Guide to starting a sandwich shop: 5 essential steps

Launching a sandwich shop is more than just a culinary adventure: it's an opportunity to turn your passion for gastronomy and the customer service you value so highly into a thriving business. But success doesn't just happen. That's why the Innovorder team has prepared a 5-step guide to opening your own sandwich shop and starting your entrepreneurial project on a solid foundation.

‍

Tip 1: Conduct in-depth market research and draw up a solid business plan

The first step in opening a sandwich shop is to carry out a thorough market study. 

Target customer analysis

Identify who your potential customers are by asking yourself the following questions: 

• Are they students, professionals, families? 
• What is their age range? 
• How much do you estimate their purchasing power to be? 
• What are they looking for in terms of products and services? 

All this valuable information will help you define your offer.

Competitive analysis

Before taking the plunge, take the time to examine existing sandwich shops in your target area. Analyze their menus, prices, opening hours and popularity. Identify what works well and what can be improved. This will help you define your positioning and set you apart from the competition .

Choice of location

The previous 2 steps need to be accompanied by some thought about the location of your sandwich shop, in order to attract customers. Choose high-traffic areas, close to offices, schools or shopping malls, depending on the profile of your target audience. You should also consider rental costs and logistical aspects.

Drawing up a business plan 

Once you've done your market research, it's time to draw up a detailed business plan. This document is essential not only to guide you through the launch and management of your sandwich shop, but also to convince investors and banks to finance your project. It should include the following information: 

• Executive summary : summarize your concept, vision and short- and long-term objectives.

• Marketing and sales strategy: Then explain how you intend to attract and retain customers. Specify your distribution channels, advertising campaigns and promotions.

• Financial analysis : Include a three- to five-year financial forecast, detailing initial costs, expected revenues, current expenses and break-even point.

• Organization and management : Describe your company's structure, the roles and responsibilities of each team member, and the skills required to successfully complete your project.

👉 To find out more : 7 steps to a restaurant business plan

‍

Tip 2: Consider sandwich franchise networks

Going through a franchise network can make launching your sandwich shop much easier. Franchises often offer a recognized brand name and an established business model. It also reduces entrepreneurial risk and allows you to benefit from the franchisor's expertise and support. By choosing to join this type of network, you also gain access to marketing tools, training and ongoing support, which can be crucial when launching into a competitive market. 

So, before you start looking for financing or taking the next steps, take the time to consider this option. Research the available sandwich shop franchises and evaluate which ones best match your vision and objectives as defined in your business plan.

Here are a few examples of franchises:

• Ready to eat,
• La Croissanterie,
• Bread apple,
• DS café,
• Paul,
• EXKI,
• Lina's,
• Cojean,
• Subway.

‍

Tip 3: Obtain the necessary permits and licenses

To open a sandwich shop, you need to comply with various regulations and obtain several permits. These requirements can vary according to a number of criteria, such as location, but here are some of the documents commonly required:

• Business registration : Register your sandwich shop with the local authorities to obtain a business license.

• Catering license : Obtain a specific license to sell food products.

• Health and hygiene standards : Make sure your establishment complies with the health and hygiene standards imposed by the local authorities.

• Fire safety : Make sure you comply with fire safety regulations, equip your premises with fire extinguishers and mark emergency exits.

• Insurance : Take out insurance to cover potential risks, including public liability, property damage and employee insurance.

👉 To find out more : Regulatory standards you need to know about in the foodservice industry 

‍

Tip 4: Furnish and equip your sandwich shop

The layout and equipment of your sandwich shop are crucial to creating a welcoming and functional environment. Here are a few key elements that deserve your full attention: 

• Design and decoration Your goal is to create a friendly, attractive space. Choose a design that reflects the atmosphere you want to create.

• Furniture and equipment: One of your challenges is to make your customers feel at ease while they dine. So it's important to invest in comfortable furniture. You'll also need to buy the kitchen equipment that will enable you to deliver on all the culinary promises of your menu.

• Layout : Optimize the layout of your kitchen for maximum efficiency. The different zones (cooking, storage, preparation, etc.) must be clearly defined. Staff must be able to move around easily, and equipment must be arranged logically.

‍

Tip 5: Define your sandwich shop's marketing communications strategy

The launch of your sandwich shop is the stage that marks the realization of your project! However, it's important to plan your promotion carefully to attract customers from day one.

A launch event

To create awareness, excitement and buzz around your sandwich shop, there's nothing like an inaugural event. Invite local influencers, media and community members to draw attention and kick off your entrepreneurial adventure. 

Online and offline marketing campaigns

Use social networks, your website and advertising campaigns to promote your sandwich shop. Creating special offers and promotions will also help you attract the first customers.

Finally, establish partnerships with local businesses, schools and organizations to expand your network and attract a diverse clientele.

A loyalty program

Have you considered setting up a loyalty program? Such an initiative encourages customers to return regularly. By offering discounts, rewards or free products after a certain number of purchases, you'll see an increase in foot fall at your establishment.

Special attention to feedback

Your customers' opinions are extremely valuable. They'll help you to respond precisely to their expectations, constantly improve and stay ahead of the competition. Take the time to solicit them by e-mail, live, via review platforms (Google, TripAdvisor, The Fork) or on social networks, to consult them, but also to respond to them in order to maintain your e-reputation.

👉 Going further: 9 communication and marketing ideas for your restaurant

‍

Bonus tip: streamline order-taking and payment processing

Numerous digital tools can help you make the customer experience more fluid. 

• A cash register Innovorder cash register, intuitive and equipped with functions adapted to the needs of sandwich shops, which will save you time when cashing up and taking orders. 

• Integrate online ordering solutions to enable your customers to place orders in advance, pick them up on site or have them delivered. 
• To reduce the waiting time for your customers, have you thought about ordering terminals? These allow you to delegate the order-taking process to your customers, who can discover your concept and menu with attractive photos.

‍

These 5 key tips, plus one bonus tip, will help you lay a solid foundation for opening your own sandwich shop, meeting the challenges of the market and maximizing your chances of success. 

-

Are you opening or taking over a sandwich shop? Contact an Innovorder expert to get personalized advice for your restaurant!

👉 Discover our offer for sandwich shops