Pancake cafe - perspective of the catering market
One of the promising areas of the fast food market can be considered the opening of small restaurants or pancake cafes in your city.
The success of a pancake business does not need proof. An excellent example is the Moscow chain of pancake shops “Teremok”. This chain includes about 140 restaurants and 65 pancake cafes throughout Moscow and St. Petersburg. And currently the number of Teremok network points is only increasing. It is possible that soon they will even enter the international network. But once upon a time they started small...
In this regard, we suggest considering step-by-step instructions for opening a pancake cafe in your city.
Recruitment plan
Let’s also look at the issue of hiring employees, because this point is important and should be considered before opening your own pancake shop from scratch. The experience of professionals says that it is not necessary to have a large staff. Even to work in a cafeteria, you will need about 15 people (cooks, kitchen assistants, waiters, cleaners, dishwashers, administrator). As for mobile points of sale, you can get by with two cooks working in shifts.
For a small kiosk, it is enough to hire two employees working in shifts
Of course, employees must have health certificates and be free from skin and some other diseases that pose a threat to the health of visitors to your establishment. As a rule, the average salary of a cook should be approximately 18,000–22,000 rubles. Thus, the maximum cost of paying salaries to employees of a mobile kiosk will not exceed 44,000. When it comes to a stationary establishment, this amount will increase to 270,000 rubles.
Step-by-step plan for opening a pancake shop
First, you need to decide on the future format of the pancake shop. The format or size of the pancake pan will depend on the following factors:
1. Size of the locality/city. It is clear that in a small village it is not advisable to open even a small pancake shop. Another thing is a city with a million people, where it is profitable to open both a snack bar and a restaurant. The recommended population of the city is from 50 thousand people;
2. Location of the pancake cafe. The best places to locate a pancake shop can be considered the central streets of the city, the presence of large office centers, universities, railway and bus stations, etc. nearby. It is better to open a cafe-snack where people need a quick snack, for example, train stations or universities, while it is advisable to open a restaurant in a large shopping or entertainment center, where the visitor can have lunch calmly and leisurely;
3. Amount of financial resources to start a business. If there are very few funds to open a business, then it is better to start with a pancake-snack bar format. You should not borrow large sums, take out unsustainable loans and expose yourself to enormous risk. Start small. This way you will understand the basic intricacies of the business without much risk, get promoted and open a restaurant. Moscow, too, was not built right away.
Analyzing the market
Of course, before you start actively implementing an idea, you should work it out down to the smallest detail. So, it would be useful to analyze the segment of your potential visitors. Everything is important here: age, tastes, social and financial status. Based on the data obtained, you can easily figure out what type of establishment will be optimal and profitable.
Since pancakes have long become a symbol of national cuisine in Russia, the idea of opening your own pancake shop can be a great start to your business
You should also draw up a detailed business project for the pancake shop. Here it is important to clearly define the general concept and format of the establishment. After all, somewhere it would be appropriate to start a business with a cafe or restaurant, and in most cases it would be advisable to open a takeaway pancake kiosk. When drawing up a general strategy, take into account the size of your own savings and real material capabilities.
A separate issue will be the fight against competitors. After all, in this industry the level of competition is quite serious. That is, in order to get your own clients, you will need to use your imagination in interior design, as well as create optimal and comfortable conditions for guests.
In a word, the pancake shop as a business leaves only positive reviews from experienced entrepreneurs. True, such a project will not be as simple and cheap as most beginners imagine . But given the expected high revenue, it may be worth trying to carve out a niche in this particular industry. After all, all the invested effort and resources, with a thoughtful and serious approach, will meet your expectations.
Finding sources of funding
After we have decided on the format of the future pancake house, it is worth thinking about possible sources of financing for the project.
Possible sources of project financing may be:
- Bank loan;
- Government support, including grants for starting your own business - 300 thousand. rubles Also, in some regions, the state issues loans at 8% per annum, acts as a guarantor for bank loans, subsidizes the percentage of overpayments on loans, and so on;
- Searching for a potential investor in your business based on a well-written business plan;
- Personal savings.
Income and business profitability
Within three months, you can start selling more than 9,000 pancakes per month. Including the sale of drinks and salads, you can get a net profit of 350,000.
