Specialty food
stores appeal to gourmets. They stock only the choicest products, many of which are imported or otherwise difficult to purchase. While some specialty food stores sell only a particular type of food, such as cheese, meat, wine or gourmet candy, many sell a wider variety of products. To run a specialty food store, it helps to have a refined palate and a sense of what foods upscale consumers are interested in purchasing, as well as stamina for this labor-intensive business.
Instructions
1. Write a business plan. To be successful, a specialty food store must distinguish itself from other food stores catering to a similar clientele. For this reason, many stores stick to a specific theme, such as all local foods, or sell only a certain type of food, such as vegan products.
2. Find a good location for your store. Your store will likely not need to be large -- few specialty food stores are -- so don't rule out a small space in a well-heeled neighborhood.
3. File the legal paperwork. Register the business name and structure -- LLC, sole proprietorship, etc. -- with the state government, register to pay taxes with the IRS and state government, and apply for necessary licenses and permits. If you intend to sell alcohol, you will likely have to apply for a liquor license. To sell imported foods, you or your distributor may have to arrange for inspections with the Food & Drug Administration.
4. Identify the products you want to sell. Visit other specialty food stores and industry trade shows, and ask for suggestions from other professionals in the field.
5. Contact distributors and arrange for deliveries of the products that you will carry. Most specialty food stores order their products from a number of different distributors. As a new business, you may not be able to purchase on credit, so be prepared to pay cash.
6. Outfit the store. In addition to the basic equipment need for a retail establishment -- such as shelves, display counters and cash registers -- most specialty food stores will need some special storage equipment. For example, if you sell wine, you may need to purchase a special wine cabinet, while foods that must be kept cool will require coolers or a refrigerator.
7. Hire staff with a deep knowledge of food. For example, if you are opening a cheese store, make sure your staff can tell the difference between a gouda and Tomme de Savoie.
Tags: food stores, specialty food, specialty food stores, food store, food such