Online Class: Catering

This course discusses in detail the critical aspects of management involved in running a catering business like how to get the appropriate licenses and permits, what kind of kitchen you need, basic food safety practices, party planning, cooking for a crowd, planning meals, dealing with customers, understanding how to price your services, and moving the food safely from one location to another.

$95.00
no certificate
- OR -
$120.00
with CEU Certificate*
Start Right Now!
$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
Taking multiple courses? Save with our platinum program.
 
  • 11
    Lessons
  • 17
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 1,338
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 5
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.5
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Imagine the satisfaction of seeing your creativity and effort culminate in a room full of happy faces. Picture the pride of transforming simple ingredients into extraordinary memories. Now, imagine doing this not just for friends or family, but for hundreds of clients who trust you to bring their most important events to life. This isn’t just catering—it’s an opportunity to turn your passion into an unforgettable brand. It’s a calling to not only serve exquisite dishes but to create experiences that matter.

Our course is more than a lesson in the kitchen. It’s a journey, designed to transform your culinary passion into a profitable, fulfilling business. This isn’t about following recipes; it’s about building a business that stands out in a crowded market. From a robust understanding of food safety to the subtle art of pricing and communication, you’ll master every skill that takes you from simply being a good cook to a great business owner.

What makes this course truly exceptional is its blend of practical expertise with creative exploration. You’ll uncover the secrets to crafting perfect menus that tell a story and resonate with your clients’ desires. You’ll learn how to curate events that not only meet but exceed client expectations, making each meal a statement of excellence. You’ll discover how to build relationships with clients that last long after the plates are cleared, turning one-time customers into lifelong advocates for your brand.

But this isn’t just about business strategy or culinary techniques—it’s about confidence. Confidence that comes from understanding not just what to do, but how to do it well. You’ll leave this course with the clarity to navigate logistics, the insight to manage a team under pressure, and the knowledge to safeguard your reputation by consistently delivering on your promises.

By enrolling in this course, you’re choosing to take control of your future. You’re not simply joining a class; you’re becoming part of a community of aspiring caterers who are redefining what it means to turn a dream into reality. You’ll engage with passionate instructors who’ve been where you are and know what it takes to succeed. And you’ll emerge not just equipped, but empowered, with a plan in hand and the skills to execute it.

If you’re ready to step up, to elevate your love of food into something more, this course is your starting point. Seize this moment to build a business that not only thrives but also inspires. Become a master of catering, and let your culinary journey begin today.

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.65 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(1,229 votes)

Lesson 1: What Is Catering?

11 Points
Catering is not just about preparing food; it's a sophisticated blend of culinary art, logistics, client relationships, and strategic business management. It's about understanding the essence of what brings people together over a shared meal and turning it into an experience that makes celebrations memorable.
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Catering Course; Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: An Introduction
  • Assessment: Lesson 1. Introduction. What is Catering?

Lesson 2: State and Local Regulations

12 Points
Most areas of the country require that people who are cooking for others, do so in a commercial kitchen. Specific requirements vary among states and counties. Additional lesson topics: FDA
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 2. State and Local Regulations

Lesson 3: Food Safety

10 Points
Food safety is not just a set of regulations—it's a commitment to providing high-quality, healthy food and building trust with your clients. By following a meticulous food safety regimen, you aren't merely complying with regulations; you are setting the standard for excellence and reliability.
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 3. Food Safety

Lesson 4: Business Planning

10 Points
The path to a successful catering business begins long before you step into the kitchen. A well-thought-out business plan acts as a blueprint, guiding you through every decision, from defining your niche to acquiring clients and managing finances. Additional lesson topics: Starting a Catering Business
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 4. Business Planning

Lesson 5: Getting Started

11 Points
Before leaving your current job to dive headfirst into a catering venture, it's crucial to meticulously plan your startup costs. Creating a comprehensive estimate not only prepares you for financial commitments but also helps you decide whether to self-fund or seek financing. Additional lesson topics: Sole Proprietorship Startup Costs
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 5. Getting Started

Lesson 6: Marketing

10 Points
For a catering business, marketing means letting people know you are out there, making sure they understand what kind of events you do and what you want to do, and ensuring they are able to find you when they want you. Additional lesson topics: Marketing Plan for a Catering Business; Marketing Ideas
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Marketing
  • Assessment: Lesson 6. Marketing

