How to Open a French Bakery
French breads, sweets and pastries are popular among many people and they aren't cheap. It takes a great deal of expertise to make authentic French pastries. Starting a French bakery can be very lucrative and enjoyable, but it requires careful planning.
- Get training on how to prepare French breads and pastries if you need to. Enroll in a pastry chef program at a local community college, cooking or vocational school to get the training you need. Alternatively, learn by studying videos and reading books on French pastry making.
- Choose a name for your bakery business and get it registered with your city and state. Choose a business name which indicates that your business is a French bakery so people will know right away that you sell French pastries. For example, if you call your bakery "Mary's Cakes" it does not tell anyone that you are selling French pastries and so is not a good choice. However, "Mary's French Pastries" or "Mary's Pâtisserie" would be suitable.
- Obtain the permits and licenses you need to open your bakery. You may be required to obtain a fictitious name certificate, food handler permits and a tax identification number. Your bakery may need to be inspected by the health department in your area. Contact your local city or county clerk's office and public health department to find out exactly the requirements for opening a bakery in your city and state.
- Choose a location to set up your French bakery. When looking for a suitable location for your bakery, consider accessibility and convenience for your customers. The top choices to set up your bakery would at an intersection or a busy shopping center, near a busy gas station, or near a large workplace.
- Market your French bakery through various methods. List your French bakery in business directories both online and offline. Advertise in local magazines and newspapers. Leave fliers in supermarkets, community centers and anywhere promotional materials are allowed. Set up a website with pictures of your French pastries, bread and other items and a price list. Include the location of your bakery.