Opening an Ice Cream Shop?

If the idea of opening an ice cream parlor is one that you are ready to turn into a reality, you might be unsure where to start. There can be many factors to consider before you open your doors, including what type of industrial kitchen supplies you will need to craft your frozen treats. Taylor Freezer of Michigan, Inc. has been a trusted distributor of industrial ice cream machines and frozen yogurt equipment for more than 64 years, and we are here to help you outfit your shop with top-of-the-line equipment. Shop our full line of equipment online today or contact one of our showrooms!

Opening an ice cream shop can be a lot of fun, but also a lot of work. In today’s post, we’ll review a few important considerations you should make as you prepare to turn your dream into a reality. Read on to learn more!

Important Considerations for Ice Cream Shop Startups

Business Model

If you have dreamed of opening your own ice cream shop, you probably already have a good idea of what kind of business you want it to be. Some people might envision serving up cones out of a food truck while others prefer a traditional brick-and-mortar location complete with oldies music and a tiled floor. Beyond these details, however, you’ll need to consider whether you want your shop to be part of a franchise or a stand-alone business. Location is another important consideration, as is your hiring and training model, and the other “nuts and bolts” of your business operations.

Licenses and Permits

Before you can begin serving customers, you’ll need to have the proper licensing and permits to do so. This part of the process can be a little overwhelming if you have never applied for a business license or permit in the past, but a quick call to your local government offices can help dispel any anxiety you’re feeling. These agents can provide a wealth of information, and they are used to answering questions about how to obtain a tax identification number, how to get a health department inspection, and how to get a vendor permit. They can usually inform you of local codes that govern food-related businesses in your town to ensure you’re in compliance.

Expenses and Timing

Once you have your business model figured out and you have investigated the process of obtaining your licenses and permits, you will probably be pretty anxious to put all of your plans in motion. Business capital is required to open a new shop of any kind, and whether you need to purchase a food truck or secure an operating location, you’ll need to consider the associated expenses into your startup budget. Additionally, ice cream parlors can be subject to an incredible amount of seasonality, and it is important to consider when you will make your grand opening.

Equipment

The cost of industrial kitchen supplies and equipment is one of the most important startup expenses to consider, and depending on what type of iced treat you’ll be serving, your equipment needs may be highly adverse. Below are some commonly needed pieces of industrial kitchen equipment for ice cream shops:

• Industrial ice cream machines (frozen yogurt, shake, and soft serve)
• Dry storage (shelves, cabinets, containers)
• Cold storage (reach-in coolers, walk-in refrigerators and freezers, dipping cabinets)
• Serveware (scoops, spoons, dishes, napkins, scales)

In addition to these essentials, you will also need to determine what kind of payment you will accept. This will influence what type of register or integrated point-of-sale equipment your shop will need.

Benefits of New Industrial Kitchen Supplies

As you begin thinking about your equipment needs, you may find yourself wondering whether new or reconditioned equipment will best suit your needs. Purchasing reconditioned equipment comes with some undeniable benefits, including a lower price tag. However, entrepreneurs who can afford new equipment get the benefit of equipment warranties and predictable equipment operations. When you buy new industrial ice cream machines, blast chillers, and coolers, you’ll never have to worry about how frequently or well the prior owner maintained the units. This piece of mind is well worth the added expense for many people.

Industrial Ice Cream Machines and More!

Are you considering opening an ice cream shop in Michigan or anywhere else in the United States? If so, then Taylor Freezer of Michigan, Inc. is here to serve all of your industrial kitchen supply needs. From industrial ice cream machines to shake and soft serve equipment, we carry top-of-the-line new and reconditioned equipment that can make it easier than ever to open your business. Additionally, we proudly provide in-house service and a wide variety of parts that make maintaining your equipment a streamlined and convenient process. Contact our friendly team today to learn more about our products and service, as well as how we can help you turn your dream into a reality.

We look forward to serving you!