Getting started with vending/catering? [Food/Vendor]
2010 Nov 27
I appreciate what you're saying and what your Mom has to offer, but have you sat down to figure out potential profits? That best lasagna....may be the best, but if it's $18 per slice served in a cardboard container...once you consider her cost for ingredients, time, hydro, etc...it not only takes a great cook, but it takes a creative great cook to be what everyone wants, and also be affordable...
I'm not looking to discourage you, but too often I see great cooks thinking that a great final product is all that is needed...unfortunately, that;s not always the case.
IMO, Farmer's Market's are the way to test how the general public enjoys the 'meal', and you will get a bit of an idea on profit....I wish you and your mom luck though. I hope to see some updates in the near future!
I'm not looking to discourage you, but too often I see great cooks thinking that a great final product is all that is needed...unfortunately, that;s not always the case.
IMO, Farmer's Market's are the way to test how the general public enjoys the 'meal', and you will get a bit of an idea on profit....I wish you and your mom luck though. I hope to see some updates in the near future!
2010 Nov 27
there is a december farmer's market on preston st, for 3 weekends. this might be a great place to test out the food to see how it does.
ottawafoodies.com/forum
ottawafoodies.com/forum
2010 Nov 27
Thanks for the feedback!
From what I've discussed with her, I think the prep costs for a large dish with at least 8 generous servings would be ~$20 (ingredients).
Part of the exercise would be to find out pricing, demand and feasibility. I'm aware there are many things to consider but a lot of them are difficult to determine without trying.
I asked PrestonStreet to inquire about setting up for one of the weekends.
I think the quality of food is there, but demand will be pretty important. I haven't been to any of the farmer's markets here and I'm not sure how much traffic/interest there would be.
Lastly my mom does also work full time so that factors into her availability. If it's possible I think we will expo on the 18th at PrestonStreet.
From what I've discussed with her, I think the prep costs for a large dish with at least 8 generous servings would be ~$20 (ingredients).
Part of the exercise would be to find out pricing, demand and feasibility. I'm aware there are many things to consider but a lot of them are difficult to determine without trying.
I asked PrestonStreet to inquire about setting up for one of the weekends.
I think the quality of food is there, but demand will be pretty important. I haven't been to any of the farmer's markets here and I'm not sure how much traffic/interest there would be.
Lastly my mom does also work full time so that factors into her availability. If it's possible I think we will expo on the 18th at PrestonStreet.
2010 Nov 28
I know there is a market in hull where vendors sell farm goods and processed items year round,but they do not seem to accept many Ontario vendors.
Have only seen 1 ontario person sell stuff and that was Art Is In Bakery.
I'm guessing you also need to use a commercial facility to produce your items to sell there.
The only people selling food there are places that have a lot of meats, sausages,frozen pies.
www.portail.marcheoutaouais.com
so unless you are a commercial vendor,not sure you can sell there.
Have only seen 1 ontario person sell stuff and that was Art Is In Bakery.
I'm guessing you also need to use a commercial facility to produce your items to sell there.
The only people selling food there are places that have a lot of meats, sausages,frozen pies.
www.portail.marcheoutaouais.com
so unless you are a commercial vendor,not sure you can sell there.
apogee
My mom is a fantastic cook. People often say that your taste for your mother's food is biased. I am however very persnickety with food and I pick up on minute flaws very quickly. Despite this, I can say that my mom's cooking is extremely good.
She is interested in starting a catering/vending business, but has no idea where to begin. I've been looking at farmer's markets around Ottawa, but it seems many are on winter hiatus.
Are there any year-round markets in Ottawa? That can provide a trial stand without an expensive commitment?
FYI she cooks Persian food, but also does wonders with Indian and Italian (the best lasagna you will ever have)
I'm not sure what I expect posting here but here's hoping!
Best,
P