently delivering memorable dining experiences. For those with a passion for culinary arts and impeccable organizational skills, this business idea brings together creativity and operational expertise.
It requires commitment, but if you love the idea of combining hospitality with culinary excellence, launching a hotel catering service could be your next venture.
How much you can make: $200,000 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
How a former food truck owner founded the successful New York Food Truck Association which generated over $1M in its first year of business, providing local vendors with high-margin ancillary revenue streams, and saw consistent growth of 50% YoY.
45. Start a party rental business
A party rental business helps people get the products or the services they need to make their party a fun-filled event.
Party rental businesses can include:
- Photo booth rental
- Renting wedding clothes
- Party boat rental
- Sound equipment rental
- Outdoor equipment rental
- Cake structure rental
To start a party rental business, begin with what you know much better. Then as you gain experience, you may diversify to renting other party accessories or partner with experts in different fields.
How much you can make: $3,500 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Akshay Patel's event rental and decor business, Simply Decor, Tents, and Events, saw an average ticket price of $2,000, as their advertising budget decreased from $20k to $5k, leading to 40% of their clients coming through social media advertising, 30% from expos, and 30% online in google, yahoo, and other platforms.
46. Start a romantic catering business
Elevate romance to a new level with a romantic catering business. This niche focuses on creating intimate dining experiences for couples, whether celebrating anniversaries, engagements, or simply a special date night.
At its core, a romantic catering business crafts personalized, memorable meals tailored to couples' tastes and preferences. You’ll curate menus, arrange cozy settings replete with thoughtful details, and provide top-notch service to ensure a seamless evening.
The allure of this venture lies in the specialized nature of the offering. By focusing on exclusive, high-quality experiences, you cater to a market willing to pay a premium for unforgettable moments.
Starting out, you’ll need culinary skills, attention to detail, and a knack for creating ambience. While it involves thoughtful planning and impeccable service, the joy of bringing love to the table makes it a rewarding endeavor.
How much you can make: $1,300/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
Love Runners Intimate Events LLC, a romance concierge service, earned $1.5k per month after launching in 2019, and relies on personalized experiences, feedback forms, authentic social media content, and a customer-centric approach to attract and retain couples looking to ignite or reignite intimacy in their relationships.
47. Start an e-book writing business
An eBook business is profitable and flexible, letting you start a business from anywhere, while it is a low-cost business that is easy to start. You can make a living self-publishing and selling eBooks online as long as you are ready to invest your time and money in it.
Anyone can start an eBooks business! Just choose a niche that interests the target audience, and ensure in-depth research.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $62,500/month
How much does it cost to start: $67 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Content-Whale, a content curation agency, has achieved a Rs. 4 crore ($514k/year) turnover 4-5 years after being started with just Rs. 2500 ($35), and has a pool of more than 500 writers, aiming to become a market leader in the global content market.
48. Start a biscuit making business
Do you love confectioneries and food processing? A biscuit manufacturing business could be the best business idea for you.
Biscuit baking is one of the most financially lucrative and low-investment business ideas you can start in the current year. You can start a bake and pack your biscuits at home and sell them at wholesale or at a retail price to the end consumer.
49. Start a frozen foods business
Ever thought about transforming how people eat with a frozen foods business? In simple terms, this business idea revolves around preparing, packaging, and selling frozen meals and food items that offer convenience to busy individuals and families.
Unlike traditional food businesses, a frozen foods enterprise allows you to create long-lasting, easy-to-store products, catering to the increasing demand for quick and nutritious meal solutions. You’d handle everything from sourcing ingredients to ensuring your recipes are flash-frozen to preserve taste and nutrition.
Starting a frozen foods business involves not just culinary skills but also meticulous attention to food safety regulations, effective branding, and strategic marketing. If you're passionate about food and innovation, this venture gives you the chance to make a tangible impact on people’s daily lives by providing them with quality, ready-to-heat meals. Exciting, isn't it?
50. Start a fruit mart business
51. Start a restaurant
If you love cooking and are passionate about entrepreneurship, starting a restaurant can be a fun and lucrative business.
To get started, choose a great location, and hire an excellent support team. You will need a chef to inspect the food and line cooks, waiters, and waitresses to serve the customers. No matter the restaurant type, you need great culinary and business skills to make your dream come true.
If you plan to open a restaurant , gain insight from consumer preferences and focus on serving modern consumers what they need.
How much you can make: $124,998 — $2,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
One Life Meals is a Toronto-based healthy meal delivery service that made 14,500 meals per month and generated $130k in monthly sales in 2018 through their one-on-one consultation, lean protein and seasonal veggies-based meals, and their focus on the client experience.
52. Start a corporate catering business
Craving a business venture where culinary excellence meets corporate needs? Consider starting a corporate catering business.
In simple terms, this involves providing food services to businesses for events like meetings, conferences, and employee gatherings. It’s a sector where demand is steady, thanks to the perpetual need for quality meals at corporate events.
The charm of this business lies in its all-season appeal and the immediate impact you can have on client satisfaction. Corporations often seek reliable catering partners who can deliver consistently excellent service, making room for long-term contracts.
Starting involves planning menus, sourcing high-quality ingredients, and mastering logistics to ensure timely delivery. It requires organizational flair and a knack for customer service. For anyone passionate about food and looking for a business that combines creativity with a steady client base, corporate catering stands out as an enticing option.
How much you can make: $20,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
Elegante Catering founder, Nestor Nidome, details his journey from failed DJ business to a $20k/month catering company, emphasizing the importance of online marketing and customer feedback as key contributors to his success.
53. Start a pizza store
The global pizza market share is expected to reach $5138 Billion, and the market growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 6.11%. One of the key factors driving growth in the pizza markets is the availability of innovative and exotic flavored pizzas, which drives are more prominent among the millennials.
Moreover, the growing desire for convenience foods and customization of food products will facilitate the pizza market growth. Therefore, starting a pizza store in 2024 can be a profitable business venture. To start, find an attractive location where your business will be visible to customers.
54. Organize a baking competition
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
