Foodies Entrepreneurs

Yesterday's New York Times' Dining section had an interesting article about small time foodie entrepreneurs..It seems these hard economic times have pushed foodies to not only get creative but also down to business when selling their specialities. If you have a talent or specialty then sell it to the crowds.

The article written by Dining regular Julia Moskin tells of New York foodies who want to make it big in the food trade. Some are very creative selling cake pops ( specially made cakes that can be put on top of a Popsicles stick) to empanadas. A few even offer smaller versions of their wares to lure customers in. If you're in New York City ,whether living or visiting there, go to these markets such as the Greenpoint Food Market in Brooklyn, The New Amsterdam Market at the South Street Sea port or the Hester Street Fair. These places offer a unique variety of different homemade goodies from granolas to Mexican Popsicles.

Unfortunately these independent vendors may be endangered. As of May 25th the New York Department of Health decreed all food vendors must have a licence to sell their wares. They also can not cook or bake in their kitchen and must use commercial ones. This is all well and good for the consumer however for the food sellers this means paying up to $200 for use in a restaurant kitchen or bakery. It seems to me not worth it and I would either get a loan or backers for more cash to spend on a proper retail space.

You have to love foodie entrepreneur. When they have an idea , they'll go forth and cook and bake it no matter what the cost. The best part of their independent spirit? Other foodies get to taste and enjoy their fruits of labor.