very small shop idea

[courtneii_jade]

Hello,
I have a small shop that can only be really used as a kiosk type business due to tiny door entrance.

I am on a main street between train station and main city center.

I have decided to open it as a coffee kiosk where i will serve coffees from a barn style door with display window to the side.

My question is:

Can anyone think of anything unique items or food related that I could also sell? It really would have to take up a small amount of space and also something takeaway. I really want to capitalise on my space and i don't think just selling coffee will do it. I have thought about baked goods but these would have to be bought in as i simply wouldn't have the room to make them.

My only ideas are waffles/crepe/mini pancakes as they have small units and can be taken away.

Any other ideas?

Many thanks!

 

[MaureenP]

If you are providing coffee then you should keep bun, bread, biscuits (which are ready-made items) which you will have to purchase from other stores in bulk to gain some profit by selling them on your store.

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

Also think about products that are good for you I don't like bad food as I am very fragile and there are a lot of people now that do not want to eat rubbish

 

[estwig]

Bananas and apples, grab and go food.

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

Bananas and apples, grab and go food.

That sort of thing but a bit more interesting a bit more flavour would be good

 

[VW145]

Find a food wholesaler. I’m in the south west so use castell Howell. FOr an example we buy in Bridor croissants, come and stored frozen, take 15 minutes in the oven.
If you’re new to this venture, you wouldn’t believe what you can buy in now, frozen. A new one I’ve started using for baked goods is aryztafoodsolutions - not sure if they deliver near you but you get the idea!

Also on that note, i would recommend half and half in terms of treats and healthy. The vast majority, IMO, just want a quick coffee and a croissant.

 

[estwig]

That sort of thing but a bit more interesting a bit more flavour would be good

Like a Mars Bar?

 

[Mark T Jones]

Soup

 

[deniser]

What about pretzels in sweet or savoury?

And for the more health conscious home made granola/nutty/fruit bars?

 

[Mike Godwin]

Just keep it simple and concentrate on producing really good coffee with a good decaf option too. Do that a customers will return. Also think about a loyalty card scheme...?

 

[Root 66 Woodshop]

Kettle...
Pot Noodle... (various choices nowadays)... roughly £1.00 a pot...

Sell for...

£2.00 each

job done... Fast lunch... no hassle

 

[Chris Ashdown]

If they are going to the train then Tea, Coffee, Fruit, Sandwiches (basic selection) newspapers and bars of chocolate or sweets

Read up on disposable cups etc. customers would not want hot food but just something served in a couple of minutes

 

[Mitch3473]

Churros....fast food of the gods. And a bit different.

 

[GTL]

American ?Jap candy? might seem a bit left field, but its quite popular and as yet difficult to get hold of on the high street if you're a punter.

 

[RjMaan]

I think you can also start a bar b Que or any other small fast food type business. Here I will add one more thing, you can start a seasonal business as well for example you can start selling inc creams in summer season while hot tea and coffee in winters.

 

[Dario.c]

Sandwiches and panini already made maybe?

 

[stender]

mini donut machine or waffle sticks.

 

[courtneii_jade]

I’m half and half between healthy and not healthy but I guess I could do a bit of both.. also conscious about doing vegan/gluten free options as it is becoming more of a ‘thing’.

In regards to sandwiches etc

I was thinking.. would it be viable to approach a current sandwich shop for discount to supply me with freshly made sandwiches.. is this a thing?

Thank you

 

[courtneii_jade]

Just keep it simple and concentrate on producing really good coffee with a good decaf option too. Do that a customers will return. Also think about a loyalty card scheme...?

Yes I’m currently looking at loyalty schemes. As it’s my first venture I’m thinking of simple ‘stamp’ cards for now as till operated loyalty schemes are coming in expensive

 

[Jessica A.]

Any food to go will do aside from the coffee. You can also try serving hot chocolate. Kids and chocolate lovers would love that. That way, customers can pick from caffeinated or decaffeinated drinks.

 

[Jason Howard]

bagels?