Local catering supply warehouse
Run a small warehouse stocking food, drink and supplies for caterers and restaurants, with pickup counter and delivery.
- $40k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
14,991 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.2% in a year
NAICS 424490 “Other grocery and related products merchant wholesalers”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A small leased warehouse or unit with dry storage and some refrigeration or freezer space. Local food businesses come in to buy or receive deliveries from your van. A mix of staples and hard-to-find items brings in regulars.
Your first three steps
- Research local demand: visit food businesses and ask what they currently buy, from whom and what frustrates them
- Price out a leased unit with loading access, shelving and refrigeration, and get quotes from wholesale suppliers
- Meet with your city or county zoning office and health department about permits before signing a lease
Who pays
Restaurants, caterers, cafes, food trucks, churches and schools, and event venues in your county.
How it makes money
Markup on bulk goods, delivery fees and trade accounts with invoicing. Volume and a wide range of products increase order sizes.
Skills that help
- Inventory and ordering
- Managing staff and suppliers
- Sales and account management
- Basic bookkeeping
Watch out for
- Zoning, certificate of occupancy and local health department permits for storing and selling food
- FDA food facility registration and state wholesale food licensing, which vary, so check with your state agriculture department
- Cold storage costs, spoilage and stock that doesn't sell
- General liability, product liability, property and commercial auto insurance, plus workers' compensation if you hire
- Large upfront stock and lease commitments, so test demand with a delivery route before committing
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: local catering supply warehouse
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a catering supply warehouse?
Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your lease, refrigeration, opening stock and delivery van. These are estimates, so get real quotes first and consider testing demand with a delivery route.
How much can a catering supply warehouse earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $20,000 to $100,000, depending on your customer base, product range and size. Cold storage costs, spoilage and unsold stock can affect what you keep. Plan on about 40 hours a week.
What rules should I check before opening a catering supply warehouse?
Check zoning, certificate of occupancy and local health department permits for storing and selling food. Also check FDA food facility registration and state wholesale food licensing, plus general liability, product liability, property, commercial auto and workers' compensation insurance.
Other ways to run this business
Specialty food supplier with a delivery route
Deliver a focused range of ingredients and drinks to local cafes, caterers and restaurants on a set weekly route.
- $8k-35k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Online supplier of catering dry goods and packaging
Sell shelf-stable ingredients, disposables and packaging in bulk to caterers and small food businesses from home.
- $1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Online
Similar food ideas
Açaí bowl and smoothie shop
Run a small counter-service shop selling açaí bowls, smoothies and juices to walk-in and takeaway customers.
- $40k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Italian specialty grocery shop
Open a small shop selling imported pasta, cheese, oils and Italian pantry staples to local food lovers.
- $40k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Neighborhood fish shop
Run a small fish counter selling fresh fish and shellfish to local cooks, restaurants and caterers.
- $30k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Local roastery supplying cafés and shops
Rent a small unit, roast larger batches and supply fresh coffee to local cafés, restaurants and offices.
- $40k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Neighborhood tofu shop with on-site production
Open a small storefront that makes tofu daily and sells it to walk-in shoppers and local restaurants.
- $40k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Neighborhood self-service lunch counter
Open a small self-service eatery with hot and cold lunch dishes for local workers, students and residents.
- $30k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises