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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask your opinions

69 replies

Gooseygoosey12345 · 19/02/2020 20:13

Posted here for traffic and also because I don't know where else this would go.
I've just taken over running a bakery, it's not in good shape with regard to products or aesthetics. What would you like to see in a bakery? What's your favourite product from a bakery? Would you sit in if you could?

OP posts:
TorysSuckRevokeArticle50 · 19/02/2020 20:44

Think about your probable busy times and who would buy then.

So if your on a school route with lots of well to do mummy types, I'd have fresh pastries, muffins, scones, cinnamon rolls, fruit toast ready for the morning crowd. Fresh coffee brewing and doors/windows open so the smell of coffee and cinnamon, spices calls people in.

If you have lots of local businesses in the vicinity think about the types of lunches would appeal, can you do jacket potatoes, fresh filled baguettes, panini, toasted wraps. A place near my work are always very busy at lunch as they do a big range of fillings and give the option to have them in sandwiches, baguettes, wraps or with cheese and toasted as melts.

Then constants for whenever people pop in - fresh baked bread and a selection of cream cakes.

Original poster
Gooseygoosey12345 · 19/02/2020 20:45

Sausage rolls
Custard tarts
Sourdough bread
Croissants
Cheese twists

We do sausage rolls and pasties and slices, custard tarts, sourdough bread, apparently we did croissants but nobody had bothered getting more in so they'll be back, and definitely yes to cheese twists!! Love them

OP posts:
Original poster
Gooseygoosey12345 · 19/02/2020 20:47

Love the idea of doing jacket potatoes and toasted sandwiches/panini! Brilliant

OP posts:
hopelessbusiness · 19/02/2020 20:48

Oh and OH says cottage loaves and lardy cake please!!

Original poster
Gooseygoosey12345 · 19/02/2020 20:50

I will look into these Grin

OP posts:
StealthLemonade · 19/02/2020 20:51

vegan options.
It's frustrating egg seems to always get added to the good stuff , so yeah, vegan options. Mmmm pork pies and that.

Cordial11 · 19/02/2020 20:52

I use to have a bakery by an old work that did pork and stuffing rolls with gravy at lunch times... it was always packed!!!

Original poster
Gooseygoosey12345 · 19/02/2020 20:52

It's really annoying as a supermarket and subway have recently opened so I'm going to try and have to claw back some customers from their lunch deals. I've come in at a difficult time but I do like a challenge

OP posts:
Cordial11 · 19/02/2020 20:53

Plus everyone would by a cake/cookie too

Original poster
Gooseygoosey12345 · 19/02/2020 20:54

Definitely looking at vegan options. We don't currently have much gluten or dairy free choice and it is lacking in the area so that could be a selling point.
I was looking into more meats for fillings as well, I feel like beef and horseradish is a good option, bit different to what is available in the area

OP posts:
Verbena87 · 19/02/2020 20:54

We have a fab bakery locally where you can buy homemade sourdough pizza bases, frozen or fresh and ready to top and chuck in the oven. We buy them regularly as they’re amazing for a zero-effort post-work dinner that’s still properly delicious.

Waveysnail · 19/02/2020 20:54

Really good scones - type you would get in a tea room. Slightly crisp on top and fluffy inside.

Original poster
Gooseygoosey12345 · 19/02/2020 20:55

The amount or people who walk in then back out is embarrassing! It just doesn't look appetising. Aesthetics are a huge problem there

OP posts:
Original poster
Gooseygoosey12345 · 19/02/2020 20:55

Like the idea of pizza bases!
Our scones are pretty good luckily

OP posts:
Thelnebriati · 19/02/2020 20:58

If I could go back in time and get a loaf of my favourite cheese and onion bread, I'd bring it for you to sample.
It was a soft dough, a bit like ciabatta, make into a cottage loaf. There was a thick layer of grated cheese and a dollop of sauteed onion put on the base before they added the cap.

TorysSuckRevokeArticle50 · 19/02/2020 21:02

This is the lunch menu of a very popular place near me, obviously if bakery is your main deal you'd want to pare it down as this would be too overwhelming.

You should take a walk around and visit the competition to get a gauge on prices and what people are buying.

To ask your opinions
To ask your opinions
allthesharks · 19/02/2020 21:03

With young mums around, could you maybe see about doing a decent kids meal deal - sandwich on nice bread, some fresh fruit, juice or water and a mini cake.

I always like savoury options in a bakery. Sausage rolls, pasties etc, that you sell warm so people can eat them straight away.

I also think you'd be better to focus on doing a smaller selection really well rather than loads of things badly.

sunflofferes · 19/02/2020 21:05

Our local bakery does thick slices of their lovely bread made into pizza and served hot with various toppings. Ham and pineapple, sausage and mushroom, all with lashings of melted cheese. They sell really quick.

Mlou32 · 19/02/2020 21:06

Perhaps explain to your customer base that you're looking to make a few changes and ask them what they'd like to see in store?

Mikeymoo12 · 19/02/2020 21:20

Fancy savoury things. Most bakerys have loads of sweet stuff but I'm not keen and then the usual steak bakes etc but it's nice to have something different like the breads others have said. I went to a cafe the other day and got a cheese scone and it was amazing it had got all sorts like sun dried tomato through....yum!

dustibooks · 19/02/2020 22:06

Perhaps a rustic country cottage kitchen look, that should be relatively cheap and easy to do, a hint of gingham, and shelves covered with clean paper and doilies. A couple of pretty teapots on random shelves. Minimum plastic. Not over the top or anything, just so it looks like somewhere that nice people make lovely food Smile

Traditional home baking with a modern twist...

Really nice sausage rolls are a must.
Chocolate chip cookies.
Scones.
Gingerbread men (our local baker does seasonal variations).
Fruit cake, whole or in slices.
Belgian buns.
The usual bread, plus dietary options.
Interesting-looking rolls.

How about offering the old-fashioned Baker's Dozen?

blacksax · 19/02/2020 22:10

Aesthetics first.

kittykatkitty · 19/02/2020 22:11

It needs to look good before you do anything else.
If people are walking in and straight back out , then concentrate on this first

myhandsareverycold · 19/02/2020 23:19

Whenever we stay at a Hilton doubletree hotel they give you hot cookies (chocolate chip) when you check in. Children adore them. They have them in a warming drawer. That would be a bit different! Good luck in your new venture.

AlCalavicci · 19/02/2020 23:46

I agree you need to get the look right fires , there is no point in have great food if the place looks tired and grotty .
So a proper chilled section A La Subway , clear evidence of separate meat / veg prep areas if you are going to have seating make sure the tables and chairs are clean and dont rock ( but I dont think they have to match )

With the food , dont do lads of different things or you will end up binning half of your money , I would stick to the rule of 5 that a lot of bakers near me seem to do so .
5 sandwich fillings

5 jacket spud fillings ( some should be interchangeable with sandwich fillings )
5 types of hot pastry's
5 types of loaf
5 cakes / tarts
etc
You can rotate them on a daily / weekly basis depending on how popular the things are

Good luck ( and can you send me a cinnamon swirl please )

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