5 answers
RheaLynn
Student
Oakville, Washington
1
Question
Updated
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how long would it normally take to get your own bakery/restaurant?
I want to own my own bakery/restaurant but I'm wondering how long or what jobs would be easiest to do for earning money to buy one.
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5 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
2310
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, RheaLynn !
The month, day and year that you will own your own bakery can be told only by you and you alone. Since you are in high school and have a lot to learn about a culinary career as well as business ownership, now would be a perfect time to add to your skills and start learning about what goes into owning a business. You won't learn everything right now (and that's perfectly okay), but as a student at Culinary School things will start to become real and you'll know exactly what to do.
Always remember that careers are not made in an instant. I realize that many, many students want to know the details of their future but it doesn't work that way. No one can predict what opportunities you will have, what people you will meet that are professional contacts and it's not easy, there is no "easy" way to obtain money. You must start to understand the process that is involved and things will unfold naturally as it does with all careers.
Your first step would be to continue baking and cooking everyday. Try new recipes. Take Family and Consumer Science - Cooking, while in High School. When you graduate high school, go to Culinary School for a structured education and opportunities for experience and meeting valuable contacts that can help you with your goals. Some Culinary Schools in your State that you can look into are South Seattle College, Lake Washington Institute of Technology, Renton Technical College, Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, Bellingham Technical College, Seattle Culinary Academy at Seattle Central College and Olympic College. You can go to their websites and compare the schools and that will make it easier for you to decide which school would be best for you.
This is way too far ahead of things, but you will also need to decide if you want to buy an already existing bakery and rent the store, purchase the building your store would be in, or have a home kitchen, work from home through online orders and your kitchen would need to be certified before you can work out of your home. The bakery itself is not the only expense. You will need insurance, staff, products to cook and bake with, utensils, phone, utilities, ovens, equipment, etc. So your first step would be to figure out your business plan before even thinking about how long it would take. If you really want your own business, you will enjoy the journey no matter how short or long it takes.
At some point during Culinary School, you may want to start pricing how much rentals, businesses and commercial buildings are. You should look at ads about this when you're in culinary school because prices and availability change and you'd get a more accurate idea closer to the time you're ready to obtain your own business. Think about where the best location would be, too.
Assess the skills you have now and apply for jobs that you can qualify for. Visit your Chamber of Commerce to discover if there is ever any financial assistance they provide to new business owners. There is no easy quick way, that is why I advise relaxing and enjoying the process. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way in high school and in Culinary School. Although your thoughts about it may cause it to seem so distant, don't worry, it will happen. The process is the exciting part !
Best wishes in all you do !
The month, day and year that you will own your own bakery can be told only by you and you alone. Since you are in high school and have a lot to learn about a culinary career as well as business ownership, now would be a perfect time to add to your skills and start learning about what goes into owning a business. You won't learn everything right now (and that's perfectly okay), but as a student at Culinary School things will start to become real and you'll know exactly what to do.
Always remember that careers are not made in an instant. I realize that many, many students want to know the details of their future but it doesn't work that way. No one can predict what opportunities you will have, what people you will meet that are professional contacts and it's not easy, there is no "easy" way to obtain money. You must start to understand the process that is involved and things will unfold naturally as it does with all careers.
Your first step would be to continue baking and cooking everyday. Try new recipes. Take Family and Consumer Science - Cooking, while in High School. When you graduate high school, go to Culinary School for a structured education and opportunities for experience and meeting valuable contacts that can help you with your goals. Some Culinary Schools in your State that you can look into are South Seattle College, Lake Washington Institute of Technology, Renton Technical College, Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, Bellingham Technical College, Seattle Culinary Academy at Seattle Central College and Olympic College. You can go to their websites and compare the schools and that will make it easier for you to decide which school would be best for you.
This is way too far ahead of things, but you will also need to decide if you want to buy an already existing bakery and rent the store, purchase the building your store would be in, or have a home kitchen, work from home through online orders and your kitchen would need to be certified before you can work out of your home. The bakery itself is not the only expense. You will need insurance, staff, products to cook and bake with, utensils, phone, utilities, ovens, equipment, etc. So your first step would be to figure out your business plan before even thinking about how long it would take. If you really want your own business, you will enjoy the journey no matter how short or long it takes.
At some point during Culinary School, you may want to start pricing how much rentals, businesses and commercial buildings are. You should look at ads about this when you're in culinary school because prices and availability change and you'd get a more accurate idea closer to the time you're ready to obtain your own business. Think about where the best location would be, too.
