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Beginning stages of starting a baked goods company

by LuvinU, Window Shopper

  • Created: April 12, 2010, 4:50 pm
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2 comments

I am at the very beginning stages of looking into starting a baked goods company specializing in cupcakes.  I have read stories about people starting there business at home, before they expanded.  There is a very small bakery in my area selling the business and I am not sure which direction to take, as I am not sure how well it would take off in this economy which is why I am considering starting the business from home.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Tags: Discuss Popular Topics, Starting & Registering a Business
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BizResearcher | Window Shopper | 4/13/2010 - 8:57 am

As Christine mentioned, many states don't allow food sold to the public to be prepared in a home. You must have a commercial kitchen. You might contact your local health department (they inspect and license commercial kitchens) and ask if there are any problems with the bakery you are considering. You don't want to purchase it then find out it no longer meets codes and could cost thousands to bring it up to date. As you mentioned, the economy will be an issue for a cupcake business, at least initially. To offset it, you might focus on cupcakes but also offer other baked items as well, maybe even develop some specialty items. One that comes to mind is the possibility of a cinnamon roll baked in a cupcake pan.

ChristineL | Former Moderator | 4/13/2010 - 7:43 am

Hi LuvinU, We recently blogged about starting a cupcakery that you may want to check out. Make sure you understand and comply with food safety regulations. Many states forbid the use of residential kitchens for commercial food production. Read more: Starting a Home-Based Food Production Business: Making Your Culinary Hobby Your Job.