Open a Sandwich Shop
People often need to stop at sandwich shops for breakfast, lunch or even a quick snack. And, although many sandwich shops are successful, what most customers don't see is all of the planning, investment and hard work that goes into running one. Learn how to open a sandwich shop if you have a sound knowledge of food and good business acumen.
Steps
- Decide the type of sandwich shop you'd like to open. Some sandwich shops are just an open counter onto the street, while others have a small seating area where customers can enjoy their sandwiches
- Find out what your city's legal, health and safety requirements are for sandwich shops. The best way to do this is to request a list of requirements from your local Chamber of Commerce or board of health.
- Investigate the competition in your area. Find out what competitors offer, what their prices are and whether they offer seating for customers.
- Determine whether there's enough demand for another sandwich shop in your area.
- There's a better chance of attracting customers in high traffic areas like cities, tourist areas or near college campuses than in a low traffic area like a suburb.
- Brainstorm your menu. If possible, come up with inventive sandwiches or food combinations like specific soups and sandwiches, or include vegetarian or organic ingredients.
- Think about a name, look or ambiance that will set your sandwich shop apart from the competition. A nicely designed exterior and interior with a catchy name can help your shop stand out.
- Construct a solid business plan that projects your first 2 years of income and outlines your business methods and startup costs.
- Remember to include the costs of necessary licenses and permits, location, equipment, supplies, marketing, staff and taxes.
- Find investors for your sandwich shop or apply for a business loan in order to raise the capital you'll need for opening a sandwich shop.
- Find a location for your sandwich shop. Always check with the city to find out if zoning laws allow for a sandwich shop in that area. Obtain any special permits.
- Buy all the equipment you need to make and serve sandwiches, as well as cleaning equipment. Also buy a cash register and accounting software.
- You'll need bread knives, cutting knives, forks, cutting boards and plates. If you plan on serving warm sandwiches, equipment can include a grill, toaster oven and frying pans.
- Interview and hire staff. Choose candidates who are friendly, personable, efficient and skilled at making sandwiches.
- Purchase supplies. These include ingredients for your menu as well as napkins, paper bags and other disposable items customers need with a take-out sandwich.
- Start your marketing campaign by handing out flyers to passersby and advertising in local newspapers. Be sure to clearly state your hours so people know when they can come in.
- Open your sandwich shop by handing out small, free samples to passersby.
Tips
- Leave flyers at local office buildings, gyms and schools.
Warnings
- Plan for slow seasons if you're in a tourist area or near a college campus.
Things You'll Need
- List of legal, health and safety requirements
- Menu
- Business name
- Business plan
- Business capital
- Location
- Bread knives
- Cutting knives
- Forks
- Cutting boards
- Plates
- Grill
- Toaster oven
- Frying pans
- Menus
- Ingredients for items and dishes on the menu
- Napkins
- Paper bags
- Samples
- Flyers
Related Articles
- Sell Sandwiches Commercially
- Order a Subway Sandwich
- Make a Sub Sandwich
- Wrap a Sandwich in Wax Paper
