Posted by Gerard on January 19, 1998 at 13:41:47:
In Reply to: Re: Starting french boulangerie [ Hey Gerard] posted by Neil Sheldon CPC on January 19, 1998 at 00:39:38:
Electric ovens cost too much to run, gas/elec is ok.
My bro has an italian rotating rack oven, the steam makes great bread.
They cost about $18K but I've seen them at auction for $2000.
You can certainly get by with a 20qt for pastry and 60 for larger doughs
thats all we have with a mini 5 qt for whipped cream.
We opened our doors with less than $10K , buying equipment at auctions for a dime on the dollar.
Then we got a $20K loan for new ovens/mixers/coolers later.
When I was sick last year my brother was making my croissants and bread and it was alright(ish),
since he has the new ovens his Frenchbread is incredible. I looked hard at a new steam oven but they are just too big for the space I have.
Right now the Sam's Clubs wholesale shopping clubs are closing down all over the country and they are auctioning off all the in store baking equipment, the next one is in Michigan.
You might want to check the sunday papers for auctions, you can get all your bowls, whips,spats,bags,trays etc etc for $300 instead of
having to pay $2000 later. Plus you'll feel you're actually doing something toward the end goal.
I got an $18K rondo reverseable sheeter for $4000 talking to a guy at an auction, there were none for auction but just being there and chatting with others bakers, thats real networking.
My partner LOVED auctions, she bid $16 on $12 sheetpans!, thank god they only had one case.
If you make it here for a couple of days or longer we'll put you up , we have the best couch in the country.!
Tea is served 3:15.....................am !
Gerard