The profitability of the enterprise will be 23%. In 5-6 months, in a good situation, you can completely recoup the enterprise.
Professional business plans on the topic:
- Pancake shop business plan (45 sheets) - DOWNLOAD ⬇
- Pizzeria business plan (46 sheets) - DOWNLOAD ⬇
- Business plan for a sushi bar (37 sheets) - DOWNLOAD ⬇
How much money do you need to invest to open a pancake shop?
Speaking about possible start-up costs, opening a small café/pancake house in a rented premises will require 700 thousand rubles:
- Repairs, interior design development – from 100 thousand rubles;
- Equipment, including display cases, pancake makers, kitchen utensils, refrigeration cabinets, washing baths, coffee makers, cash registers, etc. – from 400 thousand rubles;
- Furniture, including tables and chairs for visitors – from 100 thousand rubles;
- Registration of activities, permitting documentation – from 50 thousand rubles;
- Other costs – from 50 thousand rubles.
If the plans include building a building for a pancake house or purchasing a small pavilion (modular building), then the start-up costs increase by 2-3 times.
Technological equipment
Before purchasing equipment, you should decide on the format of doing business in public catering.
There are two types of pancakes:
- Mobile. Mobile option: such a pancake house can be placed next to large industrial complexes, shopping centers or bases, in car parks, etc. Its convenience lies in the absence of high rent, low initial investment and ease of changing locations. But to open a pancake stand on wheels, you will need a van or trailer to accommodate everything you need and equipment to generate electricity or another power source.
- Stationary - a classic version of a small cafe where you can sit with friends or family. Among the advantages of this option is the ability to offer guests a more extensive menu, thereby attracting more customers. To decorate it, you will need more equipment, furniture and dishes, as well as a room equipped accordingly.
The technological equipment for mobile and stationary pancake houses will be approximately the same. But to open a stationary cafe-pancake, the list of necessary technical equipment will be more extensive; ventilation, dishwashing equipment and furniture for the establishment’s clients will be added here, among other things.
Blinnitsa (pancake station)
Without this device you should not start such a business, because... It is on the pancake maker that you get the most delicious and appetizing pancakes. It cooks one pancake in 2 minutes, cooks it evenly and saves energy.
In addition, there are professional pancake stations that have not only burners for frying pancakes. They are equipped with containers for fillings and dough, which is undoubtedly convenient and allows you to streamline the cooking process.
Professional pancake makers are made of food-grade stainless steel or cast iron, and the standard surface size varies between 35-40 cm. To open a catering outlet, you should choose models with two burners. Thanks to this, you will be able to quickly place orders even during rush hour, because... their productivity is 2 times higher than models with one frying surface. When choosing a suitable pancake maker, you should consider models from foreign manufacturers: they are more reliable and, as a rule, pancakes are baked more evenly in them. Purchase costs will range from 17,000 to 55,000 rubles.
Making pancakes at a pancake station
Pancake maker for 2 burners
Dough mixer
This device is necessary for kneading batter. When purchasing, pay attention to the bowl - it should be removable and large in volume. It is better to choose dough mixers with a large bowl size (more than 10 liters), so that during an influx of customers you do not have to knead the dough often.
The most convenient and reliable models include devices from Bomann, KitchenAid, Kenwood, Fimar, Moulinex. The average cost is from 11,000 to 45,000 rubles.
Kneading dough in a dough mixer
Floor mixer with removable bowl
Food processor
You will need a food processor to grind the pancake filling, so choose a model with a large number of attachments: a cheese grater, a meat grinder for minced meat, etc. Good options are offered by KitchenAid, Bosch, Kenwood, costing from 11,000 to 69,000 rubles.
To cut the components of the pancake filling, you will most likely need a slicer. With its help, you can create a beautiful presentation of a dish in just a few seconds.
Choose models with knives made of high-quality steel (Bosch, Ritter, Gorenje) and in a metal case. The cost of the device is from 6,500 to 15,000 rubles.
Kitchen food processor
Bosh food processor
Slicing equipment
To slice bread (it is also indispensable in a pancake shop), you need a bread slicer. And for cutting products into slices, you can purchase a slicer.
