Who doesn’t enjoy a plate of cold cuts and gourmet food that serves as a reminder of all the good in life? This is where the art of charcuterie comes into play. Charcuterie is defined as an attractive platter of gourmet meats and cold cuts, a range of cheeses and nuts, and exotic fruits and vegetables. Charcuterie boards may be an appealing and delectable addition to any party or gathering, whether it’s themed after the Roaring 20s or a Halloween workplace party. From sharing snack boxes to crazily ornate charcuterie boards themed around a particular topic, starting a charcuterie business is all about having fun and purpose.
Apart from providing appetizers for guests, unique charcuterie board ideas can also be an excellent decor option for parties. It takes skill and experience to create an aesthetically appealing, personalized charcuterie board. But where do you get started? If you have ever thought about starting your grazing box or charcuterie business, understanding how the platter business from Graze Craze Franchise works can already be half the job done. This article will talk about the fundamentals of starting your own charcuterie business in 7 easy steps.
Tips for starting a successful charcuterie board business:
1. Understanding the art of ‘Charcuterie’: Before you dive right into the business, understand what the art of “charcuterie” means. A 15th-century French word directly translated as “products that a fancy pork butcher creates.” It is all about personalizing the ingredients and displaying them to match a particular party theme, fitting an event or the customer’s needs. The ingredients can be prepared meats paired with exotic vegetables, fruits, cheeses, and nuts, displayed on a traditional board. It is a great way to entertain guests at small parties or wine tasting sessions. So on the day of the event, you will be expected to bring all the supplies, set them up beautifully, and clean them afterward. The host’s artistic touch can be highlighted through the charcuterie board, rather than presenting just a table of regular snacks.
2. Considering the startup cost: The startup cost of your business is directly dependent on your core themes and target market. You could start a charcuterie company for less than a few hundred dollars with a basic folding station, a table cloth, and a few accessories from a secondhand store. However, if you are thinking about starting a food franchise, joining hands with a reputable company can be a great start. Especially if they are already popular in business meetings and birthday celebrations in particular locations, have established a loyal clientele, and are looking to expand in your market area.
3. Materials needed: The resources you will need for a charcuterie business are determined by the sort of business you want to establish. Each party or event may have a distinct theme or color scheme that you must adhere to. You can, however, wait until you have signed a contract with a consumer before purchasing these products.
4. Pricing your products: The hardest part is to price your products, and the goal is to keep them at $9 to $10 so that you can attend all kinds of parties and events and come across as affordable. Again, that depends on the kind of business you are looking to start. Charcuterie businesses only cater to luxurious events that can go up to $200 per head. Make sure your client can pick the main ingredients from the main categories: cheese, meats, raw vegetables and fruits, and spreads.
5. Creating the perfect charcuterie boards: There are no hard and fast rules for assembling a charcuterie board, but the greatest ones have a variety of flavors and textures. Determine the size of the board and the ingredients you will need to slice and cut the ingredients, arrange the cheese, and place the meats and cold cuts. Fill out the empty spaces with crackers, nuts, and dips. Garnish the board with fresh herbs and serve the board at room temperature.
6. Set up your social media: Every business is competitive, and in this one, you will be up against not only other charcuterie shops but also caterers, wedding planners, and potential clients’ relatives with a flair for food styling. Find social media strategies to distinguish yourself and sell what makes you unique. Find out what makes you different- whether it’s affordability, having a more elaborate menu, or specializing in birthdays!
7. Positive reviews and testimonials: Positive feedback and testimonials can be significant in gaining the trust of potential consumers. Whenever a consumer has a good experience with you, request them to submit a positive review or a testimonial on your website.