Would Stayton support a new bakery? (Salem, Bend: buying, to live in, restaurant)

[Breakingbread]

Hello all,
My husband and I are researching the option of opening a small scale, high quality, gourmet bakery in the Stayton/Sublimity area. This is not a doughnut shop but rather focuses on fresh bread and pastries with the possibility of providing breakfast and lunch with a local emphasis and a real farm to table experience (specialty sandwiches, quiches, whole grain pancakes, fresh fruit etc...). Do you think the Stayton area would frequent such as an establishment? Most dining in the area seems to be more traditional, diner style food. Is this the preference or has no one tried a healthier, more sustainable option? Any info would be greatly appreciated!

[oregonwoodsmoke]

Independent bakeries have had a hard time since the supermarkets put on their on-site bakeries. It's even more difficult when Costco comes in and sells high quality baked goods at a low price.

However, in my area we used to have a restaurant with their own bakery on-site that sold delicious baked goods. You could barely get a table; they were swamped all the time. So, I think that the right combination of quality baked goods and breakfast and sandwiches might make it if it is well done.

There is money in Stayton, but you would have to do your own research about how many eateries there are and what they are selling.

I know one bakery in San Diego county where people drive 100 miles each way to buy bread, but I've never seen anyone else ever pull that off with a bakery.

[Steve Pickering]

There is a couple making a go of it in Coos Bay/North Bend. Same idea. Been there about 3 years.

[Silverfall]

I think it could support it. Keep your demographics in mind and don't go too high. While there is wealth there, it is a middle class community like Salem. Just keep that in mind while you are creating your business plan.

[Metlakatla]

It has a good chance of working. It's been awhile since I've been over there, but unless there's something similar, you could do okay. I'd definitely go with the breakfast/lunch idea, and you might think about a reservation-only dinner once every couple of weeks or so.

Back when I used to live in that area, the local community seemed pretty welcoming and supportive of new businesses. It's just far away enough from Salem for people to appreciate having nice places close at hand.

[Steve Pickering]

Just make sure you have enough reserve to get through for two years and you should make it.

[GuyBMeredith]

My wife and I are always on the lookout for a bakery that can do good mousse desserts.

Buying local is big, so your farm to table would play. I doubt there would be any resistance to less commercial fare, you just need to be effective in getting the word out and provide a friendly, comfortable ambiance. Maybe scan Yelp, TripAdvisor and such to glean comments that make or break similar businesses.