Short hours
And therein lies a big plus with this industry which isn’t true of many: the hours are relatively short. Also, if you are in a business-orientated district, then it might not be worth opening at weekends, in which case you don’t have to sacrifice your Saturdays and Sundays — unless, of course, you want to do catering.
Catering is a key revenue stream for many sandwich shops, which can earn extra money at the weekend by laying on food for birthday parties, weddings and other functions. Sandwich entrepreneurs who want to keep their weekends free can still deliver platters to business meetings, exhibitions and other midweek events and gatherings.
Seating can attract more customers, but you’ll need larger premises and might have to compromise on display space. Beware of doing the latter, because so fierce is the competition that the visual aspect assumes a massive importance.
Do not underestimate the difference mouth-watering products on display, as well as a prominent menu in a legible font, can make in luring customers in.
Sandwich bars tend to be small units and start-up costs can be very low compared to many other sectors. But it’s worth noting that the city centre locations which make large profits come at a premium. Other good locations for sandwich shops include business parks and student areas.
As with bakeries, it is essential not just to be clean, but also to be seen to be clean. Food safety is a big issue and people are reassured if they see the sandwiches made in front of them in a faultlessly hygienic environment.
Most importantly, and this might seem like a statement of the obvious, your sandwiches and other offerings have to be tasty and reasonably priced. Tourists might be ignorant of the quality of your food, but if your market consists predominantly of office workers, then repeat business and word of mouth are your lifeblood.
Popular
If you start recognising a few faces among your customers, then it means you’re doing something right. Give them further reason to keep on returning by serving with a smile and exchanging pleasantries.
If you can establish yourself as one of the places to go for lunch, then this business can be profitable as well as creative.
