Su and I would like to try out at starting a Thai food Delivery /Dinner party Service (as opposed to take away)There isn't really much like this in our area, we have 2 Thai restaurants with in about about a 30 mile radius.

We have had so many people say to Su that she should do something like this, so we thought it seemed like a good idea and haven't got much to lose really. At first we were going to try it out with friends and family to see how it all goes before we really commit ourselves

We were thinking of running this from home to try and keep the initial costs down, but not sure on if this is possible - health and saftey ?

We have drawn up a simple menu, which we will probably change from time to time. Also stating on it.. free delivery within 10 miles of Exmouth , 48 hour pre-ordering please and minimum order £25

Any suggestions / advice / pros + cons welcome / good idea / bad idea

You will certainly need a food hygeine certificate & public liabilty insurance, plus either set up a company or register as self employed.

Yes as Keith&Mol says, but I would add its an excellent idea. You will need to buy a few things like chaffing dishes etc. We get a brochure regularly at one of my clients and if I see it and its being chucked I will keep it for you.

One problem may be the 48 hour pre order but then you would not cope if you were to take orders, but this could be a good way of expanding.

Derren

You should also bear in mind the fact that you must have public liability insurance (in case you injure a customer or poison them!) and (IIRC) you should also register with the local authority under the Food Safety Act.

You will also need to advise your motor insurers of the change of use or you may find yourself uninsured!

Good luck

Sy,

sounds a great idea.

See if your local council offer Food Safety training as part of their Adult Education programme. It can normally be done in a single day (incl exam) and costs around £50.

Failing that, I think there some online courses you can sign up for.

Good luck with it. Keep us informed how you get on.

Cheers,
Pakcpao

Thanks guys for all your support and advive... thats great.

Shouldnt really take too much to set up then all being well. Did get a quote for liability insurance and it came to about £80 for £1000,000 cover which isnt bad. Will give the council a buzz and see if we can get on a food hygiene course.

Will let you know how it all goes

The Thai temple in Manchester occasionally run Food Hygene courses, maybe your local Temple does too.

BigRed

Your wife might find this course useful.

http://www.thinkfoodltd.com/training_services.html

quote:

Food hygiene courses are taught by Dr. Khanungnit Pisitchayakhon-Garnett, a Thai Ph.D. Medical Education graduate from Warwick University. Training and examinations shall be conducted in the Thai language to Thai people living and working in catering businesses throughout the UK. This service is specially designed for Thai people, whose English is limited, so that they may learn the basic knowledge and key food safety issues under the EU food hygiene legislation.

I hate to dampen your enthusiasm, bear in mind that the hygiene standards in your own home(very high of course) may not impress enviromental health, using your home for busines purposes may create a few problems.

Thai food Delivery /Dinner party Service

Forget the first part unless you are able to have three chefs to cover cooking,since home delivery for take out food started, people no longer come to collect,they want it delivered even if small surcharge is applied to cover extra staff and fuel.

Dinner Party: This works well once you sort out the Hygiene, insurance etc, the days people mostly requset
are friday, saturday, and any other day for birthday partys,
Would Your wife use help to serve (she will need it)dont let her try doing this herself (she will fail), most business comes from word of mouth.

My wife cooked finger buffet for the company last year enough food for 120 poeple,no service required,
during the month after,many people telephoned the receptionist asking could they have contact details as they wanted thai food for private partys.