Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hello,

I live in Toronto, Canada. I recently joined this forum and have been very pleased with the amount of help people are willing to provide each other.

I plan to start a kiosk/rolling cart business selling kernels(corn). I would steam the corn kernels on the spot. I would sell those kernels in three portions (eg. $1.99,$2.99,$3.50). There will be several seasonings(10 different flavours in form of a powder, e.g. barbecue, salt & vinegar, salt) available to customer so they can customise their cup of kernels. My target locations would be Subway/Metro stations, playgrounds, concerts, and occasional events.

I am very skeptical before making any move because it is a new idea. Please tell me how good is this business idea?.Please help with your honest recommendations!

I appreciate all comments.Thankyou

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-Piarte-
"Consisteny surely takes over talent"

Strange idea that`s for sure. Is this a franchise? If so they should have sales figures available for you. If not ... I really don`t know what to say about the quality of the idea. Personally I wouldn`t buy seasoned, steamed corn [ on the cob?? ] from a street vendor.

Are steamed kernels the same as "popcorn?"

CookieMonster brings up an important point: What are the regulations regarding selling a food product on the street? Is there a licensing issue, certification of some sort? Here in the States, there are FDA guidelines, as well as Board of Health issues that a street-vendor must deal with.

Well,

It is not a franchise. It is my own personal idea. I dont have any figures for the financial statement. I just wanted to know how viable this business would be? As fas as the regulations are concercened I can get the proper certification done.

And no, kernel are not popcorns!

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-Piarte-
"Consisteny surely takes over talent"

A few years ago I was at a  Victoria Day community party in a Brampton Park, and a vendor had a , well, I guess it was a steam machine of some sorts, or possibly a roaster... it was large and on a cart anyhow. It looked like a little hut! They steamed (or somehow cooked) the corn on the cob,  with the husk still on, but the corn was pre-seasoned with pepper , salt and butter, if you wanted it that way. It tasted so good , and the line-up was huge. So, you could be on to something. Check out your competition in the Metro area!< ="text/">_popupControl();

Okay, so not popcorn. Then there`ll be an education thing, unless folks in Canada already are familiar with the food. Understand I don`t have an issue with it. I`m originally from Europe where in Holland, "croquettes" are a typical fast food. Few people in the States have ever heard of them, yet we used to buy them like folks here buy a MacDonald`s burger.

I`m thinking the biggest issues are going to be health inspections, licensing, and finally, raw materials. That`s assuming your common market of people already know that steamed kernels are a fast food.

Then, you`ll want a catchy name for the company. Even though it`s only 1 pushcart, you`re still a company! So you need to differentiate, stand out, market, and advertise. That means on your cart, if nothing else.

Take a look at the differentiating muffins thread. There are all sorts of ways to make "steamed kernels" into a household word, I`m guessing. ;-) I`d have to put my mind to it, though.

I love the idea!  I think you should absolutely pursue it.  I agree - check out health codes, etc.  Important - but easily accomplished.  And these codes will vary by city.  Just build that due diligence into your plan - don`t let it scare you.

Malls are good - could be pricey.  You may want to start with a lower cost of entry - go the local carnival, fair, artisan/craft, car show route. Also check out local/high school/college sporting events.  If the idea is received well - then you can expand and target larger venues.  You can then pursue the big mall companies  and even pursue theme parks - although there you get into food service contracts.

Best of luck.

 

 

 

 

Any more opinions from members?

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-Piarte-
"Consisteny surely takes over talent"