Chicago Vegan Baker Looking to Head West?!
Chicago Vegan Baker Looking to Head West?
I am currently in Chicago. I feel that I have been here too long to get the results and motivation I need to open my completely *vegan* bakery, Sweet Cakes Bakery. I have a comfortable job and living situation, so I find myself not being as active as I believe I would be if I were to start it somewhere else. I have been thinking about heading west. Specifically Portland, San Francisco or Seattle. Any suggestions on where to go? I am also looking for a job and a place for myself and my dog to call home. I don't know much about the sketchy neighborhoods to stay away from. I am vegan, and would prefer to work in at least a vegetarian friendly space before I open my own.
Answers:
I think you should try to sell your vegan baked goods online, to restaurants, and coffee houses. how many times have you gone
out to dinner and couldn't have dessert because it had milk, eggs, or butter in it? Marketing is the key-placing ads in vegetarian magazines, health food stores, and wellness centers.
The demand for healthy living/healthy alternative food is increasing and don't lose hope!!! I had checked into possibly opening a vegan bakery/cafe--but the rent in real estate in my area is astronomical!! Not to discourage you but going west might prove to be expensive for housing/relocation. Do your research before you move anywhere and make sure you can afford the housing and cost of living. Also make sure that you move to a health conscious/vegeterian/vegan area.I frequent a vegan bakery in the DC area which ships vegan bake goods through the mail. I also had checked into several online vegan bakerys that shipped and it seems the demand is there. Good Luck!! I would also see if you could get Whole Foods in Chicago
to let you teach/demonstrate vegan baking!!
There are a lot of friendly vegan people in San Jose, CA. We would love to have you live here with your dog.
Happy New Year!
P.S. Willow Glen is a really nice area within the City of San Jose, but housing is a little pricey.....
If you are looking to head West, I would say San Francisco. The people there seem to be most openminded, and there are many neighborhoods that arent "sketchy".
I'd be scared to eat at a vegan bakery, for fear it had no flavor or texture.
You'd better do some online reasearch on the highest vegan population in the US. I'll bet ti's in California, probably near Berkley somewhere. Consider moving there.
San Francisco is full of vegans.