Whole Foods is an example of an organic specialty food store.
People enjoy eating and many people enjoy eating foods from all over the world. Traditional grocery stores carry only small amounts of ethnic foods. Specialty grocery stores find a way to specialize in a certain cuisine or ethnic food such as: Indian food, French cuisine, cheese, breads, sauces or any other specialty area. According to Hoovers.com, the U.S. has over 250,000 specialty food stores.
Instructions
1. Write a business plan for your specialty grocery store. Include the type of food you will specialize in, the target audience, the store size you will need, number of employees you anticipate, operating hours and estimated expenses and revenue. You will need this plan to secure any business financing and possibly to rent your store space.
2. Visit your local health department or department of agriculture to find out what licenses and permits will be required for your specialty food store. Licenses may be required, depending on your state and type of services you will provide. Licenses are issued after your store meets certain requirements to ensure a clean, safe environment for food. The governing agency in your state determines the process you will be required to follow. You will be provided with information on how you will handle food during your day-to-day activities and ongoing inspections your store will have even after you are up and running.
3. Register your business name and obtain a business license with the governing agency in your state. This may be the Secretary of State or the Department of Revenue. Some states allow you to register your business name and apply for a business license online through the state website.
4. Visit irs.gov to get your Employer Identification Number (EIN). An EIN is required for any business that has employees and will be used in place of your Social Security number when you file taxes. This number is also used to build business credit.
5. Secure a location for your business. Make sure any property you look at is zoned for a grocery store. If your realtor or agent does not know, check with the zoning commission in your county or state. Use your rental agent to negotiate some of the build-out of your space.
6. Use your EIN to begin to apply and obtain the necessary financing for your business. You can apply for loans with local business banks or use this to open accounts with the vendors you will purchase your specialty food from.
7. Hire staff that is knowledgeable about the type of food you specialize in. Your staff needs to be able to answer customer questions. Post your help wanted ad in local newspapers, on local help wanted online sites. In your ad, specify any requirements required such as knowledge in the type of food you specialize in. Check online forums in your local area related to your specialty and see if the owner will allow you to post a help wanted ad.
8. Create a website, promotional material, and advertise your grand opening. Promoting and advertising is a key part of the success. Spread the word with everyone you know: friends, neighbors, church, family, coworkers. Contact local radio and TV stations. Post entries in local online forums that are related to your specialty.
Tags: your specialty, specialty food, your business, help wanted, type food, your state