Craving Success? How To Start A Catering Business In Toronto

By Maurice | April 27, 2025

Embarking on a catering business in Toronto presents a promising opportunity within Canada’s dynamic foodservice industry. In 2024, the Canadian foodservice market is estimated at USD 114.29 billion, with projections to reach USD 261.09 billion by 2029, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.96%. Toronto’s vibrant culinary scene and diverse population further enhance the potential for new catering ventures.

However, the catering sector has faced challenges, with the Canadian market size decreasing by approximately 8.5% from 2022 to 2023, totaling 3.8 billion USD in 2023. Despite this, the industry is poised for recovery, offering opportunities for entrepreneurs ready to navigate its complexities.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to launching a successful catering business in Toronto. It covers essential steps such as understanding market trends, complying with local regulations, developing a compelling menu, and implementing effective marketing strategies. By following these guidelines, aspiring caterers can position themselves for success in Toronto’s competitive foodservice landscape.

1. Understand the Catering Industry

Catering is more than just preparing and delivering food—it involves event planning, client communication, and financial management. For aspiring entrepreneurs in Toronto, knowledge of the city’s unique market is essential for creating a successful business.

Market Trends in Catering

The catering industry is constantly evolving, influenced by cultural shifts, dietary trends, and economic factors. In Canada, the rise of dietary-conscious consumers has increased demand for gluten-free, vegan, and allergen-friendly menus.

Current trends in catering include:

Eco-conscious catering: Clients prefer sustainable practices, such as compostable packaging and locally sourced ingredients.
Experience-focused events: Catering businesses are expected to provide not just food but also memorable experiences through unique menu presentations or interactive food stations.
Health-conscious menus: Nutrient-rich and balanced meal options are highly sought after, especially for corporate events and fitness-oriented gatherings.

Toronto’s multicultural landscape also creates a unique demand for diverse cuisines, making menu variety a key selling point. By staying ahead of these trends, you can better position your catering business to meet client needs.

Types of Catering Services

Understanding the range of catering services is essential for determining your niche and crafting your business plan. Catering businesses can generally be divided into these categories:

Corporate Catering: This includes providing meals for meetings, conferences, or office events. Corporate clients value punctuality, professionalism, and consistency.
Event Catering: This covers weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations. These events often require customizable menus and attention to presentation.
Drop-off Catering: A simpler option where food is prepared and delivered without on-site service. It’s cost-effective and ideal for smaller gatherings or casual settings.

Choose a primary focus, but consider offering complementary services to broaden your client base. For example, pairing corporate catering with event drop-offs can diversify your revenue streams.

Client Expectations and Challenges

Client satisfaction is the cornerstone of a successful catering business. However, understanding client expectations and navigating common challenges are vital for long-term success.

Clients expect:

Reliability: Timely delivery and well-prepared food are non-negotiables.
Customization: Menus tailored to dietary needs and event themes are highly valued.
Transparency: Clear communication about pricing, services, and policies builds trust.

Challenges in the industry include unpredictable costs (e.g., fluctuating food prices), staffing for large events, and accommodating last-minute changes. Developing contingency plans and maintaining flexibility will help you address these hurdles effectively.

2. Create a Business Plan

Creating a comprehensive business plan is a critical step in establishing your catering business in Toronto. This document acts as your blueprint, detailing how you’ll operate, market, and grow your business. It’s especially important for securing financial support, organizing your goals, and ensuring you’re prepared to tackle the city’s competitive and diverse market.

Executive Summary

The executive summary serves as the introduction to your business plan, offering a concise yet detailed overview of your catering business. Although it’s placed at the beginning of the plan, it’s typically written last to summarize all the components effectively.

In this section, describe your business idea clearly and compellingly. Begin with the name of your catering company and its mission statement, which should reflect your core values and objectives. Outline your services, such as wedding catering, corporate events, or private parties, and highlight what makes your business unique. For example, you could emphasize a commitment to sustainable practices or expertise in creating fusion menus that reflect Toronto’s multicultural identity.

Additionally, include your business goals and a snapshot of your financial plan. Highlight projected revenue, funding requirements, and your strategies for achieving profitability. This section should grab the reader’s attention and set the tone for the detailed sections that follow.

Market Analysis

A thorough market analysis demonstrates your understanding of Toronto’s catering landscape and positions your business to succeed in a competitive environment. This section requires in-depth research and data to establish credibility.

