I'd Like Your Honest Opinion Please

[LisasGourmet]

Hello Everyone!

I am just about ready to open my Bakery/Cafe. It will be a "niche" type of place, being that it is called "All Things Cheesecake Bakery and Dessert Cafe".

Now, there are NO other places like this in my area. Of course, we have a few bakeries, a "tea" establishment, and definitely our fair share of restaurants, taverns, and bar/grille type places.

We have a huge tourism industry also. I will be located in our historical downtown area.

Enough backdrop, let's go for the gusto & ask the real question!

Is a dessert-only establishment something you (anyone) would be interested in? If not for the varied menu, but also for first date material, anniversaries, etc.??

I;m looking for honest opinions, please.

Maybe I'm just getting a little scared at the prospect of going into debt up to my ears? (I have done a lot of "market testing" to see if my products are something that people want, and have been nearly overwhelmed staying with my rented kitchen space.)

Anyway, any opinions you all may have are greatly appreciated!

Have a great weekend!

Lisa

[garball]

One of my friends was going to open a dessert bar and after surveying enough people he decided to open as a sandwich/bistro shoppe as well. Desserts only couldn't support the business here, but I know nothing of your locale.

[chefelle]

Hi Lisa! Your cafe would definitely be something that I would be interested in!!!

When I lived near Winnipeg there was a place called Baked Expectations. It was much like you described. Mostly desserts--I believe they did serve a few lunch items as well. But people went there for the desserts. There was anything and everything you could think of. And the desserts were so beautiful--it was like looking at art!! It was my favourite place to go. Every time we would drive into the city we would make a point to go there. And it was ALWAYS busy. Particularly with the university crowd. You might want to google it--I am sure there would be a website with some info.

So-I think there is definitely a market for this sort of thing--especially if your area is already saturated with restaurants, etc, etc...

And I have seen your amazing creations...if I lived closer to you--I would probably be your best customer....and I would weigh about 800 lbs....maybe I better stay in Nova Scotia! Ha! Ha!

All the best to you!!!

PS--I will be placing an order soon!!!!

[LisasGourmet]

Thanks guys/gals for your opinions. Like with any venture I put my feet into, I'm getting opening day jitters and I haven't even begun my build-out yet!

If anyone had told me what a bee's nest and blessing I'd be stepping into a year ago --- I think I might have run away screaming!!

LOL.

Sheeesh. Jitters. Maybe it's time to close the business plan and settle down with a nice glass of wine & have date night at home with hubby --- after little one goes to bed that is!

Have a great weekend!

Lisa

[RedBeansNRice]

Hello Lisa,
Here is how to invest a thousand, or less, dollars well...go to Portugal for 2 weeks. I am not Portugese, but my wife's family is, and therefore it is mandatory to spend as much time there as possible. But I must say, the Portugese have the dessert only establishments covered to a perfection. I have seen modern ones and I have seen super ultra classy ones steeped in old style(turn of the century)(the last century) with stained glass and tables from long ago, serving these ice creams like I have only seen elsewhere in France, tapas of desserts, fresh juice concoctions made fresh, creams and chocolates, thick cream foam covered coffees and 'galangs' mostly cream little powerful coffee, and of course a wall full of Ports, Sherrys, Mqdeiras, Brandies, and Cream Liqours. I loved those places, and they are every where in Portugal. I as well do not know your demographics, but designed and catered properly I think America needs a few of these. They are wonderful places to go to. That's my 2 cents. How many are you spending?

[LisasGourmet]

I'm looking at approx. $60K to open. I've been pretty lucky with my selected space, as most of what I need as far as location of plumbing and natural gas lines are already there.

I'm also lucky in the fact that my father is a contractor and has agreed to do the remodeling I need for VERY minimal price. It also helps that I have experience in construction too! HA HA!

I;m pretty sure that my place will be well-received, just getting those silly jitters!

thanks for the vote of confidence!!

Lisa

[mark1]

Well you're sure in line with what is 'trendy' as dessert only places are popping up here in L.A. and doing well.
So gotta think you're doing the right thing and wish you lots of luck and success.

[Azer]

You stole my idea!!! I see a trip to IL in the future. As to the debt I would be planing on debt for at least 3-6 years but, praying for less.

I want to see some of the menu items when it gets closer to opening, though.

[Margarette]

Hi Lisa!

Congratulations on your venture! I would DEFINITELY come by for a treat if I were in Illinois!

However, I have a financial caveat for you: A family member of mine opened a specialty bakery nearly four years ago, and I can say from (second-hand) experience: chances are you will wind up spending WAY more money than you initally planned.


Here's some other tips we've found to be worth their weight in gold in our business:

1. Keep it fresh, so you get repeat customers coming in to check out what's new.
2. Develop a distinctive brand image or "feel" that will trully distinguish your establishment....so it quickly becomes recogizable to the community
3. Develop strong relationships with the community/frienships with customers...word of mouth goes A LONG WAY!
4. Innovate and keep working, no matter what

I wish you and your family the best of success! YUM!

Margarette

[BistroOwner1]

I was in Atlanta about a year ago visiting a friend and we had dinner in a wonderful little cafe. We left the restaurant and were walking and talking, just catching up when we ran into a dessert only shop. There was a huge bar where you bellied up and ordered the most scrumptious desserts along with a coffee or drink. It was heaven! Its a great idea - I wish you much success.