Two weeks ago, I had a food tour in the East Bay. After my mini excursion to Scharffenberger, my sweet tooth addiction continued. Stumbling upon its accented pink logo, I hopped into Teacake Bake Shop. The instant I stepped foot into the door, the smell of baked goods and butter enticed me to try their cupcake ($3) and cookie ($2). With the texture of a soft batch cookie, the sweet treat would have been even better with a glass of milk. At center stage, the white frosted cupcake was memorable. The sweet frosting pairs well with the cupcake bottom: moist and soft. With big smiles, the staff is readily available for suggestions from the array of flavors.
Consultant hat.
After spending time in corporate world, entrepreneur Agnes Hsu runs a great operation.
4 Things That Added to Success
1) Press release. View Teacake Press release page. The key is to have your restaurant featured in the press. Credibility means some else, a writer, is endorsing your product and giving you exposure.
Sprinkles Cupcakes, a cupcake shop in Los Angeles, created buzz when Hollywood stars such as Katie Holmes would rave about the cupcakes. View Sprinkles Cupcakes press page.
2) Design. Think about great products such as the Apple Iphone. The touch screen and minimalist design causes word of mouth advertising. Tiffany’s is famous for their baby blue packaging. Look carefully at the cupcake shop, the details from the cute signs to attractive to-go boxes add value to the customer’s three dollar cupcake experience.
Value is perceived from the customer. So create added value with packaging, signage, and especially service.
3) Online presence. Website presence and design allows many small businesses to increase their revenue. Their website is beautifully made and usability is simple and easy.
4) Celebrations. Bake shops have blossomed because of celebrations. Birthdays, bridal showers, and all cases of celebration are associate with the bakery.
*While working for California Culinary Academy enrolling students to become future chefs, I interviewed many students who want wanted to open a bakery. We had a baking and pastry program. Years later, few achieve this dream. Many bakers are great at simply baking but do not have the business knowledge to manage the business.
A few tips.
“An idea is not a business, just an idea.”
“Serving good food is only 20% of a successful operation.”
Invitation. For those who are aspiring restaurant owners or currently own one, feel free to comment on the post and email me for suggestions.
