verystormy Posted April 20, 2014 Report Share Posted April 20, 2014 I am still mulling over business ideas to change my career direction and i think i have mentioned before that i am considering a business that delivers home cooked meals using great seasonal ingrediants stright to your door. I have come across a company in Sydney that does something similar http://www.dinnerladies.com.au/ The idea being a changing weekly menu comprised of some classics and some more unusual dishes, delivered hot and ready to eat or chilled for the fridge / freezer. Menu options we are considering: Lamb shank in red wine sauce with creamed potatoes Beef and ale pie with a selection of vegtables Lancershire hot pot Irish lamb stew and dumplings Mushoom and traditional lasagne A Peru special - Aji di gallina (shreded organic chicken, roasted to juicy, shredded into a rich nut based sauce served with rice and boiled egg) A range of old fashioned deserts So, the question. Assuming the pricing is right, (we are looking at about $30-40 for enough for two very hungry people / two normal plus a couple of children) Would you buy it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest10912 Posted April 20, 2014 Report Share Posted April 20, 2014 Not every day, but would give it a try for particular occasions. As a busy working person, it is an idea that could have its place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJT Posted April 20, 2014 Report Share Posted April 20, 2014 Like Rupert said, I would do, but not every week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dxboz Posted April 20, 2014 Report Share Posted April 20, 2014 I would buy this at least once a week - probably twice a week Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sideshowdeb Posted April 20, 2014 Report Share Posted April 20, 2014 Very often when we're busy or arrive home later than planned, I'd like to get a takeaway for convenience sake, but what puts me off is how calorie laden and unhealthy the standard options are. For that reason we do it very rarely, so for us convenience without the guilt would be great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
odies Posted April 20, 2014 Report Share Posted April 20, 2014 i do not do takeaways at present but I have been thinking that the carvery by us only charges £5.99 and by the time I have bought a joint of meat etc etc. The only bit to put me off is getting ready so YES I think I would do this VS . Main reason I do not do takeaways is we are not pizza lovers and curries are so cheap never sure what is in them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Guest6235 Posted April 20, 2014 Report Share Posted April 20, 2014 Every now and then possibly. I'm just salivating at the thought of beef & ale pie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rossmoyne Posted April 20, 2014 Report Share Posted April 20, 2014 Not something I would do daily, but once a week maybe.... Anyone who knows me is aware that I have allergies and need to be careful what I eat, which is why I do not buy takeaway at all. But if Stormy was cooking and it was guaranteed there were no artificial stuff included, I would be in the queue!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arwen Posted April 20, 2014 Report Share Posted April 20, 2014 I toyed with this idea recently too. My friend broke her leg and being the good friend I am offered to double up on some of my meals during the week so she didn't have to worry about feeding her brood. My friends think I am a good cook so I did a lot of canvassing and decided against it as there wouldn't be much money in it unless you really skimped on ingredients which I wouldn't be prepared to do. Lots of work involved in getting your home ready for a commercial operation plus factoring in the time cost for shopping, petrol etc and I didn't see it as a venture worth pursuing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
verystormy Posted April 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 20, 2014 Thanks guys The idea would involve a web site and the full ingrediants would be available on line, so Ross you would be fine. The plan is to start at home as under the small business exemptions you dont initially need a full commercial kitchen, though they do come to inspect. We do though have some friends that have a cafe / restaurant that isnt open every day, so the plan would be to hire that as the business grew then take it from there. The two girls who run the one in the link started at home. They now do 4500 meals a week as well as their own range of foods stocked by the IGA's in Sydney and have agreed to give me some business mentoring. We have sourced a good butcher who only does premium meats and are looking at options for fruit and veg including buying direct from some of local growers. Need to get home and start thrashing out the details more now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nikkis2000 Posted April 20, 2014 Report Share Posted April 20, 2014 Like the others I wouldn't on a regular basis but love the idea for those nights we get home late. And the freezer idea is good too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
portlaunay Posted April 20, 2014 Report Share Posted April 20, 2014 Probably not but I'm unlikely to be your target audience. The dishes you mention are all the things I like to make and will produce excessive amounts to freeze so if I was looking for this kind of service I'd like to try something different. The Peruvian dish sounds great though. I also think these would be fine for colder times but would there be a market for this during the warmer months? We're probably only just coming into a time when I'm thinking about carbs and roots, up until now it's been light dinners and salads. Some kind of meze would be something I'd order - selection of interesting salads, good hummus, home made felafel, lots of little pots of interesting flavours and some nice warm bread. Something fishy would be good too - a couple of different types of smoked fish, potted shrimps, fish pate, all served with a couple of salads. Also, not sure if your council does something similar or even if this would cover you but Freo council provide free food safety eLearning; http://www.imalert.com.au/foodsafety/training/welcome.php?sub=fremantle When some friends and I were doing home cooked meals which we sold at markets in foil containers the fish pie outsold everything. Anything with rice we had complaints about, I think because it's a cheap foodstuff so people expect it to be really special if it's to represent good vfm and it's also darn difficult to retain quality when it's being reheated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arwen Posted April 20, 2014 Report Share Posted April 20, 2014 Thanks guys The idea would involve a web site and the full ingrediants would be available on line, so Ross you would be fine. The plan is to start at home as under the small business exemptions you dont initially need a full commercial kitchen, though they do come to inspect. We do though have some friends that have a cafe / restaurant that isnt open every day, so the plan would be to hire that as the business grew then take it from there. The two girls who run the one in the link started at home. They now do 4500 meals a week as well as their own range of foods stocked by the IGA's in Sydney and have agreed to give me some business mentoring. We have sourced a good butcher who only does premium meats and are looking at options for fruit and veg including buying direct from some of local growers. Need to get home and start thrashing out the details more now! Good luck, if you need a taster Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
