There is this adorable (could be REALLY adorable with some TLC) little bakery a couple towns over from me and it's for sale. I have been tossing around the thought of looking for a commercial space because the biz it taking over my house and I find it very hard to work at home. The kids are always at my apron strings and I can't park them in front of the boob tube all afternoon and still be able to look at myself in the mirror... I have always thought the place was a great place and while I was just dreaming... there it was... the whole biz for sale all fixtures and equpiment included.

I am going to be talking to the realtor next week and hopefully looking over their financials and coming up with my thoughts on a biz plan just to see what the potential is. It's a small place, but I think it'd be perfect. They do a good business... breads and dessert cakes and oatmeal squares and the like and a lunch menu with sandwiches and soups and quiches... have a handful of employees. I can't wait to see the financials. The potential for growth could be great. I already have ideas... LOL.

Anyway... I just had to tell someone.

Good luck with your decision! we know you are a great decorator! I know you'll find the right path!

Wow! How awesome for you. Keep us posted on what you decide. Sounds like a great opportunity.

Best of luck to you. If I make it up near you this summer (and you do own it) we'll have to stop in.

yes, keep us posted!!

Wow good luck! It will keep you hopping but you will enjoy it. The only downside I've found to having a business is that you don't get much of a weekend anymore. Other than that I love it!

Whatever you decide, I hope it all works for you! Wishing you the best!

My best wishes to you!

God bless you in this process!

How exciting! We would love to see pictures if you have the time.

-Debbie B.

Sending good wishes your way! Keep us updated!

How exciting, Jeanne! I hope it meets and exceeds all of your expectations, hopes and dreams!
If you can snap a picture or two post it for us to see!
My prayer for you is this works out in the best possible way for you!!

Anxious to hear more and will watch this thread for updates as you go along!

Thanks everyone... . I am excited at the prospect, but I know better than to get my hopes up until I see the nuts and bolts of it all. I just can't wait to see the numbers. My decision will hinge solely on that. You have to keep the emotions out of a business deal. The prospect has fueled adesire to get something like this off the ground, be it there or somewhere else. There's a space in a new retail strip right my my town too on the main road... tons of traffic... 1100-ish sqft. I don't know if they will allow for a food establishment as it was a cash advance office before, but the price is right at $20/sqft/year. I'd have to sit and really think about how much it would cost for the build out and see if it would be much more than purchasing an existing business with positive cash flow. The idea of opening a brand new place right now is a bit scary, but I am confident I could make it work. The prices right now are just really tempting.

Thanks for being my sounding board... my family doesn't understand.

I wish you the best with this. It is so exciting to see people on this site achieving their dreams! I am so new at this, but am hopeful that one day in many years to come, I may be where some of you are today. This site is so inspiring! I do hope everything works out for you.

how exciting!...that's roughly how much sq ft i have...it has been plenty big enough for me.

the biggest expense of the build out for me was the plumbing, we did the rest of the stuff ourselves and got off pretty cheap at about 3K if i remember right.

are you having to buy all your equipment too?

i've been seeing so many good deals on craigs list lately...the process of getting started is so fun...but stressful too.

you are so talented, i know you'll do great!

Certainly sounds exciting, Jeanne! I share in your confidence that you could make this a wonderful shop to display your talents. I hope the numbers look good for you. Keep us updated as you go!

Best of luck to you

Jeanne that's awesome! I know you would make that business grow with your talent and beautiful creations! Sending you many good wishes and I'll keep my fingers crossed for you! Keep us posted.

Deb

So, Jeanne, any good news or progress reports to share with your fellow CC'ers?

Yes, yes. Updates, please!

i've been wondering too!

I pray that everything works out. Just go with that quiet voice within and if you have peace about it. I say go for it. I know it may feels a little scary but don't let that stop you. I'm really happy for you. You will do great you do excellent work. God bless your endeavors.

Wow! That is wonderful. I hope that it works out for you. I definitely know that you have got the talent for it. Obviously your business is growing so with your business savvy this could be great for you. of course just use wisdom

Sorry I haven't updated... life got a little hectic there. My BIL was injured in Iraq by an IED. He is going to be okay, but his leg is pretty messed up so he is at Walter Reed in DC. My sister went down to be with him and my mom and I have been taking turns watching my little niece (she's 15 months old) so any plans to see this place have been put on hold.

Actually... the more I thought about it... the less it was something I wanted to take on. The owners wanted someone to come in and run the business as it was... a full bakery and lunch service with catering. I'd have no time at all for my own stuff. So DH and I have decided to build a commercial kitchen in the garage. This way I'll have the best of both worlds.

So hopefully by the end of this year early next I will be the owner of a swanky commercial kitchen... wish me luck!!

Please send regular updates! This is exciting in a vicarious sort of way!
Best wishes to you and, like several others have already said, God bless you.

I hope your BIL makes a speedy recovery. I'm sorry to hear that happened...
As for your kitchen, that really is the best of both worlds! You'll feel like you can get away from home while still being home... Wonderful!

Sending good wishes to your BIL.........God how scary for your sister and all of you!

Good luck with your kitchen plans too!
~Deb

So sorry to hear about your BIL, I hope he recovers well and fast. Good luck for the kitchen, I think that is the way to go in times like these. You are not spreading yourself to thin and just bettering your existent business...smart choice! Best wishes!

Yes hope your BIL recovers well, inside and outside.

And I like your newest idea the best!

Thanks everyone. I'll pass on the well wishes to Matt. He is starting to do much better. They gave him a nerve block so his pain is down considerably.

I promise to update as I have news. It's not going to be right away... but I am doing this. For me... and for my family. I had a great week... got the house cleaned (well the visible areas... LOL... tomorrow will be for cleaning the rest) and I booked two weddings today. AND I had some sushi for dinner... must say I'm a happy lady.

I'm glad to read your brother is doing better.

Congratulations on that commercial kitchen in the making... that way you an customize it just how you want and be close to the fam.

Best of luck to you ~