Lesson 7: Party Planning

12 Points
When you've invested time networking, passing out business cards, and spreading the word about your new catering venture, that pivotal moment arrives—the phone rings, and a potential client is on the other end. This is a milestone in your journey, and it's essential to approach every interaction with the professionalism and confidence that reassures your client you're the right choice to handle their special event.
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Meals
  • Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 7. Party Planning

Lesson 8: Meal Planning

10 Points
When planning a catered event, meal planning is the heartbeat of the experience. It requires understanding your client's preferences, the limitations of the venue, and the nature of the occasion. Additional lesson topics: Food Presentation Tips
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 8. Meal Planning

Lesson 9: Shopping - The Journey from Contract to Kitchen

7 Points
When the contract is signed and the menu is finalized, it's time to embark on the critical task of shopping. As a caterer, you don't simply shop; you prepare with a clear strategy and an eye for detail. Additional lesson topics: Planning Tips
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 9. Shopping

Lesson 10: Timing and Kitchen Efficiency

9 Points
Cooking for 50 guests might sound like a Herculean task if you're used to cooking for five, but once you understand the principles of scaling up and optimizing your workflow, you'll find that catering large events doesn't always mean exponentially more effort. Additional lesson topics: Time-Saving Tips
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 10. Timing and Kitchen Efficiency

Lesson 11: Logistics: Getting the Food to Its Destination on Time

67 Points
Transporting food safely and efficiently is a critical aspect of catering. Whether the client picks up their order or you deliver it yourself, maintaining the quality and safety of the food is paramount.
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Lesson discussions: What do you think about this course?; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments; Course Comments
  • Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 11. Logistics: Getting the food to its destination on time
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
169
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Define what is catering.
  • Summarize state and local regulations.
  • Describe food safety.
  • Describe the business planning process for successful catering business.
  • Summarize getting started techniques and procedures for your catering business.
  • Identify marketing techniques for a successful catering business.
  • Describe party planning and the role of catering.
  • Summarize meal planning.
  • Identify shopping needs for a successful catering company.
  • Summarize timing and kitchen efficiency for a successful catering.
  • Recognize logistics in a successful catering business.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Catering
Course Number: 7550523
Lessons Rating: 4.65 / 5 Stars (1,229 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: Available across all 50 U.S. states, this course includes key regions such as California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. The course is also open in major English-speaking countries, including Australia, Canada, the UK, and Ireland.
Last Updated: April 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 0.5 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: UniversalClass Instructional Team
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

Choose Your Subscription Plan

Course Only
One Course
No Certificate / No CEUs
$95
for 6 months
 
Billed once
This course only
Includes certificate X
Includes CEUs X
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 6 months
No. of courses 1 course
Certificate Course
One Course
Certificate & CEUs
$120
for 6 months
 
Billed once
This course only
Includes certificate Yes
Includes CEUs Yes
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 6 months
No. of courses 1 course
Platinum Yearly
ALL COURSES
Certificates & CEUs
$189
per year
 
Billed once
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate Yes
Includes CEUs Yes
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 12 Months
No. of courses 600+
Platinum 2 Years
ALL COURSES
Certificates & CEUs
$299
for 2 years
You save $79.00!
Billed once
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate Yes
Includes CEUs Yes
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 24 Months
No. of courses 600+
 

Student Testimonials

  • "There was a lot of information from this course that I have not really thought about. It was extremely helpful in how I need to move forward with my business." -- Justin F.
  • "Thank you, I have really enjoyed taking this course. It has opened my eyes, and reminded of many forgotten concepts and enlightened me on several others." -- Sadie J.
  • "I would like to thank the instructor for her excellent feedback. I am glad that I took this course and it was very useful and helpful. I would like to learn more in the universal class." -- Sharmini P.
  • "Very Good Course, Detailed Instruction." -- Jerry L.
  • "The entire course was helpful." -- Phyllis B.
  • "The instructor was great! I was glad to get the feedback that i did get." -- Nicole D.
  • "The course was very helpful. I learned a lot from taking this course." -- Shirley Faye B.
  • "The instructor was very responsive and engaged with my progress." -- Sheryl J.
  • "I really enjoyed the course, it was very helpful to me. My instructor was very nice...She did her part very well." -- Rochelle J.