This topic contains 35 replies, has 0 voices, and was last updated by 
Jamie_1 10 years, 9 months ago.
<—— is wishing there was a Menard’s near Helena, Alabama.
localnet, I’m curious, isn’t corporate requesting you to be there certain days and hours? I used to be a contractor and we’d be in those places early in the AM. A good cup of coffee and a pastry or sandwich would have hit the spot. You an early riser? Good luck with this. I hope it works out. Sounds like a good steady income.
BillyB, in all fairness, (after all, I’ve had no problem being critical of some of your posts) so I should say, IMO, the suggestions you’ve made here, especially your last response, were relevant, helpful and spot on.
Menards was shot down by Mr Menard himself, he didn’t want to “cheapen” his property as it was told to me in so many words.
In regards to eggs, yes I can serve them as well as cooking raw meats, fish and poultry in my “enclosed” trailer. I paid extra for the privilege by going all the way and purchasing the STFU license, which means Special Transitory Food Unit. It runs around $500 for a year plus two $90 inspections and I do not need a commissary. You will need to speak to your health department as the others said.
Mike
Thanks Billy!
Good stuff, BillyB.
Any clue on writing a proposal? I have searched the internet and have found nothing that looks like it will work or fit my needs. I figure short and sweet on a month to month basis with an escape clause for both parties would be the best.
Mike
When your writting a proposal you want to add your mission statement, menu, pricing, Picture of your cart. Tell them your quality is second to none, and the Menards Employees and customers will enjoy your verity of specialities………….I would also add that you have all permits and insurance to operate in your state. You are also inspected by the Health dept and passed with flying colors. I would also add, the lower your over head expenses, the lower your prices will be. The quality of your food and low prices are determined by keeping expenses low. I wouldn’t bring up rent at all…………………..Good luck…………BillyB
HI Jamie, You need to talk with you HD and get a list of approved foods, then move on your ideas from there. The hD isn’t going to allow RAW eggs on a HD cart, in almost all cases its always pre cooked ready to serve food items. The HD may allow cooked eggs rounds, pre cooked brown and serve sausage and things like this. I think a trip to your HD is needed so you can get a good feeling of what your options are. Bill
Eggs are would be considered a high risk food by many hd’s….does your hd allow you to prepare raw meats on the cart, or are you only able to prepare dogs & sausages that are pre cooked?
Any clue on writing a proposal? I have searched the internet and have found nothing that looks like it will work or fit my needs. I figure short and sweet on a month to month basis with an escape clause for both parties would be the best.
Mike
The winter? Well, I am in an enclosed unit, worst case would be cold feet I guess. And of course waste water disposal. Or, just take Jan and Feb off, as they are the coldest months here. I bet I could sell allot of soup and coffee.
Mike
Well, Menard’s got back with me, we are 99% there. Running it by the decision makers, should know by tomorrow or Monday. I am happy with the deal, month to month lease, not discussing numbers publicly. We shall see, but I am pretty sure this is a done deal. Fingers crossed.
Mike
I know during the week the contractor door is busy, but the rest of the store could be slow. I think your idea of Tues thru sat is good and 8-3 should cover all the employee lunch breaks………I was at our Lowes a few weeks ago and the people that run the food their were gone, they were located in the doorway in the exit. I would cement myself in to this position, you want to be flexible. What happens in the winter.???????????????????? BillyB
Oh, and I am thinking of sticking to 8am to 3pm. I really cannot see sitting out there much later than that. Just going from my own personal experience. I have normally ate by 3pm and have dinner around 5-6pm. My hungry times, and everyone else I know, is normally 9am to 2pm, I figure that is pretty normal for most folks. The store opens at 6:30am and closes at 10pm. I will need to find out when the first break is for the store employees though, that 8am may become a 7 or 7:30am opening time.
The Home Depot over near my mom’s place has a hot dog cart in the store. They pull out at around 3pm now. I think that is enough of a day and will take care of the bulk of the customers that would eat. But, I could have my head up my arse too. Wouldn’t be the first time.
Mike
Billy,
They (corporate) seemed excited, especially when I sent the pics of the cart and my licensing and insurance info. My thinking, is that the Lowes down the road is giving them a run for their money and they would like to offer something to bring in more customers. I do not know this for a fact, but that is what my gut tells me. We also have a Home Depot, and I am surprised they are even still open.
What do you think of opening Tues – Sat? I have my step son that will help out at lunch and my wife for Sat. But the thought of running 7 days is just to much right now. And not knowing how things will run, I really do not want to be out looking for employee$. The taxes and workmans comp will kill me.
Mike
Hey Mike, I was thinking the same thing $300 mid week, and up to $500 on weekend. I think Mon and Tues you will be breaking even with a labor cost, if you had to open and have people work for you. the only way to make any money at these things are by doing them yourself……………..I think its important to wonder why Menards is letting you do this. Its obvious they see a value in you doing it. I would low ball your sales to them, and tell them your trying to keep the prices low so their employees and customers can see a value and get quality food at reasonable price…………See what happens. We run a employee cafe 7 days a weeks and cover all the customers needs on all shifts…………..Think of what is good for you and the client……………BillyB
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.