How to Make $2,800 a Month Doing Event Catering from Home
I’ve built food businesses where smart packaging beat kitchen size. Home-based event catering works because clients buy reliability and taste—not square footage. $2,800 months are about disciplined math and tight execution.
Break Down the $2,800 Math
Start with clarity.
Example:
- Average event booking: $700
- Events needed: 4 per month
That’s one event per week.
Sell Fixed Event Packages
À la carte kills margins.
Winning packages:
- Small gathering (20–25 guests)
- Standard party (35–40 guests)
- Premium add-on dessert station
Packages raise booking value by 30–40%.
Control Food Costs Aggressively
Margins live at purchase.
Rule:
- Ingredient cost ≤ 35% of event price
Every extra 5% cost erases $140 monthly profit.
Limit Menu Customization
Boundaries protect profit.
Rules:
- 2–3 preset menus
- Paid swaps beyond basics
Fixed menus cut prep time by 40%.
Pre-Sell and Batch Cook
Cash first, cook later.
System:
- Take orders 7 days in advance
- Batch prep in one production window
Pre-selling protects 60%+ gross margins.
Secure Payments Upfront
Cash flow matters.
Rules:
- 50% non-refundable deposit
- Balance due before event
Deposits reduce cancellations by 80%.
Final Wall Street Insight
$2,800 a month catering from home isn’t stretch.
It’s four well-priced events and disciplined execution.
Small kitchen. Real money.
