I have heard some of you talk about selling cakes to local restaurants. Could anyone tell me how you got into this? I am really interested in doing this once I get my kitchen licensed. (In the process of building it now.) I am not sure how to approach people with this. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks.

I've gone about this several ways: If it's a place you go as a customer, you can simply ask to speak to the manager after your meal, tell him/her you love his food and are a pastry chef and that you would like to arrange a time to bring some samples to him/her. If it's a place you don't frequent, you can call on the phone to find out when the manager will be present, then call and arrange a tasting. It sounds simple, but it's worked for me. But be warned: They usually want them at very cheap prices...sometimes I have to refuse because I can't even cover my costs at the price they expect. Good luck!

I do cakes and cheesecakes for a couple area restaurants. Some of the places I knew the owner and some were from word of mouth. I believe someone on the Wilton boards awhile ago said she got into wholesale by sending out flyers to all the area restaurants. She put on the flyer to call for a free sample. Then I believe when they called, she made a very small sample and brought it in. I think she did very well this way.

I sell my cheesecakes for $30 retail $20 wholesale
9" cakes $25 retail $16 wholesale
Also, sometimes its easier because restaurants usually don't want any decoration - I just make a cake and ice it. Its a relief sometimes after working hours on a cake

Good luck!