Need some advice on choosing the right products

[Kym]

Hi all,



I plan to open a small bakery shop with fresh products. I have previous business experience but not in the food nor in the retail sector. If the market will validate the concept, I plan to open more of them, hopefully a chain of bakeries in the near future. For this I need a list of products with simple cooking process that can be standardized through procedures and it doesn’t require very high skill from the baker to get a predictable quality end product and doesn’t require complex or hard to manage bakery equipment.



I need help in identifying the bakery products which meet these criteria. The main product should be something that can be grabbed and eat on the go and could replace a meal (like a big burger, pizza or sandwich kind of thing). It should be very tasty and showy in a way that would make it "Instagramable” and don’t look like an ordinary sandwich from a gas station or airport.



The ingredients should be sourced readymade from suppliers so it wouldn’t require complex or long preparation on location. Some example of such products would be the schiacciata from the All’Antico Vinaio or the Spanish bocadillo de jamon, which are made with ingredients like ham, cheese, vegetables, salami, olives, olive oil, aioli etc.



The rest of the products should be bakery products like pies, baguettes, cookies, croissants, brioches, pretzels etc. And I need some sweet bakery product ideas to complete the line. So what products would you recommend in the main line and what as the main product?



Thank you for any idea and help

 

[retired baker]

maybe you could open a coffee shop with sandwiches.
add simple things as you go along, cookies, muffins, scones, all available frozen ready to bake in a small counter top elec convection oven. To do real baking you'll have to spend a LOT of money for a commercial installed kitchen, its very pricey and good bakers are very rare. I just wouldn't go down that road , you aren't a professional competent baker.

 

[Mona]

For a bakery focused on grab-and-go items that are both tasty and Instagram-worthy, consider offering gourmet panini with unique fillings, stuffed croissants with sweet or savory options, and flatbreads topped with delicious ingredients. You could also try hand pies with various fillings. For sweet treats, think about eclairs, colorful macarons, cinnamon rolls, mini fruit tarts, and brownies. Aim for items that are easy to prepare, use standard ingredients, and can be consistently made across locations. Good luck with your bakery!

 

[Jessie_Roos]

Hi there!

It’s exciting to hear about your plans for a new bakery! Given your criteria, here are some ideas for both savory and sweet bakery products that could work well:

Savory Main Products:​

1. Gourmet Panini: Create panini with high-quality fillings like prosciutto, aged cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. Use artisanal bread to make them visually appealing and Instagram-worthy.
2. Stuffed Focaccia: Focaccia stuffed with ingredients like roasted vegetables, cheeses, and cured meats can be both grab-and-go and eye-catching. You could offer different varieties like a Mediterranean version or an Italian classic.
3. Savory Pies: Think along the lines of hand pies filled with combinations like ham and cheese, chicken pot pie, or spinach and feta. These are easy to eat on the go and can be made in advance.
4. Savory Croissants: Stuffed croissants with fillings like ham and cheese, or mushroom and truffle, could be both delicious and visually appealing.
5. Gourmet Sandwiches: Use high-quality bread and unique fillings such as roast beef with caramelized onions, or turkey with cranberry and brie. Presentation is key here—think rustic, but refined.

Sweet Bakery Products:​

1. Artisan Cookies: Offer unique flavors like salted caramel, pistachio lavender, or espresso chocolate chip. The use of premium ingredients can elevate these to make them standout.
2. Fruit Tarts: Individual fruit tarts with fresh berries, custard, and a shiny glaze can be both showy and delicious.
3. Cupcakes with a Twist: Decorate with intricate piping, edible flowers, or unique flavor combinations like lemon basil or chocolate chili.
4. Eclairs or Cream Puffs: Filled with rich pastry cream or seasonal flavors like lemon curd or hazelnut cream, these can be both a treat and a feast for the eyes.
5. Mini Cheesecakes: Offer mini cheesecakes with toppings like fresh fruit, chocolate ganache, or caramel. These are perfect for a quick sweet bite and can look very elegant.

For all these products, sourcing pre-made ingredients like quality cheeses, cured meats, or gourmet fillings will help streamline your process. Also, ensure that your bakery has an appealing visual setup to enhance the “Instagramable” aspect.

Good luck with your bakery venture! It sounds like you have a great concept in mind.

 

[Mona]

Exciting to hear about your plans to open a bakery! It sounds like you have a solid vision. For grab-and-go options that can replace a meal and look Instagram-worthy, here are some ideas:

Main Products:​

1. Gourmet Sandwiches/Flatbreads: You could offer various combinations, such as:
   • Mediterranean Flatbreads: Loaded with hummus, grilled vegetables, and feta cheese.
   • Italian Schiacciata: With fresh ingredients like prosciutto, arugula, and mozzarella, drizzled with balsamic glaze.
2. Savory Pies: Hand pies or larger savory pies can be visually appealing and filled with hearty ingredients, such as:
   • Spinach and Feta: Perfect for a vegetarian option.
   • Chicken and Mushroom: A classic combination that’s always popular.
3. Stuffed Croissants: Think of croissants filled with various savory options like ham and cheese, or even a twist with things like spinach and feta.

Additional Bakery Items:​

• Baguettes: Serve them with spreads, or as part of a charcuterie-style offering.
• Pretzels: Soft pretzels with different toppings like cheese, sesame, or everything bagel seasoning can be a hit.
• Cookies: Offer unique flavors like lavender lemon or salted caramel chocolate chip to stand out.

Sweet Bakery Products:​

• Mini Fruit Tarts: Colorful and beautiful, perfect for showcasing seasonal fruits.
• Muffins: Creative flavors like blueberry lemon or chocolate banana can be a hit.
• Brownies or Blondies: Rich and indulgent, and you can offer variations like salted caramel or walnut.

Tips:​

• Presentation: Use colorful ingredients and interesting plating to make the items look more appealing for Instagram.
• Supplier Partnerships: Look for suppliers that can provide prepped ingredients to streamline your process.

Best of luck with your bakery venture! I’m sure your passion will shine through in your products!