How to start a Meal Prep company?

by Amara Amy Digital Marketer

Many meal prep businesses also prepare entire meals that need only reheating in the Write a business plan that outlines each stage of business development for your meal prep business. In the first section, describe the types of meal prep services you will provide. Services typically include creating recipes; cleaning, chopping and measuring ingredients so customers can assemble meals in your store; or providing fully assembled meals for customers to purchase.

In the second section, list all start-up costs. These may include rent, utilities, food supplies and materials, computer software and equipment, business insurance and labor. Describe ways to market your meal prep business in the third section. List all roles and responsibilities of management and employees in the fourth section.

Business Registration and Insurance

Register your meal prep business with your state's secretary of state's office. Contact the local county clerk's office to apply for a business license. Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to use on all business tax forms. Contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for more information about EINs.

Contact your local health department to inquire about the types of permits needed to handle and sell food to the public. Depending on the state you are doing business in, you may or may not need a food handling certification. Purchase business insurance from a licensed insurance provider, such as general liability, property and worker's compensation to protect business assets.

Find a Work Space

Contact a commercial real estate agent to lease commercial kitchen space. This space should be able to accommodate several work stations where customers can assemble their meals. Kitchen space should be large enough to allow preparation of ingredients in advance and storage of food, kitchen and cleaning supplies.

Purchase kitchen supplies and equipment from restaurant supply stores or online. You may also need a computer and bookkeeping and invoicing software.

Create Daily Menus

Create daily menus with at least two meal options for customers. Menus may include an appetizer, entree, sides and dessert. Create easy-to-follow recipes that include an ingredients list, measurements and cooking instructions. Meals should serve between four and six people.

Create a Website

If you want to start a meal prep company Create a website to post daily menus, schedule meal prep appointments with customers, showcase food and provide contact information and hours of operation. You may also want to create a calendar that displays available appointments.

Hire Employees

Hire employees to prepare ingredients, supervise customers during meal prep and clean the kitchen and work stations after customers leave. Depending on the number of customers served each day, you may need two or three employees.

Market Your New Business

All successful businesses need a marketing strategy to reach potential customers. Start off taking out ads in local papers where you plan to offer your services. Visit local businesses where you'll find individuals who are too busy to prepare their own meals and ask if you can hand out flyers or a discount coupon to try your services. You'll also want to take advantage of social media and online advertising, as that's a great way to reach a large group of people in a short amount of time.

Tip

Place marketing materials such as fliers and brochures in grocery stores, online and print business directories, day care centers, shopping malls and other places potential customers may frequent.

Warning

It may take several months to build a solid customer base. Before start a meal prep business, save at least six months' worth of expenses to cover start-up and monthly costs.