Are you a café owner or manager looking to expand your menu with house-made baked goods? Adding an in-house bakery can help attract new customers and boost your revenue without overwhelming your operations. Here are some tips to help you successfully launch a bakery program at your café.
1. Start Simple
When introducing baked goods, begin with a small selection of 2-3 items you know your customers will love. This “soft opening” allows you to perfect your recipes and get your staff comfortable with preparation. Monitor customer feedback before expanding your menu.
2. Know Your Customers
Tailor your baked goods to your customers’ tastes. If your regulars love matcha, consider offering matcha-infused treats like cookies or pastries. If they prefer less sweet options, adjust your recipes accordingly. Understanding their preferences will help you create a successful pastry menu.
3. Use Existing Ingredients
Reduce waste by incorporating ingredients you already use in your drinks or other menu items. For example, if you make strawberry-based drinks, create pastries using the same fruit. This strategy not only minimizes waste but also strengthens the connection between your food and beverage offerings.
Jessica Durrie of Small World Coffee in Princeton, N.J., shares how her café successfully integrated ingredients like ginger across both drinks and baked goods. What started with a simple scone has now expanded to a full menu of cookies, breads, and more, helping boost both revenue and menu diversity.
4. Plan for Kitchen Space & Equipment
Even a small-scale bakery program requires the right equipment. Essentials include a commercial-grade oven, mixer, and baking sheets. To save space, consider multi-functional equipment like combi ovens, which combine convection, steaming, and combination cooking methods. If your kitchen is limited, renting a shared kitchen space could be a good option.
By starting small, staying in tune with your customers’ preferences, and carefully managing your space and ingredients, you can create a bakery program that enhances your café’s offerings and helps drive growth. Read more >>