Start with an industry overview to outline the catering opportunities in Toronto. The city’s vibrant culture, bustling corporate sector, and active event industry create a constant demand for quality catering services. For example, Toronto hosts thousands of weddings annually and is home to numerous multicultural festivals and corporate gatherings, making it a lucrative market.

Next, define your target audience. Be specific about the types of clients you aim to serve—are you focusing on corporate clients seeking weekday lunch services, couples planning weddings, or families celebrating milestone events? Also, conduct a competitor analysis to understand your direct and indirect competition. Identify their strengths and weaknesses and pinpoint gaps in the market that your business can fill, such as offering authentic regional cuisines or catering for specific dietary preferences like vegan or gluten-free menus.

Services and Menu Offerings

This section details the range of services and menu options your catering business will provide. It’s an opportunity to showcase your creativity and demonstrate how you’ll meet client needs.

Begin by listing the types of services you’ll offer, such as buffet setups, plated meals, or drop-off catering. If you plan to provide additional services like event coordination or bar services, include them here. Be clear about the scope of your offerings to help clients understand what they can expect.

For your menu, tailor options to your target market. For instance, a corporate package might include quick yet sophisticated lunch boxes, while a wedding menu could feature customizable multi-course meals. Highlight your flexibility by mentioning options for dietary restrictions, such as plant-based dishes or allergen-friendly items. Provide a sample menu to give clients a taste of your culinary style and versatility.

Marketing and Sales Strategy

Your marketing and sales strategy outlines how you’ll attract and retain clients in Toronto’s competitive catering market. This section should detail your approach to building brand awareness and securing bookings.

Start with your online strategy. A professional website is non-negotiable in today’s digital age. It should include your services, sample menus, pricing tiers, and high-quality photos of past events or dishes. Leverage social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to engage with potential clients.

Additionally, highlight offline marketing efforts. Consider distributing flyers or business cards at local venues, bridal expos, or community events. Networking with event planners and venue owners can also generate valuable referrals. Offering promotions for first-time clients or implementing loyalty programs can further incentivize repeat business.

Operational Plan

The operational plan delves into the logistics of running your catering business. This section should explain how you’ll execute your services effectively.

Detail your choice of kitchen facilities, whether you plan to use a home-based kitchen, rent a commercial kitchen, or partner with a shared workspace. Explain how you’ll manage staffing, from hiring experienced chefs to training servers and delivery personnel.

Also, address how you’ll handle transportation and equipment needs. Outline plans for delivering food safely, keeping it fresh, and setting up at event venues. Highlight the importance of maintaining cleanliness and adhering to Toronto Public Health regulations.

Financial Projections

This section provides a realistic financial overview of your business. It includes both startup costs and ongoing expenses, offering a clear picture of your funding needs and revenue potential.

Start by listing your initial expenses, such as business registration, permits, insurance, equipment, and marketing materials. Next, calculate your monthly operating costs, including rent, wages, utilities, and supplies. Ensure these figures are grounded in Toronto’s cost of living and market conditions.

Project your revenue by estimating the number of events or clients you’ll serve each month. Break down expected income by service type, such as corporate lunches, weddings, or private parties. Include a break-even analysis to determine how long it will take for your business to turn a profit. This transparency helps you and potential investors gauge your business’s sustainability.

3. How to Fund Your Toronto Catering Business

The food industry requires significant upfront capital for equipment, permits, and inventory, but Toronto’s thriving culinary scene and supportive business ecosystem provide numerous funding avenues for ambitious food entrepreneurs. Here’s how to fund your Toronto food business:

Estimate Your Funding Needs

Estimating how much funding you’ll need is the first step before looking for financing sources. Start by listing all your one-time startup costs like equipment, licenses, and initial inventory. Next, calculate your recurring operating expenses, such as rent, salaries, utilities, and marketing. These ongoing costs help you understand what it will take to keep the business running month after month.

Add your startup costs and initial operating expenses together. This gives you a clear total funding target.

Funding Options For Catering Businesses in Toronto

Finding the right funding can be challenging, but knowing your options will help you make decisions that suit your business needs. Catering businesses in Canada can access different types of financing, each with its own advantages and drawbacks.

