Online Class: Catering

Envision your love for food becoming a thriving business, where crafting exquisite dishes is just the start; this course teaches you to curate memorable experiences and exceed client expectations. With practical skills and creative exploration, gain the knowledge and confidence to manage logistics and a team, ensuring your catering brand not only flourishes but inspires loyalty.

$95.00
no certificate
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$120.00
with CEU Certificate*
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$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
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  • 11
    Lessons
  • 17
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 22
    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. Catering: A Blend of Culinary Art and Strategic Management

Beyond preparing food, catering is a complex process that involves planning, serving, and managing logistics to ensure each event runs smoothly and meets client expectations. Whether self-taught or formally trained, caterers turn a passion for food into a fulfilling endeavor, mastering the balance of creativity and business strategy. 11 Total Points
  • 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. Navigating Health and Business Regulations for Aspiring Caterers

Aspiring caterers often find the transition from home cooking to commercial kitchen operations challenging, due to health and safety regulations that prohibit using non-licensed spaces for public catering services. Compliance with these standards is crucial, as it upholds food safety and legal responsibilities when accepting payment for culinary services. Additional lesson topics: FDA 12 Total Points
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 2. State and Local Regulations

Lesson 3. Prioritizing Safety: Essential Food Preparation Techniques

Temperature control in food safety maintains quality from storage to consumption, guided by accurate thermometers rather than guesswork. Consistent temperature checks ensure meats are safely cooked and more flavorful, enhancing client trust. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 3. Food Safety

Lesson 4. A Step-by-Step Guide to Launching a Thriving Catering Business

The success of a catering business lies in crafting a meticulously designed business plan, which serves as a guide through critical decisions, from market identification to financial management. This proactive planning is essential for turning culinary passion into a sustainable and lucrative enterprise by factoring in market dynamics and operational strategies. Additional lesson topics: Starting a Catering Business 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 4. Business Planning

Lesson 5. From Dream to Dinner: Comprehensive Planning for Catering Success

Choosing the right business structure, whether a sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation, shapes your operational dynamics, liability exposure, and tax obligations. Separate personal from business finances to simplify tax duties and solidify your business's financial health. Additional lesson topics: Sole Proprietorship Startup Costs 11 Total Points
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 5. Getting Started

Lesson 6. Culinary Connections: Authentic Marketing Strategies for Caterers

Word-of-mouth marketing is vital for catering businesses, leveraging satisfied clients to spread positive impressions. Early-stage offering incentives and strategic networking deepen community ties, generating significant business exposure. Additional lesson topics: Marketing Plan for a Catering Business; Marketing Ideas 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Marketing
  • Assessment: Lesson 6. Marketing

Lesson 7. Building Trust in Party Planning

Flawless first impressions create trust when your catering skills shine, transforming initial inquiries into lasting client partnerships. Through meticulous planning and attention to detail, you elegantly weave culinary art with organizational prowess. 12 Total Points
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Meals
  • Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 7. Party Planning

Lesson 8. The Art of Menu Design for Every Occasion

Successful menu planning for catered events involves understanding client needs, incorporating seasonal items, and crafting contracts to set clear expectations. Adjusting pricing strategies based on event type and building goodwill through flexible approaches can secure long-term profitability and client satisfaction. Additional lesson topics: Food Presentation Tips 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 8. Meal Planning

Lesson 9. From Paper to Plate: Crafting Memorable Culinary Events

From signing a contract to delivering a gourmet experience, catering involves meticulous planning and strategic shopping that ensures client satisfaction and event success. Mastering food quantity estimation, shopping organization, and supplier relationships enhances both efficiency and quality. Additional lesson topics: Planning Tips 7 Total Points
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 9. Shopping

Lesson 10. The Efficient Caterer: Key Practices for Success

By leveraging new technologies like catering and accounting software, caterers can efficiently manage multiple events, streamline processes, and avoid financial pitfalls. The balance between creativity and practicality can create a memorable event, where visual appeal matches the culinary delights. Additional lesson topics: Time-Saving Tips 9 Total Points
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 10. Timing and Kitchen Efficiency

Lesson 11. Beyond the Kitchen: Delivering Food Safely and On Time

Catering logistics involve safe and secure food transportation, whether for customer pickup or delivery, with careful packaging and clear instructions to maintain quality. Investing in appropriate vehicles and specialized carriers enhances your service, branding, and professionalism, ultimately ensuring client satisfaction. 67 Total Points
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Lesson discussions: What do you think about this course?; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); 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: With online access available nationwide, this course reaches all U.S. states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. Additionally, it’s open to learners in English-speaking countries such as the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
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
Proctor: UniversalClass Instructional Team
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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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.