You have a recipe that everyone loves. Friends and family have told you over and over how great your food is, that you could make a killing selling it. Maybe you’ve even dreamed up the perfect name for your barbecue sauce or cookie dough. You can see the product design in your head. You are ready to make the dream a reality.

Hold on just one second before you spend that money on printing labels and buying equipment. You could be making one of many costly mistakes made by first-time food entrepreneurs... These mistakes can set the production of your product back months, or even years.

Topics: Small Business, Starting a Business, Food

Lisa Tran of Tan Tan Cafe & Delicatessen is a former student and was kind enough to share feedback about her experience in the Getting Your Recipe to Market (GYRM) program. We thought it answered a lot of questions a lot of people might have, so we're posting her responses for you to read as well!

Topics: Small Business, Food, Getting Your Recipe to Market

If you love to cook, bake, or create a one-of-a-kind delectable that puts a smile on someone’s face when they eat it, then maybe you have considered selling your unique dish as a product. However, jumping into the business side of things to get your product to customers takes planning, knowledge, and resources. Before you turn your recipe into a product in the marketplace, first ask yourself these six questions:

Topics: Small Business, Food

Starting a restaurant has many working parts all moving simultaneously, and if left unattended, could cause speed bumps in your start up process and success. Choosing the correct location (and getting the proper permitting), managing food and beverage inventory, and handling the employees, are just a few of the moving parts.

Topics: Small Business, Starting a Business, Food, Restaurants

Sam F. Taylor, IV, A.S.I.D. is a guest instructor in Restaurant Business Builders in the session "Designing Your Restaurant and Kitchen," in which he will be sharing his expertise of over 35 years in designing and planning spaces in the hospitality industry. 

Topics: Small Business, Meet the SBDC Team, Starting a Business, Food, Restaurants

In the United States, food manufacturers are responsible for the proper labeling of their products. The labels must meet all Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other legal requirements, including nutrition information. The labels cannot be misleading or deceptive. Proper labeling, including nutrition and allergen information, is required for most packaged or prepared foods.

Topics: Small Business, Food

Kembers Gluten-Free is a local small business that makes gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy free baking mixes and spices. Marilyn Roseburrough used the help of PCC's Get Your Recipe to Market program to make her business a success. For a complete list of where Kembers products are sold and to buy online click here.

Topics: Small Business, Starting a Business, Food

Topics: Small Business, Starting a Business, Food

It goes without saying that opening a restaurant is a huge commitment. This is especially true for those who have never opened a restaurant before, and are putting all their chips on the table to fulfill a lifelong dream or passion.

Topics: Small Business, Stories & News, Retail, Starting a Business, Food

Topics: Small Business, Starting a Business, Food