Can a Sandwich Shop Make Decent Money ?

Can a Sandwich Shop Make Decent Money ?

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Discussion

DSLiverpool

Original Poster:

14,743 posts

202 months

Monday 22nd September 2014
quotequote all
Following on from my other thread I think it will be a new start not a subway or other franchise, I am looking at low entry cost but decent quality. I think we have local demand for a quality bagel deli / shop but whilst I fancy the concept I have no experience of food (my missus would over see running it).

However is it a load of hassle for a few hundred quid a week - anyone got a view based on experience

C0ffin D0dger

3,440 posts

145 months

Monday 22nd September 2014
quotequote all
No experience, just a punter, but given the markup on sandwiches etc. provided you have a market there has to be a decent profit. Even the supermarkets charge ~£1.20 for a limp cheese sandwich which would probably cost less than 50p to make at home.

That said where I work we have a van that comes round (used to be two), cafe just over the road, several bacon roll vans, supermarket nearby, and now to top it all off a Greggs has opened up on the industrial estate. So I'd say the market was somewhat saturated.

POORCARDEALER

8,524 posts

241 months

Monday 22nd September 2014
quotequote all

Friend has one that takes 2k a week, earns her about 500 a week after staffing costs rent etc etc....its very busy for 3 hours a day hence she has 4 staff for those hours. Her rent is 12K a year.

DSLiverpool

Original Poster:

14,743 posts

202 months

Monday 22nd September 2014
quotequote all
POORCARDEALER said:
Friend has one that takes 2k a week, earns her about 500 a week after staffing costs rent etc etc....its very busy for 3 hours a day hence she has 4 staff for those hours. Her rent is 12K a year.
Thanks useful to know.

SydneyBridge

8,603 posts

158 months

Monday 22nd September 2014
quotequote all
Think you could if you get a decent location,pricing right and something unique and slightly different. Might only be busy for few hours a day but build around that and depending on location,try opening for breakfast.

DSLiverpool

Original Poster:

14,743 posts

202 months

Monday 22nd September 2014
quotequote all
SydneyBridge said:
Think you could if you get a decent location,pricing right and something unique and slightly different. Might only be busy for few hours a day but build around that and depending on location,try opening for breakfast.
The bagels are the USP, the sunday smoked salmon trade the kicker and the normal boring daily stuff the rent payer.

Type R Tom

3,864 posts

149 months

Monday 22nd September 2014
quotequote all
DSLiverpool said:
The bagels are the USP, the sunday smoked salmon trade the kicker and the normal boring daily stuff the rent payer.
Don't forget salt beef and English mustard like à la Brick Lane

DSLiverpool

Original Poster:

14,743 posts

202 months

Monday 22nd September 2014
quotequote all
Type R Tom said:
Don't forget salt beef and English mustard like à la Brick Lane
Yep and like the Carnegie in NY but as I said is this a load of fluff for little cashmere ?

Grandad7184

2,017 posts

135 months

Monday 22nd September 2014
quotequote all
interested in this

We have a very busy main line station (Sevenoaks) with some new shops what are empty. no sandwich shop nearby and lots of London commuters.

ReaderScars

6,087 posts

176 months

Monday 22nd September 2014
quotequote all
Is there a school nearby? Maybe you could do a school-meal deal - offer soup and a sandwich for £1.75 or something (soup in a disposable cup of some sort)?

Luke.

10,991 posts

250 months

Monday 22nd September 2014
quotequote all
Grandad7184 said:
interested in this

We have a very busy main line station (Sevenoaks) with some new shops what are empty. no sandwich shop nearby and lots of London commuters.
Wouldn't they get their sandwiches in London?

mybrainhurts

90,809 posts

255 months

Monday 22nd September 2014
quotequote all
I had a pork sandwich shop in Bradford but it crashed spectacularly. No idea why...

Wacky Racer

38,160 posts

247 months

Monday 22nd September 2014
quotequote all
mybrainhurts said:
I had a pork sandwich shop in Bradford but it crashed spectacularly. No idea why...
Don't call us...we'll call you..smile

Why not get in touch with Roy Cropper DS?.....biggrin

Eleven

26,280 posts

222 months

Monday 22nd September 2014
quotequote all
mybrainhurts said:
I had a pork sandwich shop in Bradford but it crashed spectacularly. No idea why...
You should have lied:

"Is this pork?"

"No, is lamb".

Thankyou4calling

10,602 posts

173 months

Monday 22nd September 2014
quotequote all
DSLiverpool said:
Following on from my other thread I think it will be a new start not a subway or other franchise, I am looking at low entry cost but decent quality. I think we have local demand for a quality bagel deli / shop but whilst I fancy the concept I have no experience of food (my missus would over see running it).

However is it a load of hassle for a few hundred quid a week - anyone got a view based on experience
You can do very well but as with all, cost control is paramount. When you say your wife is over seeing the running, will she be working in the business, that's important because the opportunity for theft is huge.

Chrisgr31

13,474 posts

255 months

Monday 22nd September 2014
quotequote all
The issue is going to be the limited trading hours. Do you make the sandwiches in advance? If so whats in them, what happens when they sell? Do you make them to order? Well that takes time.

Personally bagels dont interest me, not does salt beef!

Location is the key then its quality v price and I suggest limited queues.

Crafty_

13,286 posts

200 months

Monday 22nd September 2014
quotequote all
Grandad7184 said:
interested in this

We have a very busy main line station (Sevenoaks) with some new shops what are empty. no sandwich shop nearby and lots of London commuters.
Coffee, tea, bacon rolls and muffins for the mornings might sell better ?

JimmyConwayNW

3,065 posts

125 months

Monday 22nd September 2014
quotequote all
Soup, jacket potatoes and nice sandwich fillings would work.

I don't think it would ever make you rich.

Mobile Chicane

20,825 posts

212 months

Monday 22nd September 2014
quotequote all
Regular, contract work has to be the key here, rather than rely on the vagaries of passing trade.

Professional services firms - lawyers, accountants, advertising agencies etc - often offer 'breakfast briefings' for Clients, or free breakfast on Fridays to encourage staff to get in early.

I'd be tapping these up, also local training companies for delegate lunches.

b0rk

2,303 posts

146 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2014
quotequote all
Grandad7184 said:
interested in this

We have a very busy main line station (Sevenoaks) with some new shops what are empty. no sandwich shop nearby and lots of London commuters.
I assume you are aware that car park season ticket holders can get onto the platforms without going through the concourse? will reduce commuter traffic somewhat. Anyway for the station/travel market you'll need to focus on speed of service so basically have lot of pre-made sandwiches/subs etc ready to sell.

The trade window will be remarkably small the rent eye-wateringly high if within the station expect to pay a quarterly minimum rent + a percentage of turnover.