Traditional Funding Options: Banks and credit unions are typical places to apply for a business loan or line of credit. These loans often require you to present a business plan, financial projections, and a strong credit history.
Alternative Funding Sources: Food and beverage entrepreneurs sometimes look for alternatives when traditional loans aren’t accessible. Popular sources include microloans from community organizations, private lenders, and online lending platforms.
Equity-Based Funding: If you prefer not to take on debt, you can raise capital by selling a share of your business. This includes angel investors, venture capital, or friends and family.
Bootstrapping: Bootstrapping means using your own savings, or reinvesting profits back into the business. It lets you keep full control and avoid loan repayments or giving up equity.
Government Grants and Programs: Government grants and programs are specific to Canadian businesses, including the food and beverage sector. Several grants support startups, job creation, or innovation; they do not need repayment.

Government Food & Beverage Businesses Programs in Canada

If you are planning to start or running a food or beverage business in Toronto, there are dedicated programs designed to help you grow. Many of these resources come in the form of grants, loans, or business support services:

BDC Small Business Loan: A BDC Small Business Loan is designed to help Canadian entrepreneurs like you fund a wide range of business needs, from purchasing equipment to covering payroll or launching marketing campaigns. You can apply easily online for amounts up to $100,000, with approval subject to review.
BDC Startup Financing: If you’re looking to launch or grow a business in Canada, BDC’s Startup Financing can help get you started with flexible loans up to $150,000. BDC is specifically focused on supporting entrepreneurs and offers advice alongside funding.
Community Futures program: The program delivers a mix of funding, mentorship, and business advisory and could be a key source of support for your small business. This federally funded initiative focuses on building resilient local economies across Canada.
Canada Small Business Financing Program: CSBFP is a federal initiative that aims to make it easier for you to get loans from major banks or credit unions by having the government share part of the risk with your lender.
FCC Food and Beverage Financing: FCC offers specialized financing for food and beverage businesses across Canada, helping you access the funds you need at any stage of your business journey.
Food Innovation & Research Studio (FIRSt): FIRSt supports the food and beverage industry with scientific R&D services from our lab located at George Brown College in Toronto, Ontario.
CaféTO Property Improvement Program: This Program is available to owners and tenants of commercial and industrial properties in Toronto to improve the appearance and/or function of their curb lane cafés, commercial patios and sidewalk cafés.
Circular Food Innovators Fund: The Circular Food Innovators Fund supports local small businesses in Toronto to implement reuse systems that replace single-use and takeaway items with reusable foodservice ware that is collected and redistributed for further use.
Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program: This Program provides funding to commercial property owners and tenants of commercial property in Toronto, to redesign, renovate or restore facades on commercial buildings.
Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program: The Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program offers matching funding of 50 per cent to commercial business operators and owners of storefronts in Toronto that are vacant (or, in certain limited circumstances, at risk of becoming vacant) to undertake interior renovations.
Retail Accelerator Program: This program provides access to retail training, advisory services and mentoring opportunities to retail businesses in Toronto. In addition, it offers a micro grant valued at $10,000 to help retail businesses develop and expand.

Building a Strong Funding Application

Start by carefully reading the requirements for each program or lender. Each application may ask for specific details, so double-check that you meet all the eligibility criteria.

Keep your documents organized and your information clear. Most funders want to see your business plan, recent financial statements, and an explanation of how you’ll use the funds. Being thorough and neat reduces questions from reviewers.

Avoiding Common Funding Mistakes

When funding your small business, it’s easy to overlook crucial details. Being aware of frequent mistakes can help you make better decisions.

Make sure you have a clear understanding of your revenue, expenses, and cash flow. Without this clarity, you may pursue funding that doesn’t fit your needs.
A solid financial plan helps you estimate how much funding to seek. Investors and lenders want proof you’ve thought things through.
Using only one funding source can create risk. It’s wise to combine different options like savings, loans, and investments so you’re not dependent on one channel.
Always read the fine print. Loan agreements and investor deals often contain important details about interest rates, fees, and repayment terms.
Review your expenses often and cut unnecessary costs. Any savings you find can be redirected toward growing your business or repaying debt.
Avoid rushing decisions. Take time to compare options and seek advice if you’re unsure. Careful planning helps minimize mistakes and improves your funding success.

4. Set Up Your Catering Business

Setting up a catering business in Toronto involves more than just honing your culinary skills. It requires careful planning, securing the right tools, and adhering to local regulations. Ensuring your business is fully operational and compliant is key to creating a strong foundation for long-term success.

