General Chat

If you worked close to a takeaway shop that did just puddings (maybe sweet breakfasts too - e.g. waffles/pancakes etc), would you use it?
I'm thinking apple crumble & custard etc, not your usual cake shop but actual puds! Good business idea or not?

Thanks and all opinions welcome!
Sarah

Depends on where and what the local incomes were!

Plus you have the disadvantage of the 'obesity crisis' to contend with when applying for planning.

Sue

Thanks Sue.

City centre location, targeting both professionals and passers by.
Shop already has planning permission as retail catering outlet..

Sarah

Hi
I would use it
are you thinking of traditional old fashioned puddings
spotted dick, jam rolly polly, syrup sponge ect

Hi Polly, yes, thats exactly what I am thinking! Good old fashioned puds! I would use it, but am I a bit of a pudding fan so can't rely on my own judgement!

sarah

Sounds good, but would need regular numbers passing by. Steamed ginger pudding, or treacle sponge, the sort made in a basin.

Hi Jean, I agree about the puddings in a basin- yum! I have sat outside said shop today for some time and average 20 people per minute walk by.. But how many would go in?!!

Arrgh!

Do you have your set up costs, OHs and footfall research?

It's a risk IMO (I do have experience of researching this for a business associate). The economic climate has meant that less if being spent in retail food outlets.

But good luck

Sue

Hi Sue, and thanks!

Oh, that sounds complex, but yes, have worked out OH's and footfall is approx 1.3million p/a, apparently. Not sure what an IMO is?!!

This is all new and hence requires research!
Any comments useful - thanks all!

Are the puds to be taken home or to be consumed for lunch?

Sarah

If you want my research info (which applies anywhere really) just pm me.

Sue

Red Squirrel
Predominantly takeaway lunchtime, but would also do larger portions for taking home!

Sue, will pm you now - thanks!

Sarah

What demographic are you targeting?

You could test things out at a farmer's market.

Rose

Hi Rose

I thought of the farmers market idea earlier too, and might give that a go!

City demographics:
population approx 300000
mean average age 36.5
majority white population, approx 30% live within 3 miles of the city.

The shop I am interested in is in an area surrounded by offices and on the very edge of a retail shopping centre.

Sarah

Is there a demand for puddings at lunch? I would think the lunchtime market is more protein based. Comfort food does do well in a recession though.

Rose

You could visit the offices with flyers - even take orders and deliver to them.

Rose

Thanks Rose! I know I would use it, and a lot of my work colleagues nip out for chocolate fixes etc in the day and say they would use it, but thats not really good market research is it?!

Thanks for all the feedback everyone, it helps, positive or negative!

Sarah

hi sounds good to me
would you be doing whole puddings for people to buy and take home as well as individual portions or for parties if people wanted them

Hi Polly, and yes, thats the way I see it! Whole puddings for people to take home, individual takeaway portions for snacking on, as well as office type functions if there was a market.

Sarah

I took on a market stall beginning of year ( not now)....after a few days of watching it led us to believe that the only stalls doing any kind of business were food stalls, especially the cake shop and deli.... on that basis and looking round several town centres of late, the cafes and food outlets still seem to be the winners.