Hello SoWal: I just joined and Need Your Opinions on opening a storefront bakery

[MTB]

Hello to Everyone,
I am researching retail sites to locate a bakery along 30A. We will bake and offer speciality cakes for weddings, birthdays etc as well as pies, pastries, cookies and breads. We already bake from a commercial kitchen for parties and weddings and are considering to take the leap to a storefront bakery!!!

Any feedback on where along 30A you would like to see this located will be sooooo
appreciated.

MTB

 

[Kurt]

I was just saying the other day that we don't have a "pure" bakery that does nothing bu baked goods. At least not that I could think of. Although we have some great bakers around here. Like La Lobas, Fatty Patty's, etc. I think they diversify a bit to keep steady income.

I imagine the key would be to keep busy in the off season by supplying other outlets and restaurants.

 

[Franny]

I think this is a great idea, but to make it work here, location, location. Best of luck.

 

[Beach Runner]

A real bakery would be fantastic. I think you need to choose a place with a minimal lease to control your fixed overhead. I agree with Kurt that you need to diversify to be succesful in the off season. Perhaps coffee in the AM, sliders or sandwiches at lunch (you know, something easy to prepare), and selling to local restaurants.

 

[scooterbug44]

Watercolor would be a good location.

 

[groveral]

first, I think it is a really good idea. I do believe you need to locate as close to the masses as possible. the usual suspects in my opinion--Seaside/Watercolor/Gulf Place/Rosemary.....

Best of luck!!!

 

[MTB]

Kurt, thank you for you're valuable input.Yes, part of our marketing plan is to develop a wholesale customer base as well as the year round birthday, special event/holiday needs.

 

[MTB]

Franny, your input about location is key. Thanks so much.

 

[MTB]

Beach Runner, your suggestions are factors that can make or break a business. You understand small business. We have discussed the other profit centers and coffee and simple sandwhiches on the homemade breads (no preservatives) we will bake are right on.

 

[MTB]

scooterbug44
Thank-you! Watercolor is on the list, have not yet spoken to anyone about available space, but it is so central on 30A.