Registering Your Business and Obtaining Permits

To operate legally in Toronto, you must register your catering business with the appropriate authorities and obtain the necessary permits. Start by deciding on a business structure, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation. Each structure has its own tax implications and liability considerations.

Once your business structure is established, register your business name through the Ontario Business Registry. Check that the name is unique and available across relevant domains and social media platforms for consistent branding. Depending on your projected revenue, you may also need to apply for a Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) number.

In addition, you’ll need a business license from the City of Toronto and a food premise inspection conducted by Toronto Public Health. This inspection ensures your kitchen facilities comply with food safety regulations. You may also need specific permits if you plan to serve alcohol or use specialized equipment like propane tanks at events.

Securing a Location

Choosing the right location for your catering business is vital, whether you’re operating from home, renting a commercial kitchen, or setting up your own facility.

If you’re starting small, working from home is an option, but it’s crucial to ensure that your kitchen meets Toronto Public Health’s standards for food safety. This often includes having separate storage for ingredients, proper refrigeration, and maintaining a clean workspace. If you plan to scale, renting a commercial kitchen is an excellent choice. These kitchens are fully equipped, meet all safety regulations, and save you from the hefty initial investment of setting up your own facility.

If your budget allows and your business is expanding, investing in your own dedicated kitchen facility could provide greater control over operations and branding. Consider the location’s accessibility for your delivery operations and proximity to event venues, as these factors will influence your efficiency and costs.

Equipping Your Kitchen

Your kitchen setup is a vital part of your catering business, as it’s where your culinary creations come to life. If you’re operating from home, separate storage for catering ingredients, proper refrigeration, and a clean, organized workspace are needed. Meanwhile, larger-scale operations are fully equipped and eliminate the need for costly upfront investments.

Make a checklist of essential equipment, including:

Cooking appliances: Ovens, stoves, grills, and microwaves.
Food preparation tools: Mixers, knives, cutting boards, and food processors.
Storage: Refrigerators, freezers, and shelving for ingredients and supplies.
Transport: Insulated carriers, coolers, and delivery vehicles to maintain food quality during transport.

Additionally, invest in serving ware, such as chafing dishes, platters, and utensils, to ensure a professional presentation at events.

Building a Reliable Team

Your team plays a significant role in the success of your catering business. Depending on your business size, you may need chefs, servers, drivers, and event coordinators.

Begin by hiring experienced chefs or cooks who can execute your menu consistently. Servers should be professional, well-trained, and capable of providing exceptional customer service. For transportation, reliable drivers familiar with Toronto’s layout can ensure timely delivery to event venues.

Provide proper training for all employees, emphasizing food safety, client interaction, and event setup. Clear roles and responsibilities help your team operate efficiently and deliver a seamless experience for clients.

5. Build Your Brand

Building a strong and recognizable brand is crucial to the success of your catering business. Your brand represents your values, quality, and unique offerings, making it essential to create a memorable impression that resonates with potential clients.

Defining Your Brand Identity

Before diving into marketing and promotions, take the time to define your brand identity. Consider the following:

Unique Selling Proposition (USP): What makes your catering business stand out? Whether it’s a signature dish, exceptional customer service, or specialized event catering, identify what sets you apart from competitors.
Mission and Values: What is the core purpose of your catering business? Are you focused on high-end events, corporate catering, casual parties, or wedding receptions? What values drive your business—sustainability, local sourcing, innovation, or customization?
Target Market: Who is your ideal client? Are you catering to busy professionals, event planners, or individuals hosting intimate gatherings? Understanding your target market will help you tailor your services, branding, and messaging.

Creating a Logo and Visual Identity

A professional logo and consistent visual identity will make your catering business more recognizable. Start by working with a graphic designer or using design tools to create a logo that reflects your brand’s personality.

Your visual identity should extend beyond your logo. Choose brand colors, fonts, and design elements that convey the tone and style of your business. Whether you want a sleek, modern look or a warm, rustic feel, your design choices should be consistent across all your marketing materials, such as your website, business cards, and social media profiles.

