How to Start a Tamale Business

Tamales were popular even before the Aztecs served them to the Spaniards in the 1550s and people haven't lost their taste for them ever since. Whether you are selling Mexican tamales with succulent pork or chicken, or El Salvadoran tamales wrapped in banana leaves and stuffed with mouth-watering meat and potato filling, you're certain to find plenty of customers. You'll need to take care of a few things before you can really get your business rolling, but once you do, you'll find that fresh and tasty tamales produce repeat business.

Things You'll Need

• Tax identification number

Instructions

1. Check your local and state regulations, as you get an inspector's visit to check if your kitchen meets commercial standards or other requirements. The departments that handle food safety and inspections are different in many cities and states. You can find out what you need to do by calling the main number for your city government.

2. Decide what kind of tamales you are going to sell. You should stick to three or four specific types at first. Later on when your business is established, you can test market specialty tamales, such as vegetarian or sweet tamales. This will enable you to gauge customer response and expand your menu if warranted.

3. Obtain a tax identification number for your business so that you can buy ingredients wholesale. If you will be doing business under a name other than your own, you'll also need to apply for a DBA (Doing Business As) license. Call your county clerk's office to inquire about applying for one.

4. Market your tamales to small markets and supermarkets in your community. Emphasize that your tamales are locally produced and provide samples. Further develop your customer base by handing out business cards at your local farmers' market and setting up booths at Latino music festivals and fairs.

5. Contact caterers and let them know that you have fresh tamales. Follow up each contact with a letter giving your contact information and ability to customize orders. Create a menu of what you offer to include and provide precise information about ingredients and prices.

6. Use your social networks, online and off, to let friends, family and acquaintances know about your new tamale business. Many people enjoy buying tamales for holidays and other special occasions, as well as when they simply want something fast to prepare for dinner. Let word of mouth work its magic to promote your business.

References

• ProgressoTamale.com: History of Tamales

Resources

• Business Licenses, Permits and Business Names