Organic and/or specialty foods sought by gourmet restaurants?

Question

I'm thinking of starting a side business on some land I own. I was thinking about growing organic or specialty type foods there, for sale to gourmet restaurants. I'm looking for suggestions or ideas of what might be good. Things I was thinking of are herbs like basil, rosemary, etc. Possibly greens such as Romaine lettuce or escarole or things like that. Everything grown there would be done so organically.

I am also considering the possibility of making specialty cheeses or raising small livestock, such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, etc.

The climate is temperate year round and is located within 1 hour of a city of 7 million people, so access to a suitable market is readily available.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Answer 1

Seems like you thought this out.....you have a variety in case one item fails for some reason.....be sure you have the space, trained workers and the technology to have all run smoothly...start small and grow...Good luck!

Answer 2

Good, stable, honest, reliable suppliers are hard to find so the local restaurants will great you with open arms.

First, I would find out the local laws regarding the wholesale of foods. Do you need to be certified? Case in point is the current scare regarding spinach.

Next, make a list of the restaurants you thinks would benefit from you and go to them and ask what they need. They are your customers so it's their imput that's important.

Remember to ask about delivery, payment (COD) don't get caught up in carrying their receivables!

Good luck!