Crafting a Consistent Marketing Strategy

Marketing is essential to building your brand and attracting new clients. Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy that includes both online and offline tactics:

Customer Testimonials: Positive reviews from satisfied clients are invaluable in building your brand. Ask past clients for testimonials and feature them prominently on your website, social media, and promotional materials.
Online Advertising: Use platforms like Google Ads, Facebook, and Instagram to target potential clients based on location, interests, and behaviors. Run special promotions or ads highlighting your best offerings.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization): Optimize your website for search engines to ensure your business appears in relevant search results when potential clients are looking for catering services in Toronto. This includes using relevant keywords, creating content that answers client questions, and ensuring your website loads quickly and is mobile-friendly.
Content Marketing: Develop blog posts, recipes, or videos that provide value to your audience. This could include tips on hosting successful events, catering trends, or recipes that you can share.
Local Partnerships: Form partnerships with event venues, wedding planners, and corporate offices to expand your reach. Networking with local businesses can lead to referrals and increase your credibility within the community.

6. Launch the Business

Launching your catering business is a significant milestone that requires careful planning and a strategic approach. A successful launch sets the tone for your business and generates excitement among potential clients.

Planning a Launch Event

One of the most effective ways to introduce your catering business is by hosting a launch event. This event can be a great opportunity to showcase your culinary creations, introduce your services, and build relationships with potential clients. Here are some steps to plan a successful launch event:

Offer Promotions or Discounts: To entice guests to book your services, offer exclusive promotions or discounts for those who sign up or place orders during the event. This can help generate immediate business and build your client base.
Choose the Right Venue: If you don’t have a physical location, consider hosting the launch at a partner venue, such as a local event space, restaurant, or even a community center. Make sure the venue aligns with your brand and can accommodate your guest list.
Invite Your Target Audience: Invite potential clients, business partners, local influencers, event planners, and media representatives. A targeted guest list will help you connect with those who are most likely to hire or refer your services.
Create a Memorable Experience: Your launch event should reflect the quality and style of your catering services. Provide a sample menu of your offerings, decorate the venue to match your brand’s theme, and ensure excellent service throughout the event. Consider providing entertainment, such as live music or a cooking demonstration, to make the event even more memorable.

Promoting Your Launch

Effective promotion is key to ensuring a successful launch. Start promoting your event well in advance using a variety of channels:

Influencer Marketing: Collaborate with local influencers or bloggers to promote your event. Invite them to attend and share their experience on social media. This can help attract a wider audience and build brand awareness.
Social Media: Use your social media platforms to create buzz about your launch. Post teasers about your event, behind-the-scenes photos, and countdowns leading up to the big day. Encourage followers to RSVP or share your posts to increase your reach.
Email Marketing: Send out email invitations and updates to your contacts, potential clients, and anyone who may benefit from your catering services. Include details about the launch event and any special offers you are running.
Local Advertising: Consider using local advertising channels, such as community bulletins, event listings, or local magazines, to spread the word about your launch event. Print flyers or posters to distribute at local businesses or high-traffic areas.

Offering Special Launch Promotions

To generate excitement and encourage bookings right from the start, consider offering limited-time promotions during your launch:

Referral Bonuses: Encourage word-of-mouth marketing by offering referral bonuses or discounts for clients who refer friends or colleagues to your business.
Discounts for Early Clients: Offer discounted rates for clients who book your services within a certain time frame after the launch. This can incentivize immediate business and create a sense of urgency.
Package Deals: Create special catering packages that bundle popular menu items or services at a reduced rate. This allows potential clients to experience the full range of your offerings.

7. Manage Operations

Managing the day-to-day operations of your catering business is essential to ensure smooth service delivery and maintain client satisfaction. Efficient operations will help keep costs down, improve workflow, and build a reputation for reliability and quality.

Streamlining Scheduling and Event Planning

Scheduling is one of the most important aspects of catering operations. Whether you’re handling multiple events per day or preparing for large-scale gatherings, it’s crucial to stay organized and ensure that every event receives the attention it needs.

Assign Responsibilities: Clearly outline roles and responsibilities of each team member involved in the event. Whether it’s food preparation, serving, or event coordination, assigning tasks ensures that everyone knows what’s expected of them and minimizes confusion on the day of the event.
Use Event Management Software: Invest in event management software to help organize client bookings, track event details, and manage deadlines. This will help you keep everything in one place and avoid double bookings or missed appointments.
Create a Detailed Event Timeline: For each event, develop a detailed timeline that includes preparation schedules, delivery times, staffing needs, and any special requests from clients. This will help you ensure that nothing is overlooked and that the event runs smoothly.

