Did you know there are over 200 different varieties of meats? If you’re a deli meat enthusiast, you may be tired of there not being a good New York-style deli in your town or city.
Well, if no one else is going to open one, why can’t you? Be the change that you wish to see in your local area.
Opening a deli might seem like a daunting task (because it is). That said, it’s not too different from opening up any other type of business, and if you’re passionate about great sandwiches, bagels, and meat and cheese products, you might be the right person for the job.
We’re here with a few tips that can make starting a deli business a bit less difficult. Read on to learn how to open a deli.
Brainstorm: What’s the Format of Your Deli Business?
This is the most fun part of the initial process. You get to decide what you want your deli to look like.
Is this going to be a traditional counter-service deli where customers walk up, order, and leave? This is the most efficient deli style, and it also doesn’t cost too much to run because you don’t need much space.
You could also create a small restaurant where customers can sit down and eat their sandwiches.
If neither of those appeals to you, you could get a food truck. This is also cost-effective.
Do the Paperwork
Unfortunately, opening a business requires a lot of behind-the-scenes work.
You’re going to have to draft a business plan. This is where you’ll include a market analysis, your marketing and sales strategy, and the name of your business.
Creating a business plan is the first step toward getting funding.
You also need to get various licenses and permits before you even think about opening your doors. This is a lengthy process, but it will ensure that you do everything legally.
Pick a Location
So where are you putting your deli?
If you’ve gone the food truck route, this step is just about finding the right vehicle. If not, you’re going to need to pick the perfect place if you want your truck to be profitable.
Pick somewhere with good foot traffic. You want to attract people who are walking by around lunchtime. You also need to make sure that it’s the right size.
Even if you’re only making a simple counter service deli, you need room for storage, your meat case and meat case dividers, and your kitchen.
Create (And Source) Your Menu Items
The most important part of the deli is the food. What are you going to serve?
Gather all of the meat, cheese, and bread that you’re going to need for basic deli service. We recommend sourcing your products from local butchers and bakers so you can build a strong network (which will be beneficial for marketing).
You also get to decide if you’re going to offer other types of meal items, like salads or sides.
Opening a Deli Isn’t Easy
No one said that opening a deli would be easy, but if you have a passion for amazing hoagies, it might be the right business for you! It’s time to start planning!
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