Lately at work , when we have food days, I am expected to bring the desert. I have become famous for my variations of banana bread ( i.e one with cinnimon and bananas ). I have been working on my recipe book ( am working to get a small laptop for my recipe book ) I have no formal training in the arts. I am wondering if I should go get training or continue in the method I am versed in ( trial and error in recipe creation). I live in Milwaukee and there are not many bakeries around. I am wondering if it is a good idea and if anyone has any ideas on what to focus on to make $$$ ( yes I know coffee is key )

 

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Coffee isnt necessarily the key; high quality and unique pastries, breads, cakes, chocolates, etc is what the key is


For baking - either get a good mentor or get formal training since a bakery is about exact measurements unlike cooking which can be trial and error and feel of the chef


good luck in your dream - I hope you make it

 

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sounds like a cool idea hon


I say go for it!!

 

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Since you have no training you might try to get a job at one of the bakeries in the area first. Once you learn about how it's run and some of the trials you might face, you'd be better prepared.


If this is something you really want to do, go for it.

 

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take the above posters advice-work in a bakery first maybe one or two something high end boutique, something mass production. its a big risk with small margins of error and return.


you need to know what the hours are like (early morning, or often graveyard), physical demands (hauling 50 pound sacks of flour, sugar and so on-moving and dealing with fairly large batches of dough, batter, icing and so on), costs of overhead, design, equipment from ovens to mixers to small wares, to packaging, POS systems, staffing, esspresso machine, plumbing, electrical, architects, mechanical engineers, contractors, permits, inspections-even if you buy an exsisting business you will have some of these associated costs) you need to develop a concise and workable business plan, find a good accountant that understands food/retail/hospitality. and realize that for at least a year if not longer you will be building the business and unlikely to have any income, or very little. it takes most restaurant/bakery/coffee shops nearly 2 years to reach profitibility-which does not include getting out of banker/investor financing which usually takes 5 years.


Know what you are getting into-being able to bake really good banana cakes for a few people every week or so, and having a recipe book does not ensure a good bakery.


not to burst your bubble just be realistic and get some real life training.

 

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The reason there is a lack of bakeries is the ability to make a profit these days with the price of ingredients, and the advantage that the larger supermarkets have with making and selling in bulk cannot be denied.


I suggest everyone follows their dream, but a solid and well-researched business plan is a MUST.

 

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That is my dream, too.


I just wish I had over $100,000 to make it possible.


Good luck to you!

 

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my parents opened a bakery about 5 years ago and it didnt cost anywhere near that much

well on the plus side I have the advertising and marketing background I paid dearly for in college to help me get the word out about it. I have been doing research on the costs in running and maintaining a small buisness.


If I decide to do it and we are all still here I will let everyone know

 

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Costs have skyrocketed in the last 5 years on everything from eggs to gas (as we all know)


But yes research research and more research. Also would not hurt to take a few chef cooking classes not only will you learn new things but you will make more contacts in the food industry.

 

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