AboutGinger Moreno Expertise I can answer most questions regarding Latin American/Spanish recipes (and if I don`t know the answer I have many cookbooks that will probably contain the answer.) Several of my recipes appeared on the Food Network.
I love to work on my original recipes - and make the tried and true. I am really passionate about learning different ethnic cuisines and I treasure all of the grandmothers out there who have recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation.
Experience Past/Present clients:I have catered for several gymnastics clubs. I teach cooking classes for 4-H, for a facility for the elderly, for a women's club monthly meeting, and the latest is at a supermarket showing people who sign up for the cooking class how easy good cooking can be.
I have read your two articles relating starting home cooking business. I too am interested in doing so.
My idea is to offer to office people who work in remote areas -away from CBD/City and cafeterias,where only a boring canteen is available.
So how do I start a menu list? Can I just offer the same dish for everyone as it would be difficult to cook so many different dishes? Like one dish per day of the week and rotate the menu? What will be your advice?
How does the process work? Order and then deliver before collecting money or how best to operate? How can I get order days in advance to plan, purchase food and cook and deliver on time?
Your help is appreciated.
Susan
ANSWER: Dear Susan:
I hope I can answer at the best of my ability - and I hope you can then work around it. Starting a business offering people lunch would be a good idea to start off with. To keep things simple I would make up a menu of (let's say) 3 kinds of sandwiches (always offering one that is completely vegetarian)with perhaps some side dishes like potato salad, barley salad, lentil salad or macaroni salad. Make the side salads zesty and with lots of flavor. You don't tell me what cuisine you are most familiar with - but always remember - GO WITH WHAT YOU KNOW!
Make sure you research what is needed to get a license to sell food in your area or city. You want to have a part of your house (and/or garage) that is strictly used to prepare food in - the food license will probably depend on that. Make sure that all of the utensils used to prepare food are labeled "NSF."
A good idea to begin with is making tasting menus of sandwiches and side salads, etc., and on your computer making business cards. Have a good amount of product with you when you go and drop off your cards off at the different offices - AND - make sure you have made arrangements for your license. That is paramount!
Another idea is to have an "800" number for your business only - THAT way when people call - if you are not home - they can leave their order on voicemail. Also remember that if you want to attract the lunch crowd you should also offer things like chips, pretzels, apple chips or anything like that.
You can research a lot of things online and make it easier on yourself. Always remember that you can use all sorts of rolls, breads and sauces for your sandwiches. You can also offer "sandwich bars" where you bring all of the components separately and let the people make their own (you can have a group price for this.)
But remember - put first things first - research about getting a license and then go from there. The time you spend putting first things first - will be so worthwhile. Good luck - and you can write to me and let me know how you are doing.
Ginger Moreno
VHM12002@aol.com
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi Ginger,
Thank you for your reply. You give me an idea to make sandwiches too. However, I am interested in offering Asian cuisine and how should the menu planning differs from sandwiches menu? Also back to my previous question - how advance must people place an order? I like to know a bit of info.on the actual working process.
many thanks,
Susan
Answer Hi Susan:
Offering cooked foods takes a bit more planning and more kitchen space for licensing. I have heard of quite a few people who rent space in a building and then modify it for the licensing code. I suspect there are a lot more laws for being able to offer foods that are cooked as opposed to just making sandwiches.
In order for this to work, your menu should start out small (2 or 3 entrees) so that you can keep up with the orders. OK - for your other question - orders should come in with a 24-hour advance notice. This way you know what products to buy for the next day.
Remember what I said before - get your licensing done first - then work on the other. I am sure you can accomplish the research online -then you can do what is necessary.
