Is there anything better than a cold scoop of ice cream on a hot summer’s day? The short answer is no, and many people will agree, which is why ice cream has become such a lucrative business in recent years. If you would like to capitalise on this growing trend, you can look into start your own ice cream business.
The most important step is buying an ice cream maker that suits your business needs. Without this important piece of catering equipment, you will not be able to create the delicious ice cream you want to sell. However, there is much more to it than simply purchasing a state-of-the-art ice cream maker. If you want to serve up some soft serve to customers, below is some helpful advice for starting your own ice cream business.
Consider Different Business Models
Before you head out and purchase or rent a location and start decorating it, you will need to think about what business model would best suit the vision you have in mind for your ice cream store. You might want to open an ice cream parlour with numerous ice cream makers to distribute different flavours, which would call for a large venue and multiple pieces of equipment.
You may want to start out small, with just an ice cream truck selling soft-serve. Some people combine ice cream stores with other options, such as milkshakes, meaning you will need a milkshake maker too. Deciding what business model appeals to you (and your budget) the most will help you to create the perfect business plan that will help you to reap sweet success.
Build A Business Plan
Once you have decided on the type of business you would like to run, you will need to move on to creating a sound business plan. Your business plan is your roadmap and will not only show your bank how you plan to use the loan they approve for you, but will also provide you with guidance along your journey to opening the perfect ice cream store.
Your business plan will need to include a list of all the kitchen equipment you will need, such as which brand of ice cream maker will best suit your business, and you will also need to list how many ingredients you will need on a regular basis. A business plan should also include competitor research and information on your target market.
Understand Your Product
While it is good to be excited about a product as delicious as ice cream, it is important to understand the nuances of the product, especially the different types available on the market. For example, you might not be aware that more air in your ice cream mixture will cause it to be fluffier and lighter, or you might not know exactly what mixture to put into a soft-serve ice cream maker.
If you will be making your own ice cream by hand (or ice cream machine) you will need to have a good understanding of the product. Using quality ingredients will provide you with the best results, but you will need to know what measurements to use for the mixture. You should also learn how to use an ice cream maker so that you can show your employees and provide them with clear and easy-to-understand instructions.
Look For The Right Location
Your location depends on the type of business model you have chosen. If you have decided to run an ice cream truck, you can choose to set up your truck and ice cream makers at flea markets and other seasonal events. If you prefer the stability of a brick-and-mortar location, look for one with a good amount of foot traffic.
Your location’s leasing or purchasing fees should also be included in your business plan so that your bank or lender can include this in the amount they lend to you. Be sure to make a note of all of the ice cream machines and other equipment you will need to buy, ensuring that it will all fit properly in your kitchen location.
If you would like to start your own ice cream business and pave the way to sweet success, speak to Caterwize today to find out what we can offer you.
