Things You'll Need:
- Licenses
- Permits
- Building
- Equipment
- Ingredients
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Step 1
Decide what type of gourmet food you want to sell. It is a good option to start with one or two items until you see how those will sell. Once you figure out what is best in your area, you can add to the selection you offer.
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Step 2
Consult with your local officials to determine what types of licenses and permits you need for your business. For example, you need to go to the local health department to find out about the codes you will have to follow and to find out about inspections. You will need to get a tax identification number and possibly a certificate of occupation.
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Step 3
Pick a location for your business. Keep in mind that the building and food preparation areas have to meet the local health department codes in your area. You should pick a clean building that has ample room for food item storage and a food preparation area. In some cases, you will need a walk-in cooler or freezer.
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Step 4
Purchase your equipment. Make sure that the equipment you buy is the right equipment for your needs. For example, if you are opening a gourmet coffee shop, you need cappuccino machines, coffee makers and a cooler to hold milk and other perishables. If you are unsure about the specific equipment you will need, consider asking a someone who owns or runs a similar business for advice.
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Step 5
Order the ingredients for the gourmet foods you are going to sell. If you are going to sell only ingredients for customers to make their own gourmet foods, order all of the ingredients to make specific dishes. For example, if your gourmet food shop will sell ingredients for brownies and cakes, make sure that you have all of the ingredients to make at least a few different types of brownies and a few different flavors of cake.
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Step 6
Consider offering items that will complement the foods you sell. For example, if you open a gourmet cheese shop, think about offering crackers.
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Step 7
Open the doors. It may be helpful to start an advertising campaign in your area before you open the doors to your gourmet food business. People can come to business only if they know about it.