Maintaining Inventory Control

Managing your inventory is a key operational task, as it ensures that you have the ingredients, equipment, and supplies necessary to run your business without overstocking or running out of essential items.

Create an Efficient Storage System: Organize your storage space in a way that’s easy to access and keeps your supplies fresh. For example, separate perishables from non-perishables and store food in temperature-controlled environments. An organized inventory system will make it easier to monitor stock levels and track items that need to be replaced.
Track Supplies Regularly: Set up a system to track your ingredients, packaging, and catering supplies. You can use inventory management software or order forms to monitor usage, reorder supplies, and prevent shortages. Regular checks will help ensure that you always have the right stock available without wasting money on unnecessary purchases.
Establish Vendor Relationships: Building strong relationships with your suppliers can help ensure you get the best prices and the freshest ingredients. Establish clear communication with them, and be proactive in managing your supply chain to avoid last-minute scrambles for ingredients.

Managing Staff and Team Communication

Your team is one of your greatest assets, and effective communication and management are essential to keeping operations running smoothly. Whether you’re working with a small team or a large one, ensuring that your staff is well-coordinated will improve efficiency and client satisfaction.

Staff Scheduling: Ensure that staffing levels are appropriate for each event. Too few staff members can result in poor service, while too many can lead to inefficiency and unnecessary costs. Use scheduling software to track hours, manage shifts, and optimize labor costs.
Hiring the Right People: Hiring experienced, reliable staff is essential. Look for individuals who not only have the right skills but also understand your company’s values and can deliver high-quality service. From chefs to waitstaff, it’s important that everyone shares your commitment to excellence.
Training and Development: Regular training is necessary to ensure your staff understands food safety guidelines, event protocols, and customer service expectations. Offering periodic workshops or training sessions can help reinforce these standards and keep the team up to date on industry trends.
Create a Communication System: Establish a clear communication process within your team, particularly for large events. Whether it’s through a group messaging app or walkie-talkies, make sure your team can communicate efficiently on the day of the event. Miscommunication can lead to delays, errors, and unhappy clients.

Ensuring Food Quality and Safety

As a catering business, the quality of the food you prepare is a reflection of your brand. High-quality, delicious food will keep clients coming back, while poor food can quickly tarnish your reputation. Additionally, food safety must always be a top priority.

Follow Food Safety Regulations: Stay up to date on food safety guidelines and ensure your kitchen is compliant with local health regulations. This includes proper food storage, temperature control, and hygiene practices. Adhering to these standards will help protect your clients and your business from health risks.
Consistency is Key: Ensure that each dish is prepared with the same level of care and attention to detail. Establish standardized recipes and cooking techniques to maintain consistency across all events. Your clients expect the same high-quality food every time, and consistency will keep them satisfied.
Quality Control Checks: Conduct quality control checks before food leaves the kitchen. This includes checking for taste, presentation, and portion size. It’s important that the food is prepared according to the client’s specifications and your business standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common questions and answers to guide you in starting your catering business in Toronto.

You’ll need a business license from the City of Toronto and a food premises license from Toronto Public Health. Obtain a food handler’s certification for yourself and key staff members. Consider additional permits like a liquor license if you plan to serve alcohol at events.

Start small by focusing on a specific niche or cuisine. Rent commercial kitchen space as needed instead of leasing a full-time facility. Partner with local suppliers for better pricing. Consider offering your services for smaller events or as a personal chef to build your reputation.

Develop a strong customer service strategy to build a loyal client base. Create diverse menu options to cater to various dietary needs and preferences. Optimize your pricing structure to ensure profitability while remaining competitive. Explore additional revenue streams like cooking classes or meal prep services.

Toronto has strict regulations for selling homemade food. Your home kitchen must be inspected and approved by Toronto Public Health. Certain high-risk foods may be prohibited for home-based production. Familiarize yourself with food safety guidelines and packaging requirements for homemade food sales.

Resources for Starting a Catering Business in Toronto

Government Resources

Industry Resources

Other Resources

About the author

Maurice

Maurice (Moe) Muise learned the ins-and-outs of government while an employee of the Government of Canada in Ottawa for 10 years. His current focus is helping small businesses in Canada to identify and maximize funding to grow their business.