looking for interest in shop idea for the Toledo area (Sylvania: university, income)

[kerrk]

Howdy,

I'm getting ready to move out the Toledo area with intent to open a shop. Being that I've never lived there before, I'm trying to find out what my new target demographic will be. My store will primarily be a bakery.

Before you move forward with your thinking, this will not be a "classic" cake and cupcake shop. I intend to sell from scratch sweets, to include, hopefully, cheesecake, creme brulee, assorted pies, seasonal desserts, pan de juevo, mexican sugar cookies. If that doesn't clarify, anything you may not normally think of to eat, with a very small, limited selection of cakey things.

In addition, I am looking for interest not just for customers but for any local bands/artists that would like to play and post their work. I want my shop to bring life. Not make it, but bring it, plus a little bit of San Antonio, TX.

If you or someone you know would be interested in a place like this please let me know. Thanks!

[residinghere2007]

Sounds like an interesting place you want to set up and good luck!

I do want to refer you though to Smashing Toledo, which is a local food blog.

There are a few cool bakeries I have tried from this site and of course my local favorite Wixey Bakery is one of Toledo's most popular places.

Make sure do so some research in regards to location and customer base/demographics (income level, etc.) that you are trying to cater to. I would think something like what you are proposing would go great in the Uptown area or Warehouse District downtown.

[Tobias C]

As far as the whole package of what you want your shop to be goes.....I definitely agree that the Warehouse District and Uptown are the best choices especially if you want the art community to gravitate to your place. Also, the Old West End, while not being a business district in any sense, supports some unique little places like Black Kite Coffee and Pumpernickels Deli/Cafe and the type of people that live downtown and the Old West End are the reliable demographic of people that will for sure support independent, local business.

Beyond that, I think the Westgate area (Central @ Secor) is a good place demographically as youre by the richest community in the area (Ottawa Hills) and in close proximity to the University campus as well as Franklin Park mall. Other nice places to setup shop could be the historic downtown areas of Perrysburg, Maumee, or Sylvania, which are all nice and vibrant as well.

Good luck and feel free to ask any questions about anything Kerrk. If you get your bakery up and going my wife and I will for sure check it out!

[kerrk]

Thank you ((BOTH)) so much. My schedule says, hopefully, just shy of a year from now and definitely no more than 18 months. Any and all assistance, advice.. encouragement? I'll take it. Thank you again for the feedback!

[acealive1]

sounds like something perrysburg would love. they have alot of shops with similar eats. good luck!!