A food business can be a great way to turn your passion into a career. But before you get started, it’s essential to understand the different types of food businesses and what they entail. Many types of food businesses exist, from restaurants and catering companies to food trucks and grocery stores. Every kind of business has its own set of challenges and opportunities.
However, if you’re a startup, then starting a business right in your garage would be a better option for you. But where do you start? If you’re thinking of starting small, your garage is a great place to begin. Keep reading for 3 food-related business ideas you can start in your garage.
Food-Related Garage Business
There are practically endless possibilities when it comes to starting a food-related business in your garage. But if you need some inspiration, here are 3 ideas to get you started:
Homemade jam or jellies
Are you known among your friends and family for your delicious jams and jellies? Why not turn your hobby into a business? With just a few supplies, you can start making and selling homemade jam or jelly from your garage. You’ll need jars, lids, labels, fruit, sugar, pectin, and a large pot. You can find most of these items at your local grocery store or online. Once you have everything you need, it’s time to get cooking! Check out some recipes online or in cookbooks to make your jam or jelly perfect every time.
Baked goods
Do people rave about your brownies or cookies? If so, starting a baking business from your garage is a great idea! You can bake all sorts of goodies in your kitchen and sell them online or at local farmer’s markets or events. In addition to the ingredients you need for your recipes, you’ll also need baking pans, cooling racks, a mixer, measuring cups and spoons, piping bags and tips (if you plan on decorating your creations), cellophane bags, and labels. Again, most of these items can be found at your local grocery store or online. Once you have everything you need, preheat the oven and get baking!
Seasonings and spice mixes
If you love to cook and experiment with different flavors, creating your own seasonings and spice mixes might be the perfect food-related business for you to start in your garage. You can make all sorts of seasoning blends like BBQ rubs, taco seasonings, curry powders, herbes de Provence, and more. To get started, you’ll need some empty jars or bottles (often find these at thrift stores), labels, a funnel, a sifter, spoons, mixing bowls, and of course, the spices and herbs needed for your desired blend(s). Once you have everything gathered together, it’s time to start mixing! Be sure to write down the recipe for each blend as you go so that you can recreate it again in the future.
Preparing your garage
Now that you know a few food-related business ideas that you can start in your garage, it’s time to get started! But before you can start cooking or baking, you’ll need to do a little prep work on your garage first.
- Repair any damage. If there are any cracks in the walls or ceiling, repair them before you start using the garage as a kitchen. Cracks can let in moisture and pests, which can ruin your food or cause health hazards. It will also be ideal to hire garage door repair services if your garage door is not functioning properly. This will ensure that your garage is well-sealed and secure.
- Electrical work. Depending on the type of food business you’re starting, you may need more outlets and higher-wattage bulbs than a typical home garage has. You’ll also need to ensure your wiring is up to date and able to handle the additional load.
- Ventilation. Most food businesses require some venting, whether for cooking fumes, refrigeration, or both. You’ll need to consult a contractor to figure out the best way to ventilate your space.
- Flooring and walls. Many municipalities have regulations about what kind of flooring and wall coverings can be used in food preparation areas. You’ll need to consult your local Building Department to find out what’s required in your area.
- Plumbing. Depending on the type of business you’re starting, you may need additional plumbing installed, such as commercial-grade sinks or an industrial dishwasher.
The bottom line
Starting a food-related business is a great way to use your creativity and passion for food to create something new and exciting. If you’re considering starting small, consider using your garage as your base of operations. To get started, you all need basic supplies and a lot of enthusiasm! Thanks for reading, and good luck with whatever food-related business venture you embark on.
