Opening a bakery is an ambitious and exciting project. And it's a sector with a positive future! And with good reason: the number of bakeries opening in 2022 has exceeded the number closing (+1%).
In concrete terms, nearly 2,538 new businesses were opened in the sector, compared with 2,527 closures.Â
However, to ensure the success of your bakery, you need to prepare each step carefully. In this guide, Innovorder offers you 5 key tips for successfully opening your bakery!
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1. Define your project with a business plan
Thinking about the concept
Before you get started, we advise you to think carefully about the concept of your bakery.Â
What will you offer your customers? A classic range of breads and pastries, or innovative products like gluten-free pastries or organic sandwiches?Â
Think about the customer experience too: how will your customers place their orders? How many potential orders can you handle each day? A clear, well-defined concept will help you stand out from the competition and win over your guests!
Choose a location and analyze the catchment area
Your bakery's location is crucial to its success. Analyze the catchment area: who are your potential customers? Where do they live and work? In a business district? Downtown? Near a student zone? Pay attention to local competition too. A bakery located in a dynamic area with few competitors is more likely to succeed.
Forecasting sales
To guarantee the financial success of your bakery, it's essential to establish realistic sales forecasts. These forecasts must be based on thorough market research. Here's how:
Step 1: Studying local demand
Analyze the local market to understand the buying habits of your potential customers. Identify the demand for the different types of products you plan to offer, such as traditional breads, viennoiseries, gluten-free pastries or organic products.
Step 2: Analyze the local competition
Assess the number of existing bakeries in your catchment area, their positioning, prices and product quality. This will give you an idea of the market share you can hope to capture.
Step 3: Define customer profiles
Identify the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of your target customers. This includes age, income, food preferences and consumption habits.
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2. Plan the budget needed to open or take over a bakery
The budget for opening a bakery varies according to many factors, but it's essential to set aside sufficient funds to cover all aspects of your project.
‍Fixed costsand expenses
Fixed costs such as electricity, gas and water must be included in your budget. These costs may vary depending on the size and location of your bakery.
Materials required
Bakery equipment, whether for production or sales, must be of the highest quality and adapted to your needs. Don't hesitate to compare offers and invest in durable equipment.
👉 To find out more: Restaurant supplies: the complete list
Recruitment
Payroll costs are one of the main areas of expenditure. To avoid unpleasant surprises, it is essential to anticipate the cost of salaries and social security contributions.
Raw materials purchasing and management
Purchasing and managing raw materials is a significant part of your budget. Choose reliable suppliers and manage your stocks efficiently to avoid waste.
Taxation and administrative formalities
Don't forget the costs associated with taxation and administrative formalities. Certain training courses and licenses may be required to operate your business.
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3. Consider bakery franchise networks
The 2 advantages
- Opting for a franchise allows you to benefit from the reputation of an established brand and profit from its know-how!
- Franchise networks also offer support and training to help you get started and manage your day-to-day business.
The 2 disadvantages
- Nevertheless, having a franchise often involves up-front costs and royalties, which can reduce your profit margin.
- Being a franchisee also means complying with the franchisor's standards and guidelines, which limits your autonomy.
Bakery franchises
Here are a few examples of franchises that illustrate the diversity and dynamism of this market.
La Mie Câline
With around 240 outlets, La Mie Câline is well established in France. The franchise is positioned in the bakery, Viennese pastries and snacking segment. Its image is friendly and family-oriented, with a varied range of products to suit different times of the day, from breakfast to snacks.
Brioche Dorée
Brioche Dorée has over 500 outlets in France and abroad. The franchise stands out for its French-style fast-food positioning, offering bakery-pastry products, sandwiches and hot dishes to eat in or take away. It aims to be accessible, fast and of high quality, meeting the needs of an urban and active clientele.
Marie Blachère
Marie Blachère is a fast-growing franchise with over 600 outlets. Its positioning is based on tradition and authenticity, highlighting artisan know-how and fresh products, made on site every day. It stands out for its large sales areas and a diversified offer ranging from traditional breads to pastries and viennoiseries, with a particular focus on attractive prices.
Paul
Paul is a well-known bakery-pastry franchise with over 750 outlets worldwide. Its positioning is upmarket, focused on tradition and French know-how. Paul offers a wide range of products, from breads and pastries to hot dishes, all in a setting that is often elegant and authentic.
Eric Kayser
With around 200 bakeries worldwide, Eric Kayser is a franchise built around a passion for artisan baking. The positioning is also upmarket, with an emphasis on home-made products, often using original recipes and natural leavening. Eric Kayser stands out for its modern approach to tradition, with particular attention to ingredient quality and innovation.
Louise
Louise is a more recent but rapidly expanding franchise, with around 130 outlets. Its positioning is based on traditional craftsmanship and quality products. Louise bakeries offer a complete range of breads, viennoiseries, pastries and delicatessen products, with an emphasis on homemade and daily freshness. The atmosphere in Louise stores is generally warm and welcoming, reminiscent of traditional bakeries.
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4. Develop a marketing communications strategy
Federating a community on social networks
Social networks are a great way to build a community around your bakery. Share regular photos of your products, behind-the-scenes production and special promotions to engage your customers.
Launch advertising campaigns
Advertising campaigns, whether online or in traditional media, can increase your visibility and attract new customers.
Create buzz with an offer or partners, influencers
Finally, working with partners or influencers can help you create buzz around your bakery. A special offer or event can also generate interest and attract customers.
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5. Choose the right digital solutions to streamline order-taking and payment processing
Tactile cash register
A cash register is essential for fast, accurate transaction management. The Innovorder cash register makes it easy to track sales, optimize inventory management and improve the fluidity of operations in the dining room and kitchen. With its advanced functionalities, it offers an optimal user experience for your staff and increased satisfaction for your customers.
Coin acceptor for cash payments
Automatic coin changers are another essential digital solution. It enables efficient and secure management of cash payments, reducing cashier errors and the risk of theft. This equipment also facilitates fast, smooth transactions, enhancing the customer experience and freeing up your staff for other tasks.
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In short, as with any business, opening a bakery requires meticulous preparation and good management at every stage!
But by clearly defining your project, establishing a realistic budget, considering franchise options, developing an effective communications strategy and choosing the right technological solutions, you'll maximize your chances of success.Â
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Are you opening or taking over a bakery? Contact an Innovorder expert to get personalized advice for your restaurant!
