Sell or Buy a Catering Business in Illinois

Catering Business Overview

Illinois catering businesses serve corporate events, weddings, social gatherings, and institutional clients. The industry benefits from the Chicago metro area's robust event market and diverse culinary scene.

Catering businesses benefit from high-margin events, repeat corporate clients, and scalable operations. Success depends on reputation, culinary expertise, and event execution capabilities.

Catering Business Valuation

Business Type	Multiple Range	Basis
Small/Home-Based	1.0x - 1.5x	SDE
Corporate Catering	1.5x - 2.5x	SDE
Full-Service Events	2.0x - 3.0x	SDE
Venue + Catering	2.5x - 4.0x	EBITDA

Key Valuation Factors

Client base: Corporate accounts and repeat customers
Reputation: Reviews, referrals, and brand recognition
Equipment: Kitchen, transport, and serving equipment
Contracts: Venue partnerships and corporate agreements
Staff: Experienced chefs and event coordinators

Selling a Catering Business

Key Selling Considerations

Client database: Corporate accounts and event history
Equipment inventory: Kitchen and serving equipment
Staff retention: Key chefs and coordinators
Venue relationships: Preferred vendor agreements
Recipes/menus: Proprietary recipes and presentations

Illinois Regulatory Compliance

Illinois Food Service Sanitation License
Local health department permits
Food handler certifications
Liquor license (if serving alcohol)
Vehicle permits for food transport
Workers' compensation insurance

Complete Selling Guide →

Buying a Catering Business

Key Buying Considerations

Client verification: Confirm key account relationships
Equipment assessment: Kitchen and transport condition
Staff interviews: Meet key culinary and event staff
Venue relationships: Verify preferred vendor status
Seasonality: Understand revenue patterns

Complete Buying Guide →

Catering Types

🏢 Corporate

Business meetings and events.

💒 Wedding

Wedding receptions and events.

🎉 Social Events

Parties and celebrations.

🏫 Institutional

Schools and healthcare.

🍱 Drop-Off

Delivery-only catering.

🎪 Full-Service

Complete event management.