5 key steps for successfully launching your food business in 30 days
Preparation is key both in and out of the kitchen when launching a food business. To set yourself up for success, follow these five steps recommended by the Nimbus team within the first 30 days of launching your business.
Craft your menu:
Your menu not only defines your business but also influences crucial decisions like equipment, permits, and suppliers. Define what you'll offer to streamline your setup process. Having a creative and scalable menu is key to running a successful food business. While crafting your menu, it is important to pay close attention to your pricing model. Many business owners assume a 100% yield from their ingredients, but that is often far from reality. Tools like Meez can help ensure your prices adequately reflect the cost of ingredients and labor.
Establish your brand:
Choose a memorable name, (be sure to google it before committing to ensure there are no other duplicates!) research competitors, and collaborate with the right people to create your logo and brand identity, ensuring consistency across your marketing materials. Sharing your personal story and connection to your business will help you stand out.
Protect your business:
Select a suitable business structure, purchase general liability insurance, and check all requirements to make sure you are ready for inspections. These foundational steps safeguard your business in the long run.
Secure ingredient suppliers:
Based on your menu, identify and establish relationships with reliable suppliers for ingredients and packaging. Many Nimbus members work with Baldor to streamline ingredient sourcing at Nimbus. Anticipate challenges and have backup plans in place to ensure seamless operations without supply delays.
Choose your tech:
Invest time in researching and selecting the right point-of-sale system that integrates seamlessly with other software. Toast and Square are among the most popular POS systems among Nimbus members. This decision significantly impacts customer experience and operational efficiency.
Remember, if you're considering renting a commercial kitchen, Nimbus allows businesses to focus on these key steps without having to build out a brick-and-mortar space. Interested in learning more about how we can help? Click here to schedule a tour.
