Catering for family celebrations and small events
Starting costs about $6,250 in the United States and 1,130,000 NGN in Nigeria. After 12 months, this business can bring in about $2,570 net per month in the United States and 602,000 NGN in Nigeria. The starting money comes back in about 8 months, with 35 hours of work per week.
Mundyo estimates, data as of 2026-11-02.
See the numbers for my countryFree, no account, in the currency of 247 countries.
The numbers
| Country | To start | Net per month (month 12) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $6,250 | $2,570 |
| Nigeria | 1,130,000 NGN | 602,000 NGN |
| United Kingdom | £4,250 | £1,830 |
| Kenya | 276,000 KES | 87,200 KES |
| India | 138,000 INR | 63,600 INR |
Amounts adjusted to each country's price and income levels.
The problem
For a christening, birthday, funeral or neighbourhood party, families want to host well without cooking for two days.
The solution
Turnkey menus for 20 to 150 guests: buffet, sharing dishes or traditional food, with delivery, tableware and optional service.
Your customers
Families celebrating an event, associations, religious communities, small businesses and meeting organisers.
How you make money
12 to 30 € per guest depending on the menu, plus 80 to 200 € per waiter and tableware hire.
Competition
Established caterers, restaurants doing events, informal neighbourhood cooks and families cooking themselves.
Who has an edge
An organised cook known for family or community cooking, able to produce in volume and manage a small team.
The risks
Food safety rules, demand concentrated on weekends and seasons, late cancellations and costly quantity mistakes.
The first 3 steps
- Check food safety rules and rent a compliant kitchen by the day.
- Design three standard menus costed per guest.
- Offer a tasting to local associations and communities.
How the numbers are calculated
Example in a high-income eurozone country, at month 12: revenue €5,200 − costs €3,400 = €1,800 net per month. Revenue: 210 guests × €22 + 4 waiters × €150. Costs: food, extra serving staff, kitchen rental, transport, social contributions. For other countries, Mundyo adjusts the starting budget to the price level (World Bank) and the income to prices and customers' purchasing power, then converts at the day's exchange rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start: Party catering?
About $6,250 (United States), 1,130,000 NGN (Nigeria), £4,250 (United Kingdom), depending on the country. Mundyo calculates the amount for 247 countries.
How much can you earn per month?
After 12 months, about $2,570 (United States), 602,000 NGN (Nigeria), £1,830 (United Kingdom) net per month, after costs.
How long until I get my starting money back?
About 8 months, with 35 hours of work per week.
What are the risks?
Food safety rules, demand concentrated on weekends and seasons, late cancellations and costly quantity mistakes.
Where do I start?
1. Check food safety rules and rent a compliant kitchen by the day. 2. Design three standard menus costed per guest. 3. Offer a tasting to local associations and communities.
Similar ideas
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- Remote food-cost and menu profitability tracking for restaurantsFood-cost tracking for restaurants
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