verystormy Posted April 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 20, 2014 Thanks guys Thanks so much Porty - always good advice. Yes, we are planning a seasonal menu, so this one is the mid winter type things. Will be more pasta and things in summer and still deciding on best way of doing fish. Once concept is ceviche with it sold as the fish and the lime mix seperate with instructions on what to do - simply pour over the fish about 4 minutes before eating. My wife also does some great smoked salmon dishes. Got a huge range of salad recipies as well Also considering summer picknick packs and BBQ packs - not just a tray of meat, but a range of things made such as home made black pudding and marinades and things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jac2011 Posted April 20, 2014 Report Share Posted April 20, 2014 Would it be something similar to this for the elderly in the UK: http://www.wiltshirefarmfoods.com/caring?gclid=CKH_gK6v770CFUoCwwoddyIAzw I know lots of people with elderly relatives (with or without dementia) buy these to stop their relatives having to cook and to ensure they are getting a good meal. I can see that this is practical however, for the price of a meal I would never consider it for myself... I have always wondered, however why there wasn't healthier options with takeaways, such as a drive through Diner offering healthy options instead of your usual fatty and salty meals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stu4668 Posted April 20, 2014 Report Share Posted April 20, 2014 Thanks guys The idea would involve a web site and the full ingrediants would be available on line, so Ross you would be fine. The plan is to start at home as under the small business exemptions you dont initially need a full commercial kitchen, though they do come to inspect. We do though have some friends that have a cafe / restaurant that isnt open every day, so the plan would be to hire that as the business grew then take it from there. The two girls who run the one in the link started at home. They now do 4500 meals a week as well as their own range of foods stocked by the IGA's in Sydney and have agreed to give me some business mentoring. We have sourced a good butcher who only does premium meats and are looking at options for fruit and veg including buying direct from some of local growers. Need to get home and start thrashing out the details more now! If it is successful and takes off I will join you as a business partner Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Give me a break! Posted April 20, 2014 Report Share Posted April 20, 2014 It might be a good idea to do a low calorie option too. At present there is just nothing healthy out there. The menu sounds lovely though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob-c Posted April 20, 2014 Report Share Posted April 20, 2014 So how would you do it ? Lots of pots bubbling away waiting for an order or would people need to pre order for the day they want it ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daveakaginge Posted April 21, 2014 Report Share Posted April 21, 2014 There is a huge need for a specialist store in Perth, as there was in the UK! It is a market just waiting to be tapped, and I for one, would be a customer! What is it? you can have a guess, or after ten likes I will reveal. I am too old for this venture, but I'm sure there is someone out there with the knowledge (Odies) of how to run a shop/store, who in my humble opinion, would make a killing if set up right! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob-c Posted April 21, 2014 Report Share Posted April 21, 2014 All sounds like a very good idea to me, like the changing menu with seasons, some good out of the ordinary dishes like your Peruvian ideas would be welcome. As others have said, not every day but probably once a week when home late etc. Would you look to deliver or people collect from you ?. For those not near you the freezer idea is good. Hope you go ahead and get it off the ground. If you do, using your home kitchen is not as difficult as some may think, my OH is an EHO ( not in Mandurah ) and inspects some small home based businesses, if you have any questions pm me and I will get her to reply, good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elfie Posted April 21, 2014 Report Share Posted April 21, 2014 I think personally Porty and Stormy should have a joint business venture with Portys cooking skills Stormys fresh produce sourcing move over Manu and Pete I say. Theres a thought how about teaming up for MKR next year if you won think of the backing provided for your business. Good luck what ever you decide. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
portlaunay Posted April 21, 2014 Report Share Posted April 21, 2014 I forgot to say, the kitchen I cook in is very well equipped, has an enormous cold room and I've managed to feed 120 from it before. It has commercial grade equipment including an awesome blast oven that's the best I've ever cooked in and has all the necessary approvals. It can be rented by the hour if necessary and I'm sure I could sort you out with a favourable rate, especially if I'm in there helping you. Of course it is up here in Freo but you could turn out a heck of a lot more in a day in that kitchen than in a domestic kitchen. We have around half a dozen styrene boxes used to transport food too and you're very welcome to them. They have great thermal properties so keep frozen or hot for hours and you can get around 25 foil meal trays in them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
verystormy Posted April 21, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 21, 2014 Cheers Porty. I will PM you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midwife momma Posted April 21, 2014 Report Share Posted April 21, 2014 check out the bbc good food magazine website. all of the recipes feature nutrition content such as calories, fats etc and also if they are suitable for freezing and suitable for specific diets such as gluten fee etc. its a little goldmine cos someone has done the legwork on each recipe , xx good luck. YOu could try selling to delis etc many of the farm shops where I live sell ranges of frozen 'homemade' meals Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beandownunder Posted April 21, 2014 Report Share Posted April 21, 2014 There is a huge need for a specialist store in Perth, as there was in the UK! It is a market just waiting to be tapped, and I for one, would be a customer! What is it? you can have a guess, or after ten likes I will reveal. I am too old for this venture, but I'm sure there is someone out there with the knowledge (Odies) of how to run a shop/store, who in my humble opinion, would make a killing if set up right! go on then Dave, spill........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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