Do you want to start a cheesecake business and want to know the cost? If YES, here is a cost breakdown to build a cheesecake factory and the profit margin/ROI.
A cheesecake factory simply refers to starting a cheesecake wholesale distribution business in your choice of location, depending on your plans and vision for the business. Your focus might be businesses that retail cheesecakes to direct consumers or you can choose to start a contract-order cheesecake factory.
No matter the clientele base you choose to face or your choice of location, one crucial component of your business will be a well detailed business plan.
With a good and reliable business plan, you can approach the bank for a loan or invite investors to invest in your business. You can also source soft loans from friends and family, although it is advisable to put the agreement in writing to avoid future misunderstanding.
A cheesecake factory is a unique business that wouldn’t run out of customers as long as it is sited in a good location. You also need to seek for permits and licenses from your state and local counties.
Estimated Cost Breakdown for Building a Cheesecake Factory
First, have it in mind that several variables must be determined before the accurate cost of building a cheesecake factory in the united states must be ascertained. For instance, the size of the building, renovation costs (if any), and even development expenses can vary significantly.
You will have to consider factors including the type of cheesecakes you expect to make in your factory and your distribution channels.
Note that the building is the first thing your customers will see when visiting or considering your business. Also consider the importance of making quality products and make an informed decision when you estimate your costs. Below is the cost breakdown of building a cheesecake factory:
1. Factory Facility: $500k – $1Million
One of the most important areas you will spend the bulk of your startup capital will be in securing a facility for your cheesecake factory. Indeed, properties are expensive, especially in very good business locations with heavy foot traffic, but it will go a long way to dictate the success of your business.
However, ensure that you consult your real estate agent to help you get a nice location and a property that fits into you budget. If you live in state or county where zoning laws function, be sure to first confirm with your local authority to be sure that the facility you choose falls within the zone allocated for food factories.
You should also know if the area is accessible to your target market and if the neighbourhood is safe and secure. You have the option of building from scratch, buying an existing facility or leasing a building. In general, land acquisition costs are estimated at $94,000-$270,000.
Site work includes building the foundation and landscaping costs around $182, 000 – $211,493, while building construction (including electrical and plumbing) is at $230,000-$615,900.
2. Permits, Licenses, and Professional Fees – $500
Too successfully build a facility for your cheesecake factory, some of the required paperwork and professional fees that you need to pay for are: architectural fees, engineering fees, studies and appraisals (e.g. impact, traffic), construction permit, business license, and environmental and safety permit.
The cost of permits and licenses is $150-$200 on average. Contact your local government, county or city government to ascertain the exact legal requirements needed to start your cheesecake factory in the area, and how much they will cost. Additionally, if you’re going to have a business name, which is very much necessary, you’ll need to register that when you take out your license.
3. Initial Inventory and Equipment Costs: $49,000 – $205,000
Milk is definitely a crucial requirement when you are making cheeses. In your business you need to have a steady supply of milk. You should consider partnering with a company that is reliable and can give you quality milk. Regardless what kind of milk that you select when it comes to your cheese, make sure that it is always fresh.
You will also need supplies and equipment for your production and packaging. You will Acidifier, rennet, citric acid, salt, industrial ovens, packaging machines, flour mixers, and other essential for the cheese making process. You may also need stainless steel containers, measuring cups, stirring spoon, cheese cloths, thermometer and gloves.
Make sure that before you use this equipment, they are clean and sanitized. The cost of equipment and other initial inventory can go as high as $49,000-$205,000. Always ensure to do a canvass of equipment costs with your local distributors, so you can compare prices for the brands you want. You may also want to consider buying used equipment for lesser cost or getting them on consignment.
4. Efficient Waste Management System: $21,000 – $73,000
In the United States, environmental authorities mandate food making and processing facilities to have an integrated system to collect and process wastes generated during the production processes. The more wastes you generate in your activities, the more you’ll spend on your waste collection and management. For a good processing establishment, this can cost from $21,000-$73,000.
5. Insurance, Safety, and Security Systems: $500 – $15,000
Note that it is necessary you protect your business from potential risks and accidents that will cost you money. Types of insurance coverage that are recommended for cheesecake businesses are those that cover general liability, professional liability, and workers compensation liability, and commercial property.
You’ll need to prepare at least $500 up to $15,000 for insurance coverage alone. It will help to research what specific insurance coverage you will need for your business and for your team.
6. Hiring Employees and Product Marketing: $17,000 – $30,000
Starting your own cheesecake factory requires that you employ staff to assist you in the business. So, when planning your business, do not forget to include staff salaries. One quality to look out for when employing staff is their willingness to work and also their hygiene.
Since you are also going to face some competitions, you will need to properly package your product to your target market. Part of what you need to do to get your own fair share of the market is to ensure that your recipe is right, and the packaging of your cheesecake is attractive.
Once you have a very good product out there, you won’t have to struggle to promote and market it. As a new entrant into the industry, you’ll want to put the word out to attract potential customers. Advertising campaigns can cost $2,000 – $5,000 on average. Signage costs roughly $15,000-$25,000.
Estimated Total Cost: $214,000 – $1,400,000
From the detailed breakdown above, the estimated cost to build a cheesecake factory is $214,000-$1,400,000 (including land and construction costs), depending on the factors mentioned above. To further cut down on start-up costs, consider buying used equipment and leasing an affordable facility for your factory.
Conclusion
Today there are hundreds of people starting to this kind of business in the United States. It is up to you how you will make yourself stand out and be noticed by millions of consumers. Plan a good marketing strategy that can help to promote your product. Before establishing a cheesecake factory, it is advisable that you know the craft well.