What license if any do I need to start a home-based catering service?
Asked by ashes
I am thinking of starting my own catering business from home. What licenses or requirements do I need? Do i need a license or anything for doing it from my home? Any info would be great.

Best Answer:
It depends on the state/county you live in. Where I live (Michigan) you can not run a catering business out of your home unless you have a separate commercial kitchen. Preparing food for sale in your family kitchen is not legal. The commercial kitchen must have egress and regress, commercial grade equipment, be health department inspected, licensed and insured. When we installed our kitchen in a commercial building we had to have electrical, mechanical, fire and health inspectors approve our kitchen. Check with your local/county health department. They should be able to give you a list of everything needed to meet their requirements. And don't forget insurance and registering your business with the federal, state and local tax authorities. Not paying Uncle Sam can get you in trouble real fast! Good luck!