How to Set Up a Gourmet Sandwich Business

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Everyone loves a sandwich – it’s one of the most popular lunch dishes ever. They are easy to prepare, don’t cost too much to make, and can be served hot or cold from a shop or a mobile venue.

If you are a keen foodie and want to wow the world with some delicious bread-based delicacies, why not set up a gourmet sandwich business? Here are some tips to get you started.

Location

First, you must decide where you will base your sandwich business. Will you rent or buy premises in town or the city? Will you deliver your goods to the customer? Will you set up a mobile shop or supply a shop or company with your products?

If you want to open a shop in a town or city, look for premises to rent or buy in an area that has plenty of passing trade so that can entice the general public to try your wares. Your shop will need sufficient space to install refrigerators, a dishwasher, freezers, a sink, storage cupboards, a preparation surface, and display stands. You should decide if you want to provide tables and chairs for your customers to sit in or whether you just want to offer takeaway.

If you opt for a mobile shop or van, station your vehicle near businesses, schools, or industrial estates where you will catch passing professionals during their lunch hour. Ensure you attract them to your van with delicious smells and attractive sandwich displays.

If you have a van, you could drive to companies all over town. Set up a website where clients can order their lunch, and you can deliver it to their work. This service is excellent for very busy people who cannot leave their desks during their lunch hour or those who cannot physically leave their home.

Equipment

Unlike a large restaurant, a sandwich business doesn’t require massive start-up costs but can still require a substantial starting amount of around $50000

The most considerable outlay will be renting or buying a shop, delivery van, or mobile food van. You can save money by renting premises instead of purchasing and opting for a second-hand vehicle instead of a new one. Finding premises that have previously housed a food business can help you save on renovation costs and perhaps the purchase of equipment.

Equipment you will need to set up your business includes a refrigerator, freezer, microwave, table and chairs, tableware, coffee machine, cash register, credit card reader, cooking utensils, pots and pans, storage boxes, cutting boards, hair nets, poly gloves, aprons, and ingredients.

The Paperwork

When you set up your sandwich business and decide on a name for it, you will need to register your business and obtain business permits and a food service license.

Regulations will differ according to where your business is based, but these legal papers can cost between $100 and $1,000. You may be required to undergo food preparation and hygiene training and regularly expect visits from health inspectors or food regulation bodies.

The Food

You will need to decide on what to serve in your business. What will make your sandwiches stand out from the competition? Will you offer everyday favorites such as cheese and ham or a BLT, or will you create uniquely flavored sandwiches? Will you have hot sandwiches as an option, and will you use a variety of bread, wraps, rolls, and paninis? To keep your business up to date, you must offer customers vegan and vegetarian options and be aware of other dietary requirements such as gluten and lactose-free options.

Whatever you put on your menu, you will need to ensure it is of the highest quality, using the best ingredients – making your customers come back for more and spread the good word about your business.

Staff

Depending on the size of your business, you should decide whether or not you will need to employ staff. If you are setting up a sandwich delivery service or food van, you may be able to prepare and sell the produce alone, but if you open a shop with seating, you will probably need help – at least during busy times such as lunchtime.

Sandwiches are not complicated to prepare, so you will not have to hire an experienced chef. Look for staff who are hard-working, friendly, and reliable.

If you aren’t financially minded, think about employing somebody to help with staff salaries and tax to take some pressure off yourself.

Above all, enjoy fulfilling your dream of serving people the most wonderful gourmet sandwiches and building up your sandwich empire. Your business may just become the next Subway!

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