Raw Food Biz

[rawffle]

There are no places around here to get raw food (except meetups, which I do go to). I want to be the first to provide it! I would appreciate any thoughts while I am investigating where it is that I should begin.

[Dimond]

Do tons of research on other raw companies. Get feedback from meetup members to find out what they'd want. Check out health & vegetarian businesses in your area to find out how they run things and what you'd do the same or different.

[rawffle]

Thanks for your thoughts; those are excellent suggestions. I'm also thinking about the practical details like food licenses, renting a space (very small and cheap at first), etc. I have always wanted to help people... and I keep coming back to this.

[Conscious Midwife]

Start with a cheapy food prep in your home license. Kind of like cerifying you kitchen usually soemthin you can inquire about at your local biz licensing office of health department.

MAybe cosnider prep items for you local Whole Foods, or catering for special events until you get a following large enough to go inot a free standing biz.

also might wanna just start with a healthy smoothy and juicing kiosk and offer raw on the side.

Maybe even tag tema with soem alternative therapy, CAM docs or integratie health practitioners who suppoort RAW for their patients recovery and health. then you can become a personal chef and coach for folks who are trying to heal with RAW.


Whatever path you take enjoy the journey!

[rawrawks]

funny you posted this...I was thinking today about how I can help people with raw.......gotta brainstorm

[Eva]

Hey! I hear you -- I finally left my day job and am doing the raw food biz full time now. People need you. Raw has helped so many.

My advice? Do what you can, NOW. Many counties will allow you to call yourself a health educator and not require special licensing as long as you are not selling food. I'd check with your local chamber of commerce for contacts. Get friendly with your health food store and farmers market folks if you haven't already. Be open about it.

Start with what you know well. Pick a few recipes and share them. Or see if a group of people wants to be accountable for 30 days. So many options!

Go get 'em!

[RawKnitster]

I'm working on the same thing! There is definitely a lot of red tape in the food business. Depending on what type of food business I set up there are certifications and operator permits that need to be obtained from the county health department and the state dept. of agriculture. The least expensive way seems to be finding a commercial kitchen that will lease me space to prepare food in and provide the certificate I need to buy permits from the county and state.

It isn't going to be easy or cheap, but I can't think of anything else I would rather do.

Best of luck to you! :D

[rawffle]

I may just have to be a coach in the meantime. No license required - the results would speak for themselves. :)

I am almost ready to quit the day job... what a nice thought that is! I am thinking that by Spring, I can do that.

[rawffle]

Any thoughts on how much to charge for what, by the way? Maybe a monthly rate? All people need is someone they can contact when they're tempted to stray. That, and plenty of newbie recipes to keep them going. I'm thinking that if people pay bit by bit, they are more likely to give up when they are tempted.

[Dimond]

Check competitor rates locally and on-line because they vary greatly. That's the only way to figure out the best prices. Obviously you'd stick to a lower fee at the beginning until you build up the business and have more experience. Though you may be able to make a substantial amount pretty quickly, depending on who you cater to, what you offer and the demand. Having a variety of services at first can help and then later you can specialize more.

[RawHealthyBeauty]

Location is the best place to start, think about it...
All the fast food joints usually pick out an easy spot to go in and out of. Plus a spot that everybody notices as they go by too.
Find local farmers to support as well to get your food supplies. Also tons of research to find wholesales for food seasonally.
There are also investors out there who may help you get started.
Good structure of organization and teamwork will make the operation run smoothly.
Find a style that fits you the best to run a raw food business so that way it natural to you.
Find out all the rules and regulations that entails to this to avoid any problems.
Really good bookkeeping is a also a key to success.

[Claude44]

Raw Energy Organic Juice Café and Cafe Muse are the best restaurants in California.

[wahaneebelly]

You should think about the risk of food poisoning. If you want to loose weight then you should consider something healthy. Yes, i agree that the nuts and greens will give plenty of protein. I even add protein rich brewers yeast to my daily juicing. but i do like to add a small amount of marinated sushi grade tuna to my salads. I won't drink raw milk, so i have gone to soy milk but i have found a great raw sharp cheddar cheese at the local co-op. I would advise against raw beef unless you personally know the grower and butcher. the stuff you get in the large grocery chains in down right scary.

[Vrindavan]

no fish or meat here