Bread slicer
Slicer
Multicooker
To prepare some fillings you will need a professional multicooker. You can, of course, install a frying surface, but you will need to purchase a frying pan, pots and other equipment for it. In addition, the multicooker uses energy more economically. The bowl in it should be removable and of large volume. The more operating modes there are, the more comfortable you will be working with it.
Good options in terms of price and quality are offered by Redmond and Bork. The approximate cost is from 15,000 to 59,000 rubles.
Refrigerator cabinet
According to the requirements of the SES, a pancake shop must have a refrigerator for storing ingredients. If the assortment is expected to be extensive, then it is better to purchase several cabinets at once. They differ in power, climate class, number and volume of storage chambers.
Foreign manufacturers Caravell and Derby are considered the most reliable; among Russian ones are Polair, Intertekhnika, MariHolodMash. The approximate cost is from 24,000 to 175,000 rubles.
A refrigerated cabinet with transparent doors for drinks is installed in the client area of a stationary pancake house. It serves refreshing drinks. You can find and select a suitable refrigerator from manufacturers of closed refrigeration cabinets. Cost - from 27,000 to 163,000 rubles.
Refrigerated drinks cabinet
Refrigerated cabinets in the pancake kitchen
Refrigeration showcase
Ready-made pancake fillings are stored in a refrigerated display case. It is better to choose universal desktop models - they are more compact, take up less space and are suitable for storing all types of products. Pay attention to models from the companies MariHolodMash, Rossinka, Iceberg, Cryspi, Cooleq, Linde, Arneg. Price – from 18,000 to 56,000 rubles.
Refrigerated display cabinet vertical
Refrigerated display cabinet, floor-mounted, horizontal
Electric stove
This device is necessary for preparing hot fillings, as well as other independent dishes in a pancake shop (for example, soups, porridges). It is better to opt for 4-burner models. For a mobile pancake maker, you can also use a 2-burner stove, but the productivity will be significantly lower.
You need to pay attention to the material from which the plate body is made and its technical characteristics. It is better to opt for European-made models. The cost of the slabs varies from 15,000 to 50,000 rubles.
Plates for mobile pancake house
Electric 4-burner stove
Coffee machine and thermopot
Coffee is the most popular drink in any catering establishment and an excellent source of income, so the cost of a coffee machine and coffee grinder pays off quite quickly. Good devices are produced by JURA, Philips-Saeco, DeLonghi, Nivona, Bosch, Siemens, Krups, Miele, Electrolux. The price varies from 21,000 to 1,080,000 rubles.
Thermopot is a professional electric boiler with a spacious water tank. In a pancake shop, it is necessary for the tea that customers of the establishment will drink. This device not only heats the liquid and maintains its temperature. When choosing a thermopot, you should pay attention to the strength of the body, the tightness of the lid, stability, and the uniformity of the stream when pouring liquid (water should not splash).
Thermopots come in different sizes. For a pancake house you need a device whose tank holds at least 7 liters of water.
A good choice would be the Sinbo SK 2395, CASO HD 1000 model.
The cost of devices varies and depends on the volume of the tank, the material of the body, and the availability of additional options. The price starts from 4,500 rubles.
Coffee machine
Thermopot
Dishwashing equipment
It is problematic to install full-fledged dishwashing equipment in a mobile pancake house, since there is no possibility of connecting to a central water supply. In this case, a mandatory water supply system is installed (a regular washbasin with a water tank). As a rule, it is sufficient for sanitary purposes (washing hands, washing food). The utensils in such pancake shops are disposable.
In a stationary pancake house, it is not customary to serve food in disposable dishes, so you will need to purchase a professional dishwasher. It washes a large number of dishes quickly and efficiently, and also saves water and electricity. Dishwashing equipment from Electrolux, Elframo, Inoxmacel, Maco is considered to be of the highest quality. The price range is from 100,000 to 980,000 rubles.
Washstands in a mobile pancake shop
Professional dishwasher
Optional equipment
You will also need to purchase furniture and necessary equipment.
For a mobile cafe, purchase:
- stainless steel table;
- food storage rack;
- several high tables for clients;
- dishes and cutlery for the kitchen;
- disposable tableware, cutlery and cups for customers.
For a stationary pancake house you will additionally need:
- work tables;
- racks for storing dishes and food;
- tables, chairs, sofas for the hall;
- dishes;
- counters;
- kitchen equipment (flour sifter, food warmers, cutlery, cutting boards, ice makers, milkshake mixers, etc.).
