Decisions, decisions... So many things to think about! A friend offered to send me a copy of his business plan as a place to get started. Just the few questions he asked me made me realize how much I had never thought about. This is going to be a TON of work but I believe it will be worth it!
Currently the bakery is being run out of my home. I would LOVE to have a storefront someday. Bakeries are a "sight and smell" kind of business and you just can't get that from a webpage. However, that takes a pile of cash - estimates are between $150K and $200K to start due to all the equipment. I want to do this as debt free as possible so for now... it's out of my house. The good news for you... I deliver!
Back to decisions... Location: Where to have a bakery once I am at a position to have a storefront. Do I rent something that's brand new? Try to find a location that already has the walkin coolers, etc.? And if I do that, why did that place not make it? Are there other places too close that would be direct competition?
The website is coming along. Mostly the problems are with my decisions. I think I know what I want then when I see what it looks like decide that isn't the best way to communicate what is available. Some day I hope that you will be able to order directly from the site but that's down the road a bit!
The things I'm trying to do now all deal directly with the products themselves. Trying to find a wholesale supplier for the ingredients is proving challenging. I want as many items as possible to be natural and/or organic (preferably both) but I'd also like to work with as many local businesses that I can. Where's the irony in using organic ingredients and have them shipped half way across the country! Unfortunately this makes prices a little higher but I believe it is completely worth it!
Along with organic ingredients, I'd like to use as many natural products as possible for packaging. Again, finding someone local is tough. Also, nothing holds cupcakes and muffins as well as the molded clear plastic clamshell type to-go containers. So there might need to be a little bit of compromising. I want your treats to arrive at your destination looking as good as they did when you bought them.
Other decisions include, which items to make vegan, gluten-free, dairy free, etc. In a store, should coffee/tea, etc be available? How many "savory" items? Where to get pans for baking? What about bulk storage? What to do with items left at the end of the day? So many decisions....but the best part is that they are mine to make! I believe that when the time comes God will help guide me to what will be best for the bakery and the community that it will be part of.
Believe,
Bobbi
Making cake, cupcakes, cheesecakes, brownies, cookies & bars, miscellaneous treats and a variety of breads for you! Natural and organic ingredients used when possible. Many items available in gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan. Be sure to ask!
