First of all, thanks everyone for all the encouragement! I really believe I can do this!
To answer a few questions from the previous post, I would be offering these types of things:
One mean at a time cooked and served in the client's home. family dinner, couples dinner, etc.
Going in one day and cooking and entire weeks worth of meals for an individual, couple, or family. Package to refrigerate or freeze and reheat for their meals.
Meal delivery with the food being cooked from my house. this would work well if the client didn't have an adequate kitchen to prepare many meals at once. i think i have to get a different permit for this, though. I also think this would work better if I had an actual kitchen to work in. Maybe once I get all fabulously popular, i can rent a space with a full kitchen.
Dinner parties and small gatherings like birthday parties, tailgates, etc. I would have to employ some cocktail waitresses. anyone interested? haha. Like I said earlier, I don't want to do big groups. not my thing, at least not yet.
Cooking demonstration classes and parties.
Can you ladies think of anything else? Am I missing something? I am starting to put together menus and prices and I'm going to launch a website once I get everything down pat.
Oh yeah, and Holy Potatoes. I'm really gonna do this.
Re: Follow up to my 'advice needed' post
This is so cool!!
I've been thinking of launching a cookie business (not cakes...yet) but I'm scared of Louisiana laws for cooking/getting approved to cook in a non-commercial kitchen. Lawsuits give me the heeby-jeebies..ugh!
Have you spoken with someone regarding if there are any laws in Louisiana about this? I'm curious!
The Nifty Foodie
Life/Craft Blog
I don't think there are really any regulations or laws that are that hardcore. As long as you have insurance. I'm going to the Board of Health and the Secretary of State's office to see about the permits and such. Hey I'll sell your cookies for you to my clients!
Oh that's too awesome! I'm still in the brainstorming process, but I have a business name if I ever did launch haha!
I just need to grow a pair (for lack of a better term) and just do it. LOL! DH is all for it, I'm just scared.
The Nifty Foodie
Life/Craft Blog
The Nifty Foodie
Life/Craft Blog
OK so my marketing ideas for you.
The market you are going after is the upper middle class, and that group in BR travels in a circle together. Once you are in, you are in like Flynn. I suggest you do a free dinner for 6 or something giveaway at one of the local get togethers, maybe at Uncorked ( I can get you in touch with people there).
Another thing that is REALLY popular is to do a cooking class in a home. It's a ladies night (or mens) kinda thing. So maybe add that to your list of "things I do". It's also a great way to get clients and refferals, which is the best way for your business to grow.
I can't think of anything off the top of my head that the opera, Swine Palace or symphony does that is on a smaller scale except the after parties. I can also put in touch with people for that if you want. That's where you'll get the older $$ crowd.
I'll be back if I have any more ideas. Do you have a name for your company and a chef's jacket yet?
Working on some names. I will post a poll once I compile a few. I guess once I pick a name, I can get a snazzy chef's jacket.
Thanks!!
And, you know I do need some baking consultants. You and joeysgirl can apply for the job. Haha.
Ooo baking consultant work sounds fun! LOL
The Nifty Foodie
Life/Craft Blog
Yeast is my friend. Just so you know.
I'll pencil you in, haha.
btw, kudos on the "blazing saddles" quote in your siggy.