In order to evenly spread the filling into the pancakes during working hours, you will need a scale. Choose models with protection from dirt and moisture, as well as a battery (in case there is no electricity). Their cost is from 3,000 to 15,000 rubles.
In addition, it is necessary to purchase and install ventilation equipment. If in a mobile version one hood above the cooking area is enough, then in a stationary cafe this should be full-fledged ventilation equipment, which is installed not only in the kitchen, but also in the hall.
You will also have to buy air conditioners to maintain normal indoor temperatures.
Counter in a stationary pancake shop
Search for premises
When choosing premises for a pancake shop, you should pay attention to the location of the facility, the condition of the premises, the presence of competition and the amount of rent.
The area of a small cafe-pancake shop starts from 100 m2. It must include:
- visitor service area;
- kitchen area;
- dishwashing area;
- utility room;
- toilet.
The premises themselves must comply with all SanPin, fire, environmental and electrical safety requirements for public catering facilities.
Office equipment
Any business cannot function properly without administrative employees. Accordingly, it is necessary to equip the establishment manager, accounting department, etc. with everything necessary.
This will require employee phones, computers or laptops, and MFPs.
Opening a pancake shop is one of the most budget-friendly ways to build your business in the catering industry, since it does not require significant investments and brings good profits. The purchase of equipment pays for itself, on average, in a year. One of the important points is the purchase of high-quality equipment designed for work in a cafe. Kitchen appliances cannot withstand heavy loads and quickly become unusable, thereby stopping the entire work process.
Registration of activities
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Upon completion of the search for premises and investments, you can begin to register your activity with the Federal Tax Service (tax office).
The organizational and legal form of a pancake house can be either an individual entrepreneur or an LLC. Opening an individual entrepreneurship (IP) is much easier than opening a legal entity (LLC). The list of documents, terms, and cost of registration of individual entrepreneurs are minimal. But an individual entrepreneur has fewer opportunities than a legal entity.
Again, if your establishment is in the format of a pancake-snack bar, then it is advisable to open an individual entrepreneur (individual). If this is a restaurant and the investment in the business will be several million rubles, then it is better to register a legal entity (LLC).
Which tax system to choose
The taxation system can be either the simplified tax system or the UTII. It is more profitable to use UTII, but this system has its limitations for public catering facilities: 1. The area of the customer service hall should not exceed 150 m2; 2. The number of jobs should not exceed 100 people.
It is worth noting that the transition to a special taxation regime, that is, the simplified taxation system or UTII occurs within 5 days from the date of registration of the activity according to the application. If you do not submit this application on time, then you automatically become a taxpayer under the general taxation system with all that it entails. Therefore, be careful.
For settlements with third parties, as well as for the convenience of paying taxes, you should open a bank account.
Search and selection of personnel
The last on the list of tasks is finding staff and creating a menu for a pancake cafe.
The pancake staff includes:
- Manager (administrator);
- Cooks;
- Cashier;
- Waiters.
One of the important requirements for catering staff, in addition to qualifications, is the availability of a health certificate.
The staff themselves, especially the waiters, should look nice (dress code), be polite and friendly to every visitor and fulfill orders on time.
Pancake menu and pancake preparation technology
The pancake menu can be quite varied. It is most profitable to target people with an average income, then the menu can include sweet pancakes as a dessert and filled pancakes as a main course, and various drinks.
Sample menu for a pancake cafe:
Name of dish | Price, rub.) |
pancake with meat | 130 |
pancake with cheese | 80 |
pancake with sausage | 90 |
salads (Olivier, Greek, Caesar) | 80-100 (per 100 g) |
pancake with apple filling | 70 |
pancake with strawberries | 85 |
banana pancake | 80 |
tea (black and green) | 25 |
coffee | 50 |
Modern technology for making pancakes involves baking them using special pancake machines, thanks to which the pancakes come out golden brown and do not burn.
Main ingredients for making pancakes:
- milk;
- flour;
- eggs;
- sugar;
- butter and vegetable oil.
Depending on the composition of the filling, you will also need: meat, cheese, cottage cheese, berries or jam, sauce. On average, the cost of the finished product (pancake with filling) will be about 40 rubles. If the point is well trafficked, you can sell up to 300 pancakes per day.
