Why a catering franchise is an incredible opportunity in 2021

While your initial perception in 2021 may be that the catering industry is in decline as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, do not be fooled. Instead, the opposite is true. That’s right – catering today is among the UK’s most strong, diversified and fast-growing industries.

The shift in working models means more and more people are now working from home. As the UK continues to look for a way out of lockdown, it is likely that the WFH model or parts of WFH will become the “new normal” for many of us. While you may worry that this is bad news for caterers, think again.

Working from home has presented new challenges, including finding time for good quality food and drink as a way to relax and end the work day. Many businesses have switched models to work at home, and caterers have adapted accordingly. While food delivery was once the norm for people looking to relax with a pizza or curry on an evening or weekend, in recent times the demand for coffee, sandwiches, cooked meals and pastries straight to the door during business hours has soared.

Proof of this is the proven fact that many of the UK’s biggest purveyors of coffee and street snacks now offer a day-to-day home delivery service – meaning there’s ample opportunity for new products. franchise owners to participate in the action as well.

Of course, with COVID-19 vaccinations being given at an astounding pace and the end of lockdowns finally in sight, many caterers are also looking forward to returning to traditional pre-pandemic work practices.

Weddings, baby showers, birthday parties, anniversaries, club meetings, conferences and company events: the list of opportunities for catering is sort of endless. A major increase in socializing is anticipated in the post-pandemic UK, meaning in addition to operating home delivery services for workers there will even be ample opportunities for franchisees to utilize event catering.

If you think you have the skills to run your own catering company, but aren’t sure where to start, you should consider franchising. Investing in a catering franchise means you will enjoy all the benefits of being your own boss while benefiting from the experience and support of an established brand.

Here are five advantages of a catering business franchise in 2021:

Initial cost reduction

While any catering business will have start-up costs, food franchise normally requires a lower initial investment compared to doing it yourself. If you plan to operate on mobile or delivery, this is even better, as you do not need to rent a prime location property for lunch time. Food franchises are terrific low cost franchise with often low overhead costs and high returns.

Bring your business to your customers

Food franchising is in a position to address some of the biggest challenges facing the traditional food and beverage industry today – specifically getting customers through the door. Even in a post-lockdown world, it takes considerable marketing effort to create a brand reputation from scratch to attract a large audience.

As a flexible mobile caterer, you can take your products directly to your customers – be it home delivery, office delivery or coverage of events, such as weddings or conferences. As a franchisor, you’ll have the ability to use your initiative to make your business successful, while also having the support of an established brand behind you.

Your services are in demand

The demand for catering companies is clearly on the rise, and the industry needs enthusiastic individuals to close the gaps in the market. Whether you offer freshly roasted coffee and delicious pastries or unique and thrilling global cuisine, your services as a franchisor have never been more sought after – and as the UK opens up, the chances for your market will too.

You are free to follow your passion

If you are the type of person who has the ability to communicate and thrives in a busy work environment, a catering franchise could be the perfect venture for you. Of course, it helps if you love food and drink – and if so, franchising will provide you with lots of creative freedom.

While franchising does not offer you total control over how the business operates, it still gives you flexibility and much of opportunities to improvise. You can even choose your own projects and set your own goals – while enjoying a support network from highly successful brands.

Choose your own hours

One of the greatest advantages of owning your own franchise is that you can choose your hours to fit any personal commitments you may have. Some franchisees choose to work part time while raising kids or focus on other jobs, while others throw themselves utterly into their new franchise. The choice is totally yours.

If you are passionate about food and drink, and are tempted to enter the catering industry but feel you would benefit from the endorsement of an established brand, why not consider buying one of the various foods retail franchise sold today?