Monday, March 22, 2010

Crushed Dreams- Cupcake Stall Failure

I've always wanted to bake for a living, but since moving out of home at 16, becoming an apprentice pastry chef has become more and more less likely. Due to every day expenses, car, rent, bill, credit cards. I just can't afford to change industries.

Last Thursday I had a fantastic idea that I could open my own cupcake stall at the Fresh Markets at Rocklea. I'm in it more for the experience than money, like cmon, how wouldn't want to bake and ice 300+ cupcakes?

I had it all planned out in my head- Expenses, estimated GP, marketing ETC. But I through the planning stages I came across a major pitfall. Any food that is intended for retail sale, or food offered for immediate consumption would require labelling (Ingredients, intended use and also nutritional information).

This wasn't too bad.. However, it later revealed that I would also need to prepare and cook my little cuppycakes in a commercial kitchen.. Although my kitchen is very clean, there was no way in hell my kitchen in the rental house I live in now could become registered.. The cost of a mobile kitchen was $200/day and also most halls for hire that had a kitchen as not rated for commercial use.

Well there goes another idea down the drain all beacause of rules and regulations.

Could I get any suggestions as to how to change industries without being dirt poor?

11 comments:

  1. Oh I hope you will find the solutions!

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  2. I wish I had a solution for you. I am in the same type of boat. Living in Florida it is way harder to get around all the red tape. I always wish I lived back up North it is much different up there. I hope someone can help you.

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  3. I know how you feel! I've kinda looked into doing a cupcake thing myself. One of my friends mentioned looking into renting a kitchen from a church? I have yet to look into it myself, but it could be a good idea and save money. Good luck :)

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  4. Yeah I did look into that also and a church did come to mind. I'm sooo super confused when it comes to labelling too. But I'm sure that I could ask a local patisserie for advice.

    Damn legal mumbo jumbo :D

    Thanks for the support Guys!

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  5. it's similar around here -- you have a good food idea that gets spoiled by all the rules. i know the rules are to protect people from, say, getting sick, but i've heard funny stories about this kind of thing that make me wonder if it's just about politics and bureaucracy.

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  6. Argh that is not good news!! It would have been fantastic to see you selling your creations at Rocklea!

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  7. I do have an update! We can open a stall once and once only at Rocklea Sunday Markets.

    You can come see me at stall 235 April 18!!

    Thank you kind market manager :D

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  8. oooh!!! I will have to come and visit! I would love to be able to try some of your fantastic baking.

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  9. I have a commercial kitchen to rent by the hour! Just email me for details: imp.ex@gmx.de

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  10. You could try the meal on wheels kitchen at St Lucia they hire it out

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  11. You could try the meal on wheels kitchen at St Lucia they hire it out

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