Ice cream is a delicious treat that is enjoyed by all, and opening a fun ice cream shop in your town can be a great way to make a living. That being said, starting your own business involves more than simply opening up the doors and serving ice cream. In today’s post, we will discuss a few key components that will help make your ice cream shop a success!
One of the first things you need to consider before your shop is open for business is the equipment. In addition to ice cream freezers, you may want milkshake makers, gelato makers, and more! Luckily, Taylor Freezer of Michigan has got you covered. We are your one-stop shop for all of your commercial food service equipment needs. We have everything from frozen yogurt equipment to commercial cooking equipment! If you’re looking to equip your new ice cream shop with all the appliances you need from brand names you trust, then contact your local Taylor Freezer sales representative to get started today!
Location, Location, Location
The next step after deciding to open up your ice cream shop is to find a location for your business. Michigan is filled with many cute, touristy towns, and there is nothing better than eating ice cream or sipping on a milkshake as you stroll through the different artisan shops along the beach. It’s no secret that the location of your business is vital to its success, so it’s important to be picky about where you open up shop. Opening your ice cream shop right down the street from another ice cream shop may not be the best idea, especially if the original store has been around for a long time and has a dedicated group of followers. Additionally, you don’t want to open up in an area that may not be seen by other people. Try to find a good location that will get a lot of traffic without trying to compete with a similar business.
Serve Unique Flavors
In some of the smaller towns in Michigan, it may be difficult to find a location that is not directly competing with another business. If that is the case, then it’s a good idea to try and make your business stand out from the crowd. One way to do this is to serve unique and enticing flavors that your customers may not be able to get at one of the other shops in town. Instead of serving the traditional flavors like strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate, serve flavors like mango or strawberry cheesecake! Another tactic is to serve ice cream that is made in the state of Michigan so that tourists from out of state can enjoy the flavors of Pure Michigan.
If there are a lot of ice cream shops in your town, then consider mixing it up with some artisanal gelato. At Taylor Freezer, we can set you up with a high-end gelato maker that will provide your customers with smooth, creamy flavors that leave them wanting more. Check out our gelato machines on our website, and read our previous post for some unique ideas of flavors you should serve!
Consider Seasonality
While there may be a few customers who can enjoy a delicious cup of ice cream year-round, that doesn’t mean that one or two people here and there will be enough to keep you in business. Before you open up your business to the public, consider how you’re going to handle the seasonality of an ice cream shop.
The spring and summer months are sure to keep you busy, as more and more people will be craving a creamy treat. However, as the weather starts to get colder, ice cream may not be as appealing. For this reason, you may want to consider broadening your market. Instead of selling just ice cream, consider opening up a shop that sells ice cream as well as assorted baked goods! Either way, there is a good chance that your business will be largely seasonal, and it’s important to think about the best ways to save up during the busy months so that your company can survive during the off-season.
Find High-Quality Equipment at Taylor Freezer!
When you’re ready to open your business, Taylor Freezer is here to help! We have all of the commercial food service equipment you need to get your business off the ground, whether you’re in need of ice cream freezers, gelato machines, or another appliance. If you’re ready to get started, contact your local Taylor Freezer sales representative to learn more!