How to Open a Food Business

Turn your love of food into a growing business.

If you have a love for food and creating delicious dishes, consider starting your own food business. Successful entrepreneurs in the food world have turned their love of all things culinary into flourishing business ventures.

Instructions

1. Start your business at home. You'll be able to experiment with favorite dishes and new recipes well into the night if necessary. You won't be limited to designated days or times. Make sure to first check with your town to make sure you're allowed to sell food that was produced in your home. Certain towns have regulations prohibiting this. Your town may require a home inspection to make sure your equipment is within code. The health department may also check for a clean, designated food preparation area. If you're not allowed to sell food from your home-based kitchen, you can use your kitchen as a test lab before creating the final product in a professional space. In this case, you'll need to rent a commercial kitchen.

2. Specialize in a certain product. For example, you can concentrate your business in cookies or pies, or something broader, such as BBQ foods or Mexican fare. You can even focus your business on preparing healthy, nutritious foods. Since international ingredients and recipes are readily available, you'll be able to choose a unique specialty that isn't currently being filled in your local market. Consider a food business that caters mostly to gourmet food-lovers, or to an early morning or lunch crowd. You can even appeal to particular events, like making cakes for weddings or catering hot and cold appetizer platters to parties and graduations. Explore trends in your demographic and aim your business towards what will meet demand.

3. Purchase equipment and supplies for your business. Depending on the business you're starting, you may need an industrial-size mixer, food processors, large ovens and other commercial equipment. If you'll be transporting food, you'll need a reliable van that's large enough to fit all of your products. Until your business takes off and starts earning you steady money, it may be economical to rent your equipment and supplies.

4. Sell your products to local, independent shops and restaurants. Restaurants will benefit by offering specialty items on their menus and they'll appeal to the community by supporting local business.

Tips & Warnings

• Additional food business careers to consider include bartending services, food sculpture services, personal chef services and bottled sauces for sale. You can also open a tavern, bakery, deli or chocolate shop. If you have a special dip, salsa or condiment that always gets rave reviews, consider selling it in local grocery stores and delis.

References

• My Small Biz: Foodies, It's time -- Learn How to Start a Food Business
• Their Future, Made by Hand - The New York Times