In the restaurant business, you're only as good as the products you use, which is why picking the best possible batters and mixes is essential to building up a client base. One bite of your cakes and cookies, and they will be begging for more.
There are a few things that you need to take into consideration when choosing cake mixes or bread mixes, because they aren't all created equal. Some may taste good in the beginning, but tend to fall flat once they have sat on the shelf for a few hours while others may be too expensive to make a profit. You also want to have a wide variety of batters and mixes on the shelves to suite all of your baking needs, this includes things such as:
1. Cake mix.
2. Waffle batter.
3. Pancake batter.
4. Bread mix.
5. Cookie mix.
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Use add-ins for batters and mixes to improve the quality of your products
When it comes to bakery mixes, many are nothing more than larger versions of the stuff you can buy at the supermarket. They are meant for home use and aren't considered shelf stable. You want to make sure to buy something that is commercial quality, because there can be a huge difference between a cake baked fresh and one that was baked two days ago if you use the wrong product.
I recommend: Stock up on cake improvers. Companies like
Aromatic Inc. specialize in add-ins that will help breathe new life into your cakes and cookies, no matter what type of mix you use. Their Aerosoft cake product will help keep your baked goods soft long after the competition. If you plan on using bread mix, you want to pick up some
Alpha-gel emulsifier, which will help delay your bread from going stale.
Find the right batter supplier for your business
When it comes to finding a supplier, there are a few things that you need to look out for. You want to have a wide enough selection to fill your pantry, at a price that protects your bottom line. Write a list of items that you must have, and others that you would like to find, then shop around for the best price and quality.
I recommend: Buy in bulk. Check out the selection at
Honeyville Foods,
Key Mix Corporation and
Island Wholesale to compare prices and product lineups.
Offer your customer healthy mixes and batters
Not all baked goods have to be loaded with sugar and fat. Round out your menu with a selection of good tasting, good-for-you options that have your customers' health in mind. Look for products that are low in fat and use whole grains instead of processed white flour.
I recommend: Provide your customers with gluten and dairy free options. Offering your clients gluten-free pancakes from
Authentic Foods or a 10-grain bread dough from
Bob's Red Mill, will open up an entirely new customer base that will help your restaurant grow.