Baking Business

[lizard00]

I'm seriously toying with the idea of opening a business from my home in which I would make baked goods to sell to a local vendor or two. I have someone that I am hoping to meet with tomorrow and am wondering if you guys could help me narrow down a top 5 favorite/most requested list.

Thanks

Also, if you have any business name ideas throw them my way!

[GlutenFreeManna]

Bread, rolls, buns and biscuits. I'm just starting out baking gluten-free, but I think these things are the hardest things to find or make. Brownies, cookies and cakes and other sweet things are easy to make gluten-free because the sugar covers up the fact that it's gluten-free. I have made good sweet breads and good cookies but not a really good bread yet. Of course I am working with the added disadvantage of trying to make it yeast free, soy-free and cow's milk free as well. So perhaps you could focus on bread, but do several different ones that are tailored for people that have to avoid Gluten and other allergens as well such as soy, or tapioca or rice, etc. Good luck with your business venture!

P.S. I'll gladly be a taste-tester if you need feedback on you products.

[bbuster]

The number one thing my son missed is pizza.

It took me a long time (and many disappointing tries) to get a good pizza crust. Now I have a recipe I love and make it practically every week. But we love to eat out as a family, and to be able to go out and have gluten-free pizza is such a treat for my teenage son.

After that, I would say rolls and buns that could be used for sandwiches. I think you are better off to make single-serve type items. My son is the only Celiac in our family, in fact, the only one in all of our extended families on both sides.

Cookies, cupcakes and brownies are probably the easiest to make (as posted above) but not everyone is into baking at home, so I think these would sell.

[ravenwoodglass]

I think that is a great idea. You've gotten some good suggestions but one thing you really should do before going any farther is to contact your local Health Dept and your cities Code Enforcement office. Cooking and baking out of your home usually has a lot of regs that need to be followed. Best to check things out before you start rather than getting an unpleasant surprise after you have invested a lot of money and time. If it turns out that doing it in your home would require to much hassle you may have a local restaurant that may let you come in during times that they are closed and use their facilities for a minimal cost or even just a steady supply of your 'goodies' that they can market.

[Darn210]

I think that is a great idea. You've gotten some good suggestions but one thing you really should do before going any farther is to contact your local Health Dept and your cities Code Enforcement office. Cooking and baking out of your home usually has a lot of regs that need to be followed. Best to check things out before you start rather than getting an unpleasant surprise after you have invested a lot of money and time. If it turns out that doing it in your home would require to much hassle you may have a local restaurant that may let you come in during times that they are closed and use their facilities for a minimal cost or even just a steady supply of your 'goodies' that they can market.

True . . . true . . . true.

I looked into having a cookie business out of my home prior to my daughter's diagnosis. The Health Department (I live in Indiana) told me I needed to have a separate kitchen from my "home" kitchen. They told me that many people set up a second kitchen in their garages . . . . . . really?? a kitchen in my garage would be cleaner than my "in-house" kitchen??? They also told me that some people just get the use of their church's kitchen. I have to tell you, that the church kitchen that I am most familiar with would also be quite a bit worse than my home kitchen. So that's where it ended . . . I had a great name, too, but I'm not going to share it because it was just for cookies and that dream isn't quite dead yet.

I would say not to count out the cookies and the cakes especially if you can decorate them . . . I think people would be willing to spend the bucks for birthday cakes/cookies/cupcakes.

[Darn210]

I'm seriously toying with the idea of opening a business from my home in which I would make baked goods to sell to a local vendor or two. I have someone that I am hoping to meet with tomorrow and am wondering if you guys could help me narrow down a top 5 favorite/most requested list.

Thanks

Also, if you have any business name ideas throw them my way!

Liz, what type of vendors are you thinking?? Restaraunts? Bakeries? Groceries? . . . as this makes a difference in what you should plan on making. I would also consider items that have the best shelf-life or can be frozen (either by you or the vendor - once again, depending on the type of vendor) and thawed easily without loss of quality. Also keep in mind goodies that would sell across the board . . . for instance, gluten eaters won't be buying gluten-free breads/rolls, but if you've got a good carrot cake, you could be selling to everyone.

