Just got offered a job as the in-house baker for a brand new coffee house in our town opening in October (news article about shop: http://www.theind.com/news/6302-coffee-time).

Been baking for about 4 years now, mostly self-taught or CC taught and need some help from my CC friends to help make this a success.

The owner is thinking about starting simple & small and expanding as the business grows. He would like to start with cupcakes (jumbo/regular), cheesecake, chocolate covered oreos and cake slices. We haven't decided on an exact menu yet, so any suggestions in that area would be helpful too.

The owner is letting me buy whatever equipment I need to get started. Besides the obvious (mixer, pots/pans, bowls) what else should I put on the list? He already has an oven, fridge, sink, etc.

What other things should I have on hand in the kitchen to get started that I might not realize?

What on-line shops do you recommend ordering basic supplies from?

Thanks!

If he has a business license, try www.ckproducts.com

It's called Country Kitchen, Sweet Art and it's a big supplier of anything caking or baking related.... cake supplies, cookie supplies, kitchen supplies, you name it, they have it!! check out their retail web page: www.countrykitchensa.com !!

I live very close to the warehouse, and the retail store. The prices are much cheaper for anyone who has a business licence!! They should be able to supply you with anything you can think of!!
goodluck!

Duplicate the items you have to do your own cakes!! Fondant tools, tips & bags, everything!!!!

He does have a biz license, didn't know prices were cheaper with that. I order from there right now for personal stuff.

Oh, then you're in for a lovely suprise!! the prices for businesses are @ 40% cheaper, even more if you order in larger numbers, than their retail catalog!!!
I think you can go to ckproducts.com and get the info that you need to get started!!!
I'm excited for you!!

I'm excited too - to buy supplies with someone else's money!
Also, to expand my menu/flavors.
Mostly I'm excited to work BY MYSELF - no hubby, no kids (I love 'em, but could use the break!)

sounds heavenly to me!!!
goodluck!!

I'd recommend checking out local restaurant supply places first, click the link below for a list near you.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=restaurant+supplies+near+lafayette,+la&fb=1&gl=us&sa=N&tab=lw

Thanks Jason. The owner is taking me to one of these places to hopefully get the majority of supplies, but I'm guessing I may also need to order a few things.

Sounds like a great opportunity! I would add mini cupcakes to that menu as well...sometimes people just want a little bite And cookies always go over well. As for equipment, lots of bowls, hand mixer, lots of piping bags...basically to second what cakes47 said, everything you have duplicate it!

Thanks everyone for the great advice!

I hate to put a downer on things but......I just want to caution you about using your recipes, ideas and resources to benefit someone else's business. I worked at a place for 5 years. All ideas, recipe and products were my creations. After everything was in place and recipes documented, Guess what - I was replaced by someone who was willing to work for minimum wage. Just be cautious that's all I'm saying. I can be heart breaking after you put your heart and soul into something and then be treated like that. Oh yeah during the holidays I worked 24- 36 hrs. straight, not to mention just iced cookies alone for December was over 9000, then the cupcakes, chocolates etc.... Just stay aware - GOOD LUCK!!

Tracy

Sounds great, but I am also offering a warning.
Before you make your little sign for dipped oreos, maybe you should change the name to avoid copyright infringement.
IMO.

You're so right! Just put it as oreos here b/c it's easier to type!

Thanks for your advice - I don't see it as a downer but as something I need to keep in mind. I need to hear the bad as well as the good to be prepared.

Great! Just trying to prevent the same thing happening to someone else. Ironically the owner really is a wonderful person and I admire alot of things about her but in the end it was all about the all mighty dollar. It can be a wonderful opportunity. Maybe if he gives you recognition for designs and recipes that would be good...Ex..designed by korensmommy or created by korensmommy - you know what I mean. Just something for all your work. Good Luck I know it will turn out fine.
Tracy

Coffee Shop screams biscotti to me.