Welp MagazineGreat chefs want to make great food, but it can be challenging to do that without a location. Fortunately, there are many business operation ideas for small restaurants and chefs who want to get their foot in the door. If you want to sell food to hungry customers, here are a few ways you can do it that don’t involve operating a brick-and-mortar location.
Food Truck
One of the most common options for upcoming chefs is to rent a food truck. Many food trucks have most of the necessary equipment, and operators can customize them to meet their needs. Food trucks are trendy, and you can go to where the people are. Maintaining an online following allows customers to know where you are and what you’re selling, so create a social media account for your restaurant on wheels!
Shipping Container Café
Whether you want to operate a small café, a restaurant, or even a small snack booth, refurbished shipping containers are great for setting up a food business. While not as mobile as a food truck, your shipping container establishment is portable! Shipping containers are great for big events because you can set up outside and sell snacks, drinks, and meals to hungry attendees. Many people who use shipping containers test new menu ideas, so change up your offerings now and then.
Ghost Kitchen
Ghost kitchens or ghost restaurants are great business operation ideas for small restaurants. These restaurants sell food but do not allow customers to dine in. Many ghost kitchens operate out of existing restaurants or rent cooking spaces. Customers typically order from ghost kitchens through delivery apps such as DoorDash or GrubHub. These options allow restauranteurs to operate with a much lower overhead cost than a full-scale restaurant.
Social Media
You can use social media to set up an online shop and take orders. Offering to bake and deliver meals or desserts around the holidays is common on Facebook groups or Instagram. With the number of accessible payment apps, you can receive payment and start making food! It’s not as “official” as running your own restaurant, but it’s a great way to make some extra cash and do what you love!