Pancake assortment
The main menu of the pancake house includes about 20 types of pancakes. The most common and classic ones include: pancakes with meat, potatoes and mushrooms, pancakes with ham, salmon, red caviar and sweet pancakes.
The mandatory menu also includes first and second courses, cold drinks, tea, coffee, and desserts.
At the same time, in the future, your cafe should not be limited to a classic set of dishes, since monotony always becomes boring, and regular customers always want to try something new. It also wouldn’t hurt to hold some promotions, for example, give toys to children when their parents order a children’s lunch in your cafe.
Concept development
One of the most pressing questions of interest to novice businessmen is how to open a pancake shop from scratch? First you need to decide on the concept of the establishment, for example, it could be a mobile or stationary cafe.
Opening a permanent establishment requires larger financial investments; this format will significantly expand the range of dishes offered, as well as create the most comfortable conditions for visitors to be in the pancake shop.
In order to increase the attendance of an establishment, entrepreneurs need to pay special attention to creating a menu. Customers can be offered pancakes with various types of fillings: fish, meat, caviar, condensed milk, cottage cheese, honey, fruit or berry jam. Additional profit can be made by including desserts, salads, soups, as well as various types of tea and coffee in the menu.
A mobile pancake shop does not require large start-up investments and provides the opportunity to sell products anywhere with good traffic: near parks, transport stops, business centers, and recreation centers. The disadvantages of mini-cafes on wheels include their small area, in this case there is no opportunity to organize full-fledged places for eating for clients.
If you decide to open a pancake house on wheels, then the article “Mobile coffee shops on wheels” will be useful to you, which talks about the features of running such a business.
Once all the staff has been selected and the menu has been compiled, you can open the pancake house.
In order for as many people as possible to know about you, you need to conduct an advertising campaign:
- installation of a colorful sign: “We are open”;
- distribution of flyers and leaflets;
- advertising in the media, social networks and city forums.
Do not forget that after the start of operation of a public catering facility, you must notify the local SES office about the start of your activity.
What documents are needed to open a pancake shop?
To register a business, you will need a package of documents for registration with the tax authorities. You will also need permits from the SES and State Fire Supervision. You will need a lease agreement and a garbage removal agreement. Employees working in the kitchen are required to have health certificates. Do you need permission to open a pancake shop? In order to start a business, you will need permission from Rospotrebnadzor. You will only need a license if you are opening a pancake house in a cafe format and planning to sell alcohol. Then you will need to collect an additional package of documents.
Financial plan
The volume of financial investments and income of the enterprise will depend on the chosen format.
Sources of financing and start-up capital for opening a pancake house can be:
- loan from a bank;
- government funding based on grants and regional programs to support small businesses;
- funds of the investor (investors);
- personal funds.
How much does it cost to open a pancake shop?
According to reviews from entrepreneurs, any business related to catering should be started in a small format.
Costs for opening a pancake cafe:
Expense item | Costs, rub. |
Premises rental fee | 50000 |
Repairs upon request of all supervisory services | 270 000 |
Registration of an enterprise and obtaining permits | 25000 |
Furniture and tableware | 150000 |
Equipment and household appliances | 489000 |
Purchase of raw materials and ingredients | 200000 |
Sewing uniforms for employees | 40000 |
Advertising campaign and creation of corporate identity elements | 30000 |
Staff salaries for the first month of work | 165000 |
Other | 10000 |
Total | 1429000 |
Regular expenses
The company's monthly expenses consist of the following items:
Expenditure | Amount of costs, rub. |
Renting premises | 50000 |
Staff salaries | 165000 |
Taxes and fees | 35000 |
Payment of utility bills | 25000 |
Purchase of raw materials and products | 150000 |
Advertising campaign | 10000 |
Unplanned expenses and restoration of damaged property | 20000 |
Total | 455000 |
Income
The profit of a pancake house in the format of a small cafe is calculated based on the planned attendance of the establishment based on market analysis. On average, the establishment's attendance is 80 people per day. Average check (includes pancake and drink) 250 rubles.
Enterprise income - 600,000 rubles. per month. Net profit - 145,000 rubles. per month.