That being

[lizard00]

A local market has just opened up that is geared toward local, organic produce and meats. I have already spoken with the owner and he's interested, but I have to go through the process. Here in NC, we are allowed to process baked goods in our home kitchen since it's considered low risk. I have to submit an application to the NC Dpt of Agr and they set up the inspection. There are certain rules, obviously, like no pets in the home ever, no pests , but the good thing is that the kitchen can be shared between the production of goods for sale and for personal use. As long as it passes the inspection process.

I am also going to search out a commercial kitchen or state extension kitchen that I could possibly use in the meantime. I've been away for a couple of days and haven't had much more time to look into it. But I was thinking of doing some sweet breads, maybe some brownies or cookie type things, and then make special orders available for those who have further dietary limitations. And a cake decorating class I believe would be in order!

My son starts school tomorrow, so I'll be able to get on the phone and make some calls. I've also got a bit of a consulting business up my sleeve, too, so we'll see where it all goes.

Thanks everyone for your help! If you have any more suggestions, please keep them coming!

[ravenwoodglass]

A local market has just opened up that is geared toward local, organic produce and meats. I have already spoken with the owner and he's interested, but I have to go through the process. Here in NC, we are allowed to process baked goods in our home kitchen since it's considered low risk. I have to submit an application to the NC Dpt of Agr and they set up the inspection. There are certain rules, obviously, like no pets in the home ever, no pests , but the good thing is that the kitchen can be shared between the production of goods for sale and for personal use. As long as it passes the inspection process.

I am also going to search out a commercial kitchen or state extension kitchen that I could possibly use in the meantime. I've been away for a couple of days and haven't had much more time to look into it. But I was thinking of doing some sweet breads, maybe some brownies or cookie type things, and then make special orders available for those who have further dietary limitations. And a cake decorating class I believe would be in order!

My son starts school tomorrow, so I'll be able to get on the phone and make some calls. I've also got a bit of a consulting business up my sleeve, too, so we'll see where it all goes.

Thanks everyone for your help! If you have any more suggestions, please keep them coming!

Sounds like you are doing all you need to. I hope this works out for you. Yea do take that cake decorating class, with the recent high profile wedding including the gluten free wedding cake those may be in high demand soon.

[Skylark]

How exciting! Good luck.

I buy things that are harder to make myself. I buy gluten-free sandwich bread and bagels most often. I haven't seen gluten-free focaccia bread. I used to get one that had herbs and Parmesan cheese on the top that I really miss. If I found something like gluten-free cream puffs or pastry I'd definitely get some to try.

I have never bought pre-made gluten-free brownies and now that Betty Crocker has really good mixes I would be unlikely to buy cakes or cookies.

[scarlett77]

You look like you are way ahead of me in the same type of process! I want to open a cookie store that specifically caters to gluten, dairy, and nut intolerance/allergy. Something along the lines of a Mrs. Field's type operation. Cookies are fun to make and it KILLS me that my child, my nephew, and any other child out there cannot go to the mall and simply have a cookie. My nephew is allergic to all nuts and milk so he can't even enjoy See's candy. I am still in the baby stages and have to find out about food safety courses and certification. One thing I do know is that you can rent a commercial kitchen...my only question with that would be how do you make that a gluten-free environment?

I wish you luck and hope it turns into a successful business!

[jerseyangel]

Sounds great Liz! Much luck with it

[ravenwoodglass]

One thing I do know is that you can rent a commercial kitchen...my only question with that would be how do you make that a gluten-free environment?

I wish you luck and hope it turns into a successful business!

I would pick a kitchen that doesn't do it's own baking. Not a lot of restaurants do baking as it is time intensive and they have to have someone that basically does just that and the equipment is very expensive. A good restaurant will have a very clean kitchen at the end of the day. Health dept regs require it. There are a few that are lazy about the clean up. When 'interviewing' the place take a look at the deep fryer, the walk in (everything should be clean and covered and no meats or cooked items should be on the floor in pans, or in the pans they were obviously cooked in, or over any fresh produce), the griddle and even peek under the stoves to see how clean it really is. If there is grease all over everything and bits of food here and there after closing pass on the establishment.

[lizard00]

You look like you are way ahead of me in the same type of process! I want to open a cookie store that specifically caters to gluten, dairy, and nut intolerance/allergy. Something along the lines of a Mrs. Field's type operation. Cookies are fun to make and it KILLS me that my child, my nephew, and any other child out there cannot go to the mall and simply have a cookie. My nephew is allergic to all nuts and milk so he can't even enjoy See's candy. I am still in the baby stages and have to find out about food safety courses and certification. One thing I do know is that you can rent a commercial kitchen...my only question with that would be how do you make that a gluten-free environment?

I wish you luck and hope it turns into a successful business!

Thanks! Different states have different requirements, so it's defnitely something worth looking into before you get too involved. I have had this idea on the backburner for about a year, but finally I think it's going to happen. Right now, I am not really interested in a store front, but I do think it's a good idea. It is incredibly frustrating to not be able to get things out. The guy I've been talking to is ready to go, I just have to get everything finalized on my end. I would also really like to get into a local coffee shop or two- maybe muffins, scones, things like that.

I've been apprehensive about renting a place, too, for the contamination issue. If I market things to be gluten-free, I want them to be gluten-free. I don't want to have to worry about whether or not they are contaminated. The extent of gluten in my house is sliced bread and cheerios. I was doing graham crackers for the kids, but they were just gooey.

I hope you get somewhere with your cookie idea. It's a great one!

Skylark- I make REALLY good focaccia bread!! It's super easy, too. I actually made two loaves of it tonight.

[scarlett77]

Thanks! Different states have different requirements, so it's defnitely something worth looking into before you get too involved. I have had this idea on the backburner for about a year, but finally I think it's going to happen. Right now, I am not really interested in a store front, but I do think it's a good idea. It is incredibly frustrating to not be able to get things out. The guy I've been talking to is ready to go, I just have to get everything finalized on my end. I would also really like to get into a local coffee shop or two- maybe muffins, scones, things like that.

I've been apprehensive about renting a place, too, for the contamination issue. If I market things to be gluten-free, I want them to be gluten-free. I don't want to have to worry about whether or not they are contaminated. The extent of gluten in my house is sliced bread and cheerios. I was doing graham crackers for the kids, but they were just gooey.

I hope you get somewhere with your cookie idea. It's a great one!

Skylark- I make REALLY good focaccia bread!! It's super easy, too. I actually made two loaves of it tonight.

Well gosh darn it help a girl out here! Super easy gluten-free REALLY good focaccia??? I'm drooling in anticipation of a recipe...if of course you don't mind posting it :P

[Skylark]

Skylark- I make REALLY good focaccia bread!! It's super easy, too. I actually made two loaves of it tonight.

Oh, yum! So are you expanding into mail order? :)

[lizard00]

Oh, yum! So are you expanding into mail order? :)

hahaha! I'm looking into it. I'm not sure if the products will ship well, as I have no intention of using preservatives.

I'll post the recipe soon. I feed it to gluten eaters and they love it!

[lizard00]

OMG! They are coming to inspect the kitchen on Sept 1! The reality hasn't hit me yet that this is really going to happen!!!! I am so excited.

[scarlett77]

OMG! They are coming to inspect the kitchen on Sept 1! The reality hasn't hit me yet that this is really going to happen!!!! I am so excited.

I am excited for you too!!!! I hope it goes well!!!!

[ravenwoodglass]

OMG! They are coming to inspect the kitchen on Sept 1! The reality hasn't hit me yet that this is really going to happen!!!! I am so excited.

That's fantastic news. I hope all goes well and you get things off the ground soon.

[gflooser]

first, congrats! i so hope it works out for you!!!

second, what state are you in?

and third, make sure to keep us posted and let us know how it goes!!!!

wish i could do something like this. just don't have the money/patience/time!!!!

good luck!!!

[lizard00]

Thanks everyone!!

I am in NC. I hope I have the patience!!!

[GlutenFreeManna]

Thanks everyone!!

I am in NC. I hope I have the patience!!!

Ooh, where in NC? I'm in Virginia, but I make frequent trips to the Raleigh area to visit friends. Would love to know when you get your business going. Good Luck to you!

ETA: Nevermind I just looked at your profile and it says Raleigh. Yay! I'll be keeping an eye out for info about your business.

[lizard00]

SWEEEEEEET!!!!!

So they came today, inspected the kitchen, and things are a go! I am so excited. I can't wait to get started!!

Thanks everyone for your encouragement!

[ravenwoodglass]

SWEEEEEEET!!!!!

So they came today, inspected the kitchen, and things are a go! I am so excited. I can't wait to get started!!

Thanks everyone for your encouragement!

Yes!!!! Great news!