Assess the skills you have now and apply for jobs that you can qualify for. Visit your Chamber of Commerce to discover if there is ever any financial assistance they provide to new business owners. There is no easy quick way, that is why I advise relaxing and enjoying the process. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way in high school and in Culinary School. Although your thoughts about it may cause it to seem so distant, don't worry, it will happen. The process is the exciting part !
Best wishes in all you do !
Howard Pierceall CEC, CCE WCEC
Chef, Chef Instructor, Business owner
113
Answers
Sun City, Arizona
Updated
Howard’s Answer
You need to have experience and money to open or run any business. You need education and experience to fully understand how to run a business first. Second, you need an idea of what you want to do. Third you need a plan or a map of how you will get to your goal of owning your business.
I would say the plan is the most important thing to do. When doing your plan it should include how much everything will cost. That is a business plan. When you have that done you will know how much it will cost. Next, you have to have or find the money to follow your plan. Whether you make the money, borrow the money, or have financial partners is up to you. Each one will have different rules and costs that should be included in your plan. It takes a lot of work and time to get it right. Stay focused on your goal and do not give up. There will be turns and obstacles along the way. Just keep going forward. I hope this helps. Good luck.
I would say the plan is the most important thing to do. When doing your plan it should include how much everything will cost. That is a business plan. When you have that done you will know how much it will cost. Next, you have to have or find the money to follow your plan. Whether you make the money, borrow the money, or have financial partners is up to you. Each one will have different rules and costs that should be included in your plan. It takes a lot of work and time to get it right. Stay focused on your goal and do not give up. There will be turns and obstacles along the way. Just keep going forward. I hope this helps. Good luck.
Justin Katsuno
Former Chef
1
Answer
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Justin’s Answer
First we'd need to ask:
1. Why do you want to buy/own a bakery? (aside from a love of food or people)
2. What experience do you have not only cooking/baking but running a profitable business?
3. What are your expectations with regards to work hours, start up costs, expected revenue?
Would need a more detailed background to give you any sort of worthwhile response.
1. Why do you want to buy/own a bakery? (aside from a love of food or people)
2. What experience do you have not only cooking/baking but running a profitable business?
3. What are your expectations with regards to work hours, start up costs, expected revenue?
Would need a more detailed background to give you any sort of worthwhile response.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
914
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hey RheaLynn!
Owning your own bakery or restaurant is an amazing goal, and how long it takes really depends on your experience, savings, and how you choose to start. But don’t worry—you can absolutely make it happen!
How Long Does It Take?
For most people, it can take anywhere from a few years to over a decade, depending on how you go about it. Some start small and build up, while others wait until they have enough money to go big from the start.
Steps to Get There Faster:
1. Get Experience (1-5 years)
- Working in a bakery, café, or restaurant is the best way to learn the ropes.
- Even jobs like barista, server, or kitchen assistant help you understand the business side of things.
- If you want to focus on baking, becoming a pastry chef or baker’s assistant is a great start!
2. Start Saving & Planning (2-10 years, depending on your approach)
- The cost of opening a bakery or restaurant can range from $10,000 (small home-based) to $500,000+ (full-scale business).
- Look into side hustles like selling baked goods at farmers' markets, online, or through catering to build a customer base while making extra money.
- Explore small business loans, grants, or crowdfunding if saving takes too long.
3. Start Small to Test the Waters (6 months – 3 years)
- Many bakers start from home or launch an online bakery (Instagram, Etsy, or a website).
- A food truck or market stall is another lower-cost way to get started without committing to a full storefront.
4. Opening Your Own Bakery or Restaurant (Varies!)
- If you start small and grow, you could have your own place in 3-5 years with the right planning.
- If you want a full-scale restaurant and need more capital, it might take 10+ years of saving and experience.
The fastest way to reach your goal is to gain experience, start selling your baked goods now (even in small ways), and save up. You don’t have to wait until you have everything perfect—just start where you can and build from there! You got this!
Best wishes!
Owning your own bakery or restaurant is an amazing goal, and how long it takes really depends on your experience, savings, and how you choose to start. But don’t worry—you can absolutely make it happen!
How Long Does It Take?
For most people, it can take anywhere from a few years to over a decade, depending on how you go about it. Some start small and build up, while others wait until they have enough money to go big from the start.
