Company case study
Event Kitchen Rentals
A niche business providing high-quality kitchen equipment rentals for caterers and event planners
Event Kitchen Rentals, co-founded by a brother duo in 2013, specializes in renting high-quality commercial kitchen equipment to caterers and event planners. It came up on Koerner Office in the episode "How to Start this $337k/Yr Service Business You’ve Never Heard Of⏐Ep. #139" (aired March 5, 2025).
At a glance
| Podcast | Koerner Office |
|---|---|
| Hosted by | Chris Koerner |
| Episode | How to Start this $337k/Yr Service Business You’ve Never Heard Of⏐Ep. #139 |
| Aired | March 5, 2025 |
| Revenue and traction | The business generated approximately $337,000 in revenue last year, with their most popular item, the convection oven, accounting for $140,000, which is about 41% of total sales. |
| Category | E-commerce |
Figures and claims are as told on the episode, summarized from the transcript. Check the date: they describe the company at the time it aired.
What the episode said
How to Start this $337k/Yr Service Business You’ve Never Heard Of⏐Ep. #139 · aired March 5, 2025 · hosted by Chris Koerner
Why it works
Event Kitchen Rentals thrives due to its focus on quality, excellent customer service, and a strong understanding of the event catering market. They capitalized on the missteps of their main competitor and built symbiotic relationships with local caterers, which has driven repeat business.
Founding story
After starting a bar called Squeeze Bar in Charleston, the founders pivoted to the kitchen rental business after noticing caterers struggling with their equipment. Initially investing $10,000 in high-quality ovens and fryers, they faced setbacks, including a fire that destroyed their bar. However, community support and a commitment to quality helped them turn their business around and grow.
The playbook
1. Identify Your Niche: Research your local event market to find gaps in services. Look for areas where existing providers are lacking, such as quality, reliability, or customer service. 2. Invest in Quality Equipment: Start with essential, high-demand items that caterers use frequently, such as convection ovens and fryers. Aim for high-quality brands that will last and maintain their value. 3. Build Relationships: Network with local caterers and event planners. Offer them an opportunity to try your equipment. Establish strong partnerships that lead to repeat business. 4. Leverage Community Support: Engage with your local community and event organizations. Participate in local events to showcase your services and build your reputation. 5. Focus on Customer Service: Ensure excellent communication and support for your clients. Be responsive to their needs, including quick delivery and maintenance to build trust and reliability.
Also mentioned
The founders have never invested in paid advertising, relying instead on referrals and organic growth. They emphasize the importance of maintaining equipment and providing top-notch service, which has led to a loyal customer base. They also advise potential entrepreneurs to consider the physical demands of the business and the importance of having a reliable team.