Saturday, December 6, 2008

The Million Dollar (Pound) Idea

Last year I had a friend suggest that I was so good at organization (meaning: I made reminder phone calls & emails) that I could run a small business.

As a missionary, I was told I should work in a bakery.

Today, Jason got rave reviews for three-day old cinnamon rolls. And we all know that cinnamon rolls are only really good for the first three hours after their out of the oven. But, they are a novelty here. What if we opened a shop that just sold American baked goodies? Simple menu: cinnamon rolls (although they'd get called "buns"), chocolate chip cookies, and brownies.

Basic business plan: capitalize on my husband's position. Cater to the college crowd. After all, there was a shop called "My Daddy's Cheesecake" owned by a couple of profs where I went to school. It did well, despite being too expensive to really rely on the college crowd as consistent customers. But cinnamon rolls, chocolate chip cookies, brownies? Not impossibly expensive (1 to 2 pounds) on the student pocketbook & not impossible on the production side.

The only problem I have is that I have no experience running a business. How does one lease a shopfront? How does one get a business loan? How does one market American treats to English youth? I mean, really I'm just thinking about a large-scale bakesale but with a Krispy Kreme twist: the neon sign that says, "Cinnamon buns just out of the oven."

7 comments:

Tricia said...

That would be awesome! I would have to come over just to try the goodies out!

The Windy City Duo said...

I actually think that is an awesome idea. I have no idea how you would begin to go about doing it; although, if anyone could figure it out it would be you. I would just suggest start reading :)

celine said...

the cookies would be called biscuits, ya? that is what my neighbors call them when i bring them by with calvin!

so fun mixing cultures. do it up! i am sure the brits will go for it. mine (the older crowd) like their biscuits crispy.

Marie Rayner said...

The hardest part of any business is getting it up and running. You can get Crispy Creme's at Harrods. I think they are like £12.95 a dozen, if you can believe that! Anyways, the Brits seem to love our North American food, which is evidenced by the popularity of Nigella's cookery books which are jammed full of American recipes, "Briticized". I think you would do well!

Mary Beth said...

What a fantastic idea! Brazilians loved any sort of American home baked goodness, too. Might as well capitalize on it! You should definitely do it. Also, talk to Kristin Smith- she's doing a similar baking business in her neighborhood only without the store....

Sacto Cat Woman said...

Great idea, Starr. You also need to feature Rice Krispie treats. I made those for the children during social hour after church one time, along with fancier bar cookies for the adults. Everyone wanted the Krispie treats!

Sarah said...

I'm tired just thinking about it. My kids keep me busy enough without any sort of business pursuits. I don't know how working moms do it!