How simple is a sandwich shop as compared to...

As I mentioned in my first post I am thinking about entering the food biz. I have been entertaining a few ideas and I am very into the K.I.S.S (keep it simple stupid) method.  I have been looking into the following;

1)Coffee house
2)sandwich , soups , salads
3)Hotdogs and hamburgers
4)Greek food (souvlaki, gyro's, salads, maybe some French fries and drinks)

I have considered the above as simple or less complicated for a person just starting out. I also relate to these type foods. I figure you have to like and eat what you intend to sell to others.

More complicated to me seems to be the following:

1)Pizza
2)Chicken

Any feedback or opinions are welcome. I am very much into the cold cooking type approach.

Thanks,

John

John, If you know what your doing, anything, and everything is easy. The easy answer to this question, and you have not really listed it is, a Hot dog cart. Get your feet wet, with a small investment, limited food knowledge. If your the right person to own a food business, and have the drive and determination to succeed, then you will do so with a Hd cart. You will learn all the aspects of opening and running a food business, with out a large investment. You don't start climbing a mountain from the peak, you need to spend a bit of time at the bottom and work your way up.................Billyb

With the economy the way it is right now I would  not go into food Biz.  People are eating more at home, tupperware sales are booming, mason jar sales on the rise. people going back to basic cooking. No bottled spag. sauce, from scratch.
But if going into a food Business have always thought in Tampa which I moved from could and would support a central kitchen. Delivery to homes and offices. Have looked to Nashville for this idea, but don't think population would support idea at this time. My niece(upscale caterer) and I have looked and waiting. Can start on any level, the logistics to area codes easy, The menu to your area is it. The idea there.

http://www.souppeddler.com/

BillyB


John, If you know what your doing, anything, and everything is easy. The easy answer to this question, and you have not really listed it is, a Hot dog cart. Get your feet wet, with a small investment, limited food knowledge. If your the right person to own a food business, and have the drive and determination to succeed, then you will do so with a Hd cart. You will learn all the aspects of opening and running a food business, with out a large investment. You don't start climbing a mountain from the peak, you need to spend a bit of time at the bottom and work your way up.................Billyb

I agree 100%. I am thinking about taking the Hotdog U course. The good thing about that is I found some guy that is willing to rent the cart to me so that I can figure out if that is what I want to do.

Curbside Grill


With the economy the way it is right now I would  not go into food Biz.  People are eating more at home, tupperware sales are booming, mason jar sales on the rise. people going back to basic cooking. No bottled spag. sauce, from scratch.
But if going into a food Business have always thought in Tampa which I moved from could and would support a central kitchen. Delivery to homes and offices. Have looked to Nashville for this idea, but don't think population would support idea at this time. My niece(upscale caterer) and I have looked and waiting. Can start on any level, the logistics to area codes easy, The menu to your area is it. The idea there.

http://www.souppeddler.com/

Curbside,

Great Idea:) I have been thinking of that also because I like the idea of cold cooking. Soups and salads to office parks. I was always wondering about those food trucks.  BTW, I like your site.

I happen to have the Subway sandwich shop operating manuals so I have all their info on how to prep that type of food. I am looking into taking a few courses on coffe/barista and Hotdog U just to see where I fit in. I am trying to land a few ideas. I know this sounds corny but I like the idea of an easy assembly of pre-cooked items.  I just don't see myself pulling off anything complicated such as pressure cookers, pizza ovens, or chicken rostezziers. I am more of the micro wave, pannini grill, food warmer type..

John



John

Have been there and seen this place grow from day one. Don't know where in Tampa you are  located. But they have the Orient Park sewed up. started with sandwichs and grew. Had 3 panini grills going at once when he opened about '98. Wife worked at flower shop next door. Flower shop no longer there. Sold and retired to Ga.


http://www.papajoessubs.com/

I would be afraid a sandwich shop could be very brutal unless you can compete with $5 footlongs at Subway. Just my 2 cents

scali71


I would be afraid a sandwich shop could be very brutal unless you can compete with $5 footlongs at Subway. Just my 2 cents

And how many of you guys compete with the convenience store hotdogs?  I try Subway every five years or so.  I am disappointed every time.  We are thinking of making our second cart/mobile kitchen, a deli sandwich (hot & cold).  this way we can set up in the same area as our daughter and not directly compete.

scali71


I would be afraid a sandwich shop could be very brutal unless you can compete with $5 footlongs at Subway. Just my 2 cents

Alot of people deal with subways and kick butt. Need to get a grip on food cost.