Steps to Get There Faster:
1. Get Experience (1-5 years)
- Working in a bakery, café, or restaurant is the best way to learn the ropes.
- Even jobs like barista, server, or kitchen assistant help you understand the business side of things.
- If you want to focus on baking, becoming a pastry chef or baker’s assistant is a great start!
2. Start Saving & Planning (2-10 years, depending on your approach)
- The cost of opening a bakery or restaurant can range from $10,000 (small home-based) to $500,000+ (full-scale business).
- Look into side hustles like selling baked goods at farmers' markets, online, or through catering to build a customer base while making extra money.
- Explore small business loans, grants, or crowdfunding if saving takes too long.
3. Start Small to Test the Waters (6 months – 3 years)
- Many bakers start from home or launch an online bakery (Instagram, Etsy, or a website).
- A food truck or market stall is another lower-cost way to get started without committing to a full storefront.
4. Opening Your Own Bakery or Restaurant (Varies!)
- If you start small and grow, you could have your own place in 3-5 years with the right planning.
- If you want a full-scale restaurant and need more capital, it might take 10+ years of saving and experience.
The fastest way to reach your goal is to gain experience, start selling your baked goods now (even in small ways), and save up. You don’t have to wait until you have everything perfect—just start where you can and build from there! You got this!
Best wishes!
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1334
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey RheaLynn,
So, starting your own bakery or restaurant can take a few years, but it depends on several factors like the location, the size of your dream, and how much you need to save. Here's a breakdown of what I hope would be helpful.
1. Getting the Business Ready:
Time Frame: It can take anywhere from 1 to 5 years to save up enough money to buy or start your bakery/restaurant, depending on your financial goals and how much capital you need. It's not just about the building; you'll need money for equipment, permits, licenses, staff, and initial ingredients.
What to Do: Focus on saving and budgeting. If you don’t have enough yet, look for ways to increase your savings through side jobs or investing in skills that could raise your earning potential.
2. Jobs to Help Fund Your Dream:
Bartender or Server: You can learn restaurant operations and make good tips along the way! Plus, you’ll be in a restaurant environment, learning the ropes.
Baker/Apprentice: Start by learning the craft if you don't already know it. Working in a bakery will give you experience and help you save for your own business.
Barista or Café Worker: These roles help you understand customer service and small business operations in the food industry.
Freelancer: If you have a skill like graphic design or writing, freelance work can bring in cash quickly, allowing you to focus on your bakery goal.
3. Other Considerations:
How to Speed Things Up: Getting a solid education in business or culinary arts can help you get ahead faster, so consider taking some classes or internships.
Networking: Try connecting with restaurant owners or chefs who can offer advice, share resources, or even give you a head start.
With persistence and the right side gigs, you could be baking up your dreams in no time! Just remember, it takes more than sugar and flour to make a business successful! Best of lucks on your path buddy.
So, starting your own bakery or restaurant can take a few years, but it depends on several factors like the location, the size of your dream, and how much you need to save. Here's a breakdown of what I hope would be helpful.
1. Getting the Business Ready:
Time Frame: It can take anywhere from 1 to 5 years to save up enough money to buy or start your bakery/restaurant, depending on your financial goals and how much capital you need. It's not just about the building; you'll need money for equipment, permits, licenses, staff, and initial ingredients.
What to Do: Focus on saving and budgeting. If you don’t have enough yet, look for ways to increase your savings through side jobs or investing in skills that could raise your earning potential.
2. Jobs to Help Fund Your Dream:
Bartender or Server: You can learn restaurant operations and make good tips along the way! Plus, you’ll be in a restaurant environment, learning the ropes.
Baker/Apprentice: Start by learning the craft if you don't already know it. Working in a bakery will give you experience and help you save for your own business.
Barista or Café Worker: These roles help you understand customer service and small business operations in the food industry.
Freelancer: If you have a skill like graphic design or writing, freelance work can bring in cash quickly, allowing you to focus on your bakery goal.
3. Other Considerations:
How to Speed Things Up: Getting a solid education in business or culinary arts can help you get ahead faster, so consider taking some classes or internships.
Networking: Try connecting with restaurant owners or chefs who can offer advice, share resources, or even give you a head start.
With persistence and the right side gigs, you could be baking up your dreams in no time! Just remember, it takes more than sugar and flour to make a business successful! Best of lucks on your path buddy.