I have this crazy idea that won't go away

[marsden_online]

Dessert takeaways, like Fish & Chips but for that 8pm+ post-dinner craving (and healthier/sweeter). A quick google doesn't show anyone really catering to that niche in Christchurch, I wonder if there's more demand out there than just me?

I keep thinking of Hell, not just because they do dessert pizza but because IIRC they started as three guys who had a sorta similar idea about a pizza store.

I don't have the skills that would be needed to start a takeaway business though, except perhaps washing dishes.

Comments

[confusiontempst.livejournal.com]

According to the rules of our society, being in possession of capital is a skill.

[marsden-online.livejournal.com]

s'true. So is not throwing away said capital.

It's one I'd bring to the table if the right people were prepared to bring the requisite business management and dessert-making skillsets. :)

I guess I don't believe I can find/build that sort of team.

[niennahirilfea.livejournal.com]

I think it's a not-so-crazy idea. :) Everyone likes dessert.

[pepperbeast.livejournal.com]

Actually, there are quite a few things I'd order takeaway or better still, *delivery* if the option existed.

[marsden-online.livejournal.com]

Market/menu research time - examples? :)

[sticks a virtual pin in the map]

[pepperbeast.livejournal.com]

OK, what I really, really most want delivered is Italian food. I want a delicious plate of ravioli, or sometimes a delicious lasagne. With a little salad, and maybe a little garlic bread or dessert. Some pizza places have pasta, but it's generally pretty disappointing, so I just do without.

[silvershamrock.livejournal.com]

The issue would be getting it there quickly enough that it's still got time to melt while in the customer's possession.

Actually, there's quite a few issues, but that's the first one that pops into my head. What kind of theme are you thinking? Divine Desserts, perhaps? As a direct counterpart to Hell Pizza?

[marsden-online.livejournal.com]

Presuming delivery, but thermal bags work to keep cold things cold as well as Pizza hot. Especially if you stick in some extra ice-packs.

You might need to pack the apple crumble and the ice-cream separately for delivery :)

[Aside: I wonder if you can still get those little tubs of ice-cream with the wooden paddles?]

I'm not actually thinking in terms of Hell, although if one store worked the potential to follow that franchise path would certainly be there. I don't believe Hell's founders expected it to take off the way it did, and I wouldn't go into the venture with following that path written into the business plan.

When I think about the feel I'd like it's more 'ubiquitous/local/small fish & chip store' than 'glossy chain franchise'.

I've got a few other ideas, like returning a recyclable bit of packaging from a previous order being worth 10c (cumulative) discount on your next order.

I am intrigued...

[silvershamrock.livejournal.com]

A single store would work quite well too, actually - Christchurch (and the North Canterbury region) certainly has a large enough potential customer base.

Would you charge different delivery rates for different areas (a la Metro's Zone charges), or impose a single delivery fee no matter where?

The recyclable bit works, although you might want to be careful with how much of a discount you allow people to claim. While it's not really a problem, it's possible someone could accrue hundreds of bits of packaging and claim something for free. Of course, they'd actually have to buy the stuff first...

Pasta might be the way to go, too - pasta's actually surprisingly easy to make (egg + flour + beat the crap out of it), and it's possible to go the dessert route with it while still maintaining an overall theme - start out with Neapolitan icecream and just extend the lexeme from there.

Re: I am intrigued...

[marsden-online.livejournal.com]

Still not committed to delivery to start with - but probably a single fee for simplicity and a limited coverage area. The idea would be to expand so there were multiple shops to cover a wider area if the first one proved popular.

The recycle bit is one part environmental consciousness, one part brand difference, several parts marketing ploy :D It would only be on substantial bits of packaging, which would be marked.

I'm perfectly happy for someone to get the occasional free dessert if they've gone to the effort of saving up/rescuing from their friends trash enough items. You want to keep customers that dedicated, they'll tell/bring their friends :D

I was vaguely thinking of starting with Cheesecake & Sundaes in the summer, crumbles and steamed puddings and custard in the winter, but menu isn't my strong point. Right, so you're interested in a food mangement position. Now for someone with business management experience ... :D

[therevfincham.livejournal.com]

Strawberry Fare somewhat fits this niche. It may have the market already cornered in Christchurch.

It's kind of pricey though....

[marsden-online.livejournal.com]

SF was the only relevant hit when I went googling. But not many people seem to know they do takeaway and you have to go all the way into city...

Also relatively expensive, as you say.