Building an ice cream shop sounds like a fun and rewarding undertaking. I mean, you’re building a store that will make you and others happy. What could be more fun than that? Having said so, establishing an ice cream shop is not a simple task but doable with these pointers:
Steps to build an ice cream shop are as follows:
- Plan First
- Determine the Size of Your Shop
- Consult and Hire an Architect and Contractor
- Inspect the Construction Site
- Set Up and Decorate Your Ice Cream Shop
Plan First
Foremost, you need a business plan! You can’t just head on and start building an ice cream shop without a program of ideas and actions. This is because a business plan serves as a road map for your business and helps you think through all of the main parts of how your ice cream shop will operate. So, you have to make sure to create one.
Here are some things you can include in your business plan:
- A Good Location: You need a REALLY GOOD location. This is because the success of your venture is influenced by the area of your shop since it helps cater to your demands such as foot traffic and competitive advantage. For example, if you want a lot of foot traffic, consider building your ice cream store in or near a shopping mall, which is one of the busiest areas.
- A Decision to Lease or Buy: You should also decide whether to rent or buy commercial real estate. Your budget and long-term goals will heavily affect your option. For instance, if you have a restricted initial budget, you may seek a lease.
Before you start building your ice cream shop, you should also accomplish the following:
- Secure Funding: Needless to say, you’ll need money to build your shop. Should your funds be limited, your best choice is to apply for a Small Business Administration loan (SBA). They provide the greatest loan programs, such as the Microloans program which helps startups by providing lending up to $50,000.
- Secure Licenses and Permits: Before you put up your shop, you must ensure that you have obtained all of the necessary permits and licenses. These documents will legally safeguard your business and can help increase brand credibility.
- Decide on an Ice Cream Shop Concept and Branding: This includes the brand name, design, and concept that best symbolizes your ice cream treats while also distinguishing your business from competitors. For example, your brand name might be “The Sweet Destination,” and the design will be entirely dependent on this and your preferences.
Determine the Size of Your Shop
The next stage is to figure out how big your shop will be. To do so, create a floor plan that takes into account aspects such as the site you choose, convenience, estimated foot traffic, and shop equipment and furnishings.
To give you an idea, the minimal surface size of an artisan ice cream shop with takeaway service is roughly 50 square meters, considering the necessity to provide enough space for the kitchen and storage among others.
Two Best Types Of Ice Cream Packaging
Consult and Hire an Architect and Contractor
After creating a floor plan for your store, the following step is to consult with and hire an architect. Why? Because of their years of training and comprehensive understanding of design and construction, architects can offer you solutions and alternatives to your floor plan that you may not have considered in the first place.
Finding the right architect for your ice cream shop is pretty simple. Consider your building’s requirements and goals, such as space. Then you can begin compiling a list of possible architects through research and getting recommendations, particularly from the American Institute of Architects. Contact each, discuss your project, and inquire whether they are available to take on your project. If so, you can ask for documentation explaining the firm’s credentials and expertise. Otherwise, you can request that they recommend an alternative firm.
You should be able to reduce your choice down to two or three architects to interview. Then you’d be able to select the architect you believe is the best fit for your project.
You also need to find and hire a contractor. They will be working with your architect to assure that the project is being built according to the architectural drawings. They are on-site and in charge of their construction crew, as well as ensuring that all materials and layouts are completed as planned and authorized by the city.
Inspect the Construction Site
Site inspections are required during and after construction to ensure that everything is going as planned. In fact, construction inspections are often undertaken as a contractual obligation by contractors to offer the client or a third party an unbiased perspective of the construction activities and their progress.
This also ensures that the project meets all of the specifications and quality standards outlined in your contract. Make sure to visit the site prior to, during, and when construction is completed.
5 Tips For Selling Ice Cream From Home
Set Up and Decorate Your Ice Cream Shop
After the completion of your shop’s construction, you are now ready to set up and design your ice cream shop. This involves purchasing all of the necessary ice cream equipment and supplies, furnishings, and decorations like signage and wall décor.
There are no tight rules when it comes to setting up and decorating an ice cream shop. All you have to do is make it functional, eye-catching, and one-of-a-kind. You need to make your shop a place where customers can relax while enjoying your ice cream treats.
Conclusion
Overall, the steps to building an ice cream shop are as follows:1) Plan First, 2) Determine the Size of Your Shop, 3) Consult and Hire an Architect and Contractor, 4) Inspect the Construction Site, and 5) Set Up and Decorate Your Ice Cream Shop
Five Risk Of Opening An Ice Cream Shop
Frequently Asked Questions
According to a poll released by International Dairy Foods Association and Research America, the top five flavors among ice cream manufacturers and scoop stores are 1) Cookies N’ Cream, 2) Vanilla, 3) Chocolate, 4) Mint Chocolate Chip, and 5) Strawberry.
Consider putting up your store near restaurants, parks, schools, beaches, athletic fields, or other places where most families with children congregate. You should also pick a site that is conveniently accessible, cozy and has enough parking.
To learn more on how to start your own ice cream/gelato business check out my startup documents here
This blog post is provided for informational purposes only. The information contained is not intended to constitute legal advice or to substitute for obtaining legal advice from a qualified attorney.
Hi! I am Shawn and I am a happy individual who happens to be an entrepreneur. I have owned several types of businesses in my life from a coffee shop to an import and export business to an online review business plus a few more and now I create online ice cream/gelato business resources for those interested in starting new ventures. It’s demanding work but I love it. I do it for those passionate about their business and their goals. That’s why when I meet a ice cream/gelato business owner, I see myself. I know how hard the struggle is to retain clients, find good employees and keep the business growing all while trying to stay competitive.
That’s why I created Ice Cream Business Boss: I want to help ice cream and gelato business owners like you build a thriving business that brings you endless joy and supports your ideal lifestyle.