How to launch a food startup

Actions Panel

How to launch a food startup

By The Guardian Masterclasses

Date and time

December 6, 2014 · 10am - December 7, 2014 · 5pm GMT

Location

The Guardian

Kings Place 90 York Way London N1 9GU United Kingdom

Refund Policy

Contact the organizer to request a refund.

Description

Food vans, street stalls, dining clubs and pop-ups – create your own successful eatery with help from the experts

The recent explosion in food vans, dining clubs and pop-up restaurants shows the culinary business is now accessible to anyone. If you've got an idea for a foodie startup, this masterclass will give you the skills and knowledge to make it a success.

Over two days, our enthusiastic experts, including Stuart Langley (Disappearing Dining Club) and Jamie Berger (Pitt Cue Co.), will prime you on all aspects of running an eatery, from licensing and hygiene to marketing the finished product. They'll also share their personal business secrets, including how to manage costs and deal with suppliers, to give your outfit the best possible chance at a long life.

Course description

This intensive seminar features talks from some of the UK's most dynamic food entrepreneurs. All the tutors and speakers have launched their own successful food businesses, and will share their personal insight and professional experience to ensure you leave the course with a fully-formed plan for your new venture. Topics covered will include:

  • Getting started – and making a splash
  • The organic approach to brand development
  • Marketing your new business (and the importance of social media)
  • Knowing when to say no
  • What you need to know about financing – and what to do if you don't have any
  • Business planning planning and management
  • Food hygiene certification and legal issues
  • Branching out

Tutor profiles

Stuart Langley founded Disappearing Dining Club in 2010 after 15 years of running bars, restaurants and members clubs in London and overseas. The Club aims to bring "like-minded people together to enjoy great food, drink and good company in reclaimed or unusual private spaces in London." Alongside dinner dances and pop-up events, Stuart launched Back in 5 Minutes on Brick Lane in summer 2013.

Jamie Berger launched Pitt Cue Co. as an American BBQ food van in summer 2011 with business partner Tom Adams. Their take on ribs and pulled pork was a roaring success, and they moved from their parking spot under Hungerford Bridge to a bricks and mortar space just off Carnaby Street. Read Jay Rayner's review here.

Rosie French is one half of French & Grace, an independent food business which started life in 2009 as a blog called Salad Club – recipes and stories written by good friends Rosie and Ellie who won an Observer Food Monthly award for their writing in 2010. Rosie and Ellie's Brixton supper club of the same name picked up a loyal following and due to popular demand they expanded to become part of the London street food scene, bringing their now ubiquitous über wraps to the city streets and to various UK festivals and events. Keen to lay down some roots back in Brixton, French & Grace the restaurant opened it's doors in the Autumn of 2011 and soon after the girls celebrated publication of their debut cookbook, Kitchen & Co: Colourful Home Cooking Through the Seasons. In 2013, after an epic street food season, French & Grace expanded to a second takeaway site in Camden Lock Market.

Abiye Cole decided a few years back that he never wanted to have a boss again so decided to launch Big Apple Hot-dogs. After living in Manhattan in his 20s and sampling New York's finest hot dogs, Abiye brought a New York Style Hot Dog Cart to the UK. Based by London's Old Street roundabout, Big Apple Hot-dogs has become a huge success, selling good quality hot dogs at affordable prices and is famous among street food fans.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website

Organized by

Welcome to Guardian Masterclasses – a unique programme of learning embedded within one of the world's most forward-thinking media organisations.

We offer a broad range of short and long courses across a variety of disciplines from creative writing, journalism, photography and design, film and digital media, music and cultural appreciation.

Harnessing the expertise and specialisms within the organisation, our courses are led by first class and award winning guardian professionals whilst also drawing on the skills and expertise of other leading figures at the forefront of the creative and digital industries.

The programme is aimed at anyone interested in personal or professional development whether that be refining your skills, focusing your ambition or simply broadening your mind and gaining inspiration.

Sales Ended