Deli platters and office lunch catering

Offices, schools, contractors, real estate agents and families hosting parties or events.

Per-order or per-person pricing for platters and boxed lunches, with repeat weekly or monthly office orders and delivery fees.

• Food prep at volume
• Menu costing
• Organizing orders and deliveries
• Selling to local businesses

• Health permit for catering, and food safety certification, check your county and state rules
• Cottage food laws usually do not cover deli meats and other perishable items, so check what is allowed
• Safe cold storage and transport of meats and dairy
• General liability insurance and commercial auto coverage if you deliver
• Kitchen rental costs can eat into margins if orders are irregular

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the kitchen you use, your equipment and how you deliver. Kitchen rental can eat into margins if orders are irregular, so it is worth budgeting for.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many orders you win, your pricing and how often offices and parties book you. The estimate assumes at least about 15 hours a week.

Check your county and state rules first. Cottage food laws usually do not cover deli meats and other perishable items. Also check the health permit and food safety certification you need, safe cold storage and transport, and liability and commercial auto insurance.