Hi All CC'ers. I know you'll be truthful! Today I looked at 3 possible sites for a shop. I'm from a rural/small town area. I looked at an old restaurant in the downtown area, GROSS kitchen. He's putting in a whole new floor. I think he's blowing smoke! He's not one to follow through on things. The second spot was to rent a kitchen at the local BBQ and catering place. They have their basement set up sooo sweet! 2 convection ovens, a couple of big fridges, stainless tables, etc. Then 15 min. away in downtown Cedar Falls, IA there is a spot for rent and the former business is for sale. It was a candy shop. They sold, chocolates, candy, ice cream, and drinks. So I looked at that today and just love it!! I have a meeting set up on Tuesday with our local college business center. They have free one on ones. Can help with grants, etc. and really help out a new business or potential business. So, I think I'll rent the kitchen for now, so I'll be legal. (don't know how muchfor rent. I'll find out tomorrow morning.) And then if buying the former candy business works out, then move into there! It's very scary. I know I just have to believe in my product. I know it's good, and i would love to really branch out. any words of encouragement or comments? The location in on main st, which has been redone and has a lot of traffic, and also is next door to a bridal shop! I forgot that part! Thanks for listening!
Freezing here in Iowa!
Michelle

I'm so excited for you! I live in a real small town and I'd absolutely fall out if I had three choices! haha! I've been looking for even the worst of places for a long time and I can't find anything that will even begin to work for me. Personally, I think you're probably doing the right thing by renting out the kitchen in the BBQ place (which sounds great, by the way!) and then seeing how the candy shop deal works out. One thing I always tell myself is..... "If it's meant to be, it'll be...." I just always do what I can to make it go my way. I hope everything works out like you want it too! Good luck!

I say go with your gut instinct. Then pray that it all works out.

Good luck to you.

The one next to the bridal shop!!! mine is next to a bridal shop and a Stationary shop and we get bussines from each other all the time...
The one you get will be the best...it´s all learning expirience...

My only thought is why did the candy store go out of business?? Maybe find out why before you buy. If if wasn't a good location for candy maybe it would not be a good location for cakes.... Just a thought.... I hope all works out well for you...

Thanks for all of your input. The in-small town restaurant was a DISASTER!! The BBQ catering-renting the kitchen is $300 month/first month free. I just need to bring my pans and ingredients! the candy store is a DREAM!!!! There are soo many candy melts in all different colors. My mind was racing. Chocolate Clay. Look at all the different types of bows, bands, etc. I could make! The location is perfect. A VERY busy street. No dessert place in town. Their books were scary. I didn't understand how some of their expenses were soo high. I have my meeting on Tues. with the reg. business center. I think they'll be able to really help steer me in the right direction. My mom and husband feel the shop would be too much too soon. and I can understand that. I feel overwhelmed by it all too. But a girl can dream, can't she?!!j
YES SHE CAN!!

Your cakes look great! I think that whatever you choose that your business will do well!

I know it is more expensive, but I'm rooting for the candy shop on a busy street!!!!

I'm dreaming too!


melody

thanks all. I appreciate all of your encouraging words. The small town restaurant is OUT. The licensed catering kitchen, $300 a month. that's everyting. I would just need to bring my pans and ingredients. And they'll give me the first month rent free. Or weekly $100. I told them I'll let them know after my business meeting. And hopefully my business meeting goes well about the candy shop on the busy street!!
It is really fun to dream big!!

Good luck! Go for the candy shop, Remenber, if you build it they will come!

Wow, that is so cool. I wish that was my problem. I just need to find one location. Pray about it, do a lot of research and go in with your eyes open. The candy store sounds pretty sweet (pun intended), I'd be drooling over that opportunity. Hope it works out!


Weave in faith and God will find the thread. ~Author Unknown

that is wonderful. i agree pray about it and go with your gut feeling. On doing the grants, a suggestion, calculate your rent up to 6 months and make sure that that is in the grant. because you are in a new business you have to be logical that you have to give time for your business name to hit the streets and they may be slow about bringing you the business. if you calculate the 6 months or more rent in your grant or loan then at least you know that you can pay rent until your business booms...be on the safe side.

I think the candy shop is excellent. I just started my own business from home, so just letting you know to take into account any licensing you might need. I had to get state, city, and building inspector when I started back in Sept. I also had to take a food operator exam, but then every state is different. Here in CT things are very strick. I also spent some money in a bridal show (this one was a hit), yellow book, internet, and a bridal magazine, plus word of mouth at school, church, etc. You will be amazed how wonderful people are and how many orders you will get from your friends and neighbors. Tell everyone at least a month before you open and leave cards everywhere. You will do great, wish you the best!
EMY40