Should I bring an organic/gluten-free/vegan bakery to ATL? (Atlanta: allergies, live)

[frustrated_owner]

I would definitely look into the farmer's market option. I believe the requirements are less thorny there because several vendors seem to sell homemade products at them.

Farmer's markets really seem to have come a long way in the last couple of years. I used to go to the big Peachtree Road market in Buckhead until I realized that two new ones a lot closer to me had started recently.

As people have mentioned, there is a lot of competition and you are going to have a harder time attracting the health crowd with baked goods and desserts. While they may be organic they still need to be eaten in moderation. But I would much rather have an organic baked goods vendor nearby than go to somewhere like Gigi's cupcakes.

[IntownHomes247]

There are a plethora of local farmers markets all over town, but be aware of the fact that there are also a LOT of bakers who try to get into them, so it can be a challenge to break into an existing market. Using organic ingredients won't set you apart in these markets -- there are lots of bakers using locally sourced, organic ingredients. In Decatur, the gluten-free baker who had been coming to the Saturday market just recently decided to go to a market in Johns Creek instead. She was a smaller outfit than the non-gluten-free bakers at that market and had a hard time competing. Probably the most competitive of the bakers at that market is the Little Red Hen Bakeshop/Cafe Campesino. They are a sort of dual business that work out of the Sweet Auburn Curb Market and they have a competitive advantage in the fact that they serve coffee along with their wonderful baked goods (their scones are particularly irresistible) but they are also simply a more established business. They have better displays than the smaller guys.

At Peachtree Road, H&F Bread Co is the 900 lb. gorilla and always has the longest lines in the market. They are a juggernaut in multiple markets around town and it's hard for smaller bakeries to compete with them (or get in to markets where they are entrenched).

[alinka72]

All posters have given invaluable information. I will capitalize on one thing you mentioned: "I love being in the kitchen!"

Anything you do with heart and passion, the money will follow.... Good Luck!

[No2GMOS]

Thank you so much to everyone for your amazing info and advice; especially about the farmer's market info! I had thought about that option, and know there are numerous ones in and around the city. Here in NC, you have to actually APPLY to be a vendor and pay dues every year. (very official)

The food truck thingy would be down the road a bit; I'm not looking to invest very much money in the beginning, as I'm keeping my overhead and risk as low as possible. I saw a used food truck for sale at about 10k, and it needed to be refurbished inside still!

The competition.....yes, this worries me a bit about Atlanta. Starting to wonder if I may fair better just staying here in North Carolina. Although I hate it here on a personal level, I think the business could work.....

I'm gonna come home a few more times this year and do some foot work....

[No2GMOS]

Originally Posted by DreamKeeper

I think there is a market for what you want to do. I increasingly see people around me wanting more organic/vegan/gluten-free/non-gmo products. One thing I would suggest is for you to maybe start off selling at some of the local farmers markets. I go to the Sandy Springs Farmers Market almost every weekend and I think there is room for a good organic/vegan/gluten-free/non-gmo baked goods vendor. The Sandy Springs Farmers Market has become very popular. I now know a lot of the vendors pretty well and what some of them do, in addition to selling at the farmers market on Saturday, is take orders and meet customers at the parking lot mid week to deliver the orders.

Sandy Springs Farmers Market

Huh. Didn't even know Sandy Springs had a farmer's market!

[RC1981]

I don't see any reason why something like this wouldn't work out, you'll just have to be really selective about where you set up.

[No2GMOS]

Originally Posted by RC1981

I don't see any reason why something like this wouldn't work out, you'll just have to be really selective about where you set up.

Yeah, I'm realizing already this will take much more planning than I'd anticipated. Especially since I found out on Tuesday I can't do an "at home" bakery in the state of Georgia. Now finding a commissary kitchen will be some work......

[gumboula]

I would also suggest making your bakery nut-free (don't know if that would be possible with a commissary kitchen or other such set up). Most higher-end daycare centers are nut-free and it is a royal pain finding anything to bring for birthdays, etc. There is a nut-free bakery up in the Chamblee-Dunwoody area (Cake in the Box - Atlanta's only 100% nut free bakery | Cake in the Box) and I have heard tell there is one south of the city, but to the best of my knowledge, nothing in-town.

[tonygeorgia]

open it in ponce city market when it opens in 2014

[angel16]

If you want to check out the organic scene, check out the website Organic Jetsetter which covers the organic places in Virginia Highlands and Westside.

http://organicjetsetter.com