How to Open Up a Pastry Shop

Make your pastry shop stand out from all the rest.

Pastry shops typically focus on a certain type of baked good, such as sweet breads, donuts or regional pastries. But having great recipes and baking talent isn't enough to run a successful pastry shop--you will need to research the laws and consumer demand of your area as well. With thorough planning, you can open your own profitable pastry shop.

Instructions

1. Contact your state's health department, department of professional regulation, and your city's small business development center to find out what permits and licenses you need to start a food business.

   Many states require that you obtain a food manger certification, food handler permits for all workers, a food enterprise permit, a Doing Business As (DBA) certificate, an employer identification number from the IRS and a tax identification number (if the state collects sales taxes). Most states also require an inspection of the facility before you open for business.

2. Decide what type of pastry shop to open. Options include, but are not limited to, a French pastry shop, a Mexican pastry shop (pastelleria), or a shop that specializes in other ethnic or custom pastries. Partly base your decision on the demand in the area. For example, in a neighborhood with four French pastry shops that is largely populated with people of Latin descent, you might want to consider opening a pastelleria to fulfill the demand.

3. Lease a space for your pastry shop that is large enough to hold a commercial kitchen, a food storage area, an office, a break room and seating space if you plan to offer in-store dining. At least 900 square feet is sufficient for most pastry shops.

4. Develop a menu for your pastry shop that includes traditional treats as well as your own creations--this will differentiate your pastry shop from others in the area. For example, if you're opening a French pastry shop and plan to put traditional, plain croissants on the menu, you can also offer a non-traditional croissant, such as caramel pecan, as well.

5. Purchase commercial kitchen equipment, food packaging, baking supplies and retail equipment (eg. cash registers, shelving, signage) from wholesale stores. Some great companies include InstaWares, Nashville Wraps and American Retail Supply.

6. Buy dry ingredients (e.g. flours, baking powder, flavorings) from wholesale food suppliers, such as King Arthur or Country Kitchen SweetArt. For perishables, such as eggs and milk, you can contact your local farmers' market and get the contact information for their vendors. Shopping local will save you money since you don't have to pay for shipping.

7. Promote your new pastry shop. Hand out product samples at farmers' markets and festivals, place fliers and coupons in complimentary businesses such as florist and gift shops (with permission), list your pastry shop in print and online business directories and send press releases to your local media outlets that cover dining and restaurants.

References

• A Touch of Business: Starting Your Own Bakery