Full-Service kids' party buffet caterer

Parents hosting larger parties at halls, clubs, play centres or backyards, and sometimes schools or community groups.

Price per head with a minimum number of guests, plus charges for staffing, themed styling, travel and add-ons like drinks or cakes.

• Cooking and menu planning
• Event setup and organising
• Food safety
• Handling busy, noisy events calmly

• Food business registration and any food safety supervisor requirements, which differ by state and council
• Commercial kitchen hire costs, which can eat into your margin
• Public liability and product liability insurance, and workers compensation once you hire helpers
• Keeping hot and cold food at safe temperatures during transport and service
• Allergen management and clear communication with parents, and a working with children check if your state or venue requires one
• Venue rules, as some halls and play centres limit outside caterers

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your serving and transport equipment, kitchen hire, insurance and registration. These are estimates, and commercial kitchen hire can eat into your margin.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many parties you book, your package prices and whether you hire helpers. This is revenue before food, kitchen hire and other costs.

Check food business registration and any food safety supervisor requirements, which differ by state and council. Check allergen management, safe hot and cold food temperatures, insurance, and whether a working with children check is needed. Also check